Big Break - Indian Wells [Spoilers] - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**TeapseTic** · 04-19-2011, 02:37 PM

This is a press release

It will be winner take all as 11 professional golfers put their golf skills - and money - on the line when Golf Channel's popular Big Break series returns for its 15th season on May 16 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Big Break Indian Wells will feature an all-male cast who are at different stages of their professional careers. Some have competed professionally on many of the world's top tours, while others are just beginning their journey in professional golf. The 10-episode series will feature an all-new format - each competitor will begin with $5,000, with the objective to win each other's earnings on the golf course and to be the last man standing. The champion will take home the most valuable prize in Big Break history - an exemption to a 2012 PGA TOUR event and a minimum of $55,000 in cash.

The contestants are:

Robbie Biershenk (34, Greenville, S.C.) - Younger brother of Nationwide Tour professional Tommy Biershenk, Robbie is owner of Shank's Golf Range and Learning Center in Greenville. The laid-back Southerner is looking to follow in his brother's footsteps.

Hernan "Piri" Borja (25, Coral Springs, Fla.) - Son of 1984 U.S. Olympic Soccer team captain Chico Borja, Piri wants to follow in the footsteps of his famous father by becoming an Olympian - only on the golf course. Piri is currently playing on the mini-tour circuits.

David Byrne (23, Essex, Ontario, Canada / Orlando, Fla.) - The youngest competitor on Big Break Indian Wells, Byrne has enormous talent. He recently graduated from the University of Detroit-Mercy, where he was 2010 Horizon League Player of the Year. Byrne gave up his amateur status and kicked off his professional golf career by competing on Big Break Indian Wells.

Kent Eger (30, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada / Scottsdale, Ariz.) - Confident and athletic, Eger is currently competing on the Canadian and Gateway Tours, recording victories on both circuits in 2010. Eger also has one additional leg up on the field - he is the lone competitor to have competed in a Major Championship, the 2010 U.S. Open.

Robert Floyd (35, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) - The most experienced competitor on Big Break Indian Wells, Floyd is the son of Hall-of-Famer Raymond Floyd. Robert has competed in more than 30 PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour events over the past the past 15 years, but has yet to achieve similar success as his father.

Oren Geri (37, Herzliya, Israel / Orlando, Fla.) - Both the top-ranked amateur and professional golfer from Israel, Geri has represented his native country in numerous International events, including several World Cup matches. He has competed on various mini-tours with moderate success over the past 15 years.

John Lepak (30, La Habra Heights, Calif.) - One of the most talented competitors on Big Break on and off the course, Lepak - also an artist and musician - has competed on the Gateway and Golden State Tours for the past several years, and believes his goal of competing on the PGA TOUR is within reach.

Will Lowery (26, Charlotte, N.C.) - A former competitive tennis player, Lowery plays golf like he is hitting tennis backhands by playing with a cross-handed grip. Lowery recently turned professional and volunteers at the First Tee of Charlotte, teaching life lessons and core values on and off the course to youth of similar backgrounds.

Russell Normandin (36, Woonsocket, R.I.) - A Master Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Normandin is the first Big Break competitor in the history of the series to be on active duty. Currently deployed in Afghanistan for "Operation Enduring Freedom," Normandin has one goal in mind: to be the only current active-duty Marine to compete on the PGA TOUR in 2012.

Justin Payne (30, Floydada, Texas) - Payne's golf career has been victimized by bad breaks and bad timing. One of the top junior golfers coming out of Texas, Payne has had several false starts in getting his golf career on the fast track due to injuries and family matters. Currently, Payne competes part-time on the Adams Tour while managing the family ranch with his father.

Carl Whyte (32, Green Mount, Manchester, Jamaica / Salisbury, Md.) - A track athlete from Jamaica, Whyte turned professional in 2010 and wants to be the first Jamaican-born competitor on the PGA TOUR. He plays golf with three different grips - a baseball grip to hit straight golf shots, an interlocking grip to hit fades and an overlapping grip to hit draws.

Golf Channel's Tom Abbott and Stephanie Sparks return as co-hosts for the series.

Filmed on location in January at Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, Calif., the series will unfold on the resort's two championship golf courses - Celebrity Course and Players Course. The Celebrity Course is a two-time host to the PGA TOUR's Skins Game, and both courses are ranked as one of California's top-20 courses by GOLF Magazine and Golfweek Magazine - the only 36-hole facility in the state to boast that honor.

The Big Break show concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills and mental toughness. During Big Break Indian Wells, one contestant will be eliminated each week, with the last man standing crowned Big Break champion.

Past Big Break champions have won tournament exemptions to compete on some of the world's top professional circuits, including the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour. Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey, Big Break VII: Reunion champion, is currently competing full-time on the PGA TOUR. Several other past Big Break competitors are currently competing on the world's top tours, including Matt Every (PGA TOUR), James Nitties (Nationwide Tour), Kim Welch (Ladies European Tour) and Sara Brown, Gerina Mendoza, Ryann O'Toole and 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team member Kristy McPherson all competing on the LPGA Tour.

**NumsAmenniams** · 04-19-2011, 03:11 PM

Wicked. I love the Big Break series and this one sounds interesting.

Tappin to the oldies

**romalama** · 04-19-2011, 03:14 PM

what, I have to watch a bunch of guys play this season, man I must have gotten spoiled lol

**Bbjhjxfy** · 04-19-2011, 03:27 PM

They let canadians in?

**Alina20100** · 04-19-2011, 03:28 PM

I've met Robbie Biershank. He comes to Ash-Vegas every year to play in the Skyland Open. He also wins it too. I played in this tourney last year, albeit in a different flight, and he and I met at the bar. Really nice guy. His brother is super cool too. Alright! Now I have some one to root for.

tapatalk: even available for lefties!

**vulikox** · 04-19-2011, 03:39 PM

I agree this one sounds cool with the whole money thing.

**Suvuseh** · 04-19-2011, 03:53 PM

Looks like it will be a good season to watch. I am very intrigued by the grips used in different scenarios by Carl Whyte.

**Ruidselisse** · 04-19-2011, 04:04 PM

Looks like it will be a good season to watch. I am very intrigued by the grips used in different scenarios by Carl Whyte.

That is very interesting indeed. It will be fun to see if the different grips really work well for him or not.

**avaiguite** · 04-19-2011, 04:32 PM

what, I have to watch a bunch of guys play this season, man I must have gotten spoiled lol

i'm with ya mike!
Big Break without the babes...i dunno about that...

THP needs to work with the Golf Channel and get a Hacker's Edition going!
10-20 handicaps competing against each other.
that's what people want to see!

**Alina20100** · 04-19-2011, 04:43 PM

i'm with ya mike!
Big Break without the babes...i dunno about that...

THP needs to work with the Golf Channel and get a Hacker's Edition going!
10-20 handicaps competing against each other.
that's what people want to see!

THP kind of has something like that, it's called The Morgan Cup.

**fuslkdhfma** · 04-19-2011, 04:46 PM

I love Big Break. Can't wait for it to start.

**avaiguite** · 04-19-2011, 04:48 PM

THP kind of has something like that, it's called The Morgan Cup.

true...
but Big Break: THP Edition has such a nice ring to it.
plus, you get to do the glass-breaking challenge!

**xyupi** · 04-19-2011, 04:50 PM

Let the ego's run wild. It should be interesting.

**Sdinozes** · 04-19-2011, 05:46 PM

Let's go Will Lowery! Not too far from my hometown haha
I love the Big Break, especially the glass breaking challenges

**romalama** · 04-19-2011, 06:05 PM

the girl that won last season's was was from right down the road from where I live now, heard some stories about her...

**pMJWFoAWD** · 04-19-2011, 07:17 PM

Looks like it has a lot of talent. I've always enjoyed watching TBB.

**Alina20100** · 04-19-2011, 07:21 PM

true...
but Big Break: THP Edition has such a nice ring to it.
plus, you get to do the glass-breaking challenge!

I did the glass breaking challenge once in college, albeit not on purpose.

**pMJWFoAWD** · 04-19-2011, 07:22 PM

I did the glass breaking challenge once in college, albeit not on purpose.

I broke a lot of glass in college...

**Alina20100** · 04-19-2011, 07:23 PM

I broke a lot of glass in college...

lol

We use to chip balls in our quad, if you caught one thin...........LOOK OUT!

**RildFiemodo** · 04-19-2011, 07:31 PM

I don't know how I missed the first 15 seasons of this show. I can't wait.

I do wish though they would have stuck with the guy and girl format.

04-19-2011, 02:37 PM	#1
TeapseTic Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 517 Senior Member	Big Break - Indian Wells [Spoilers] This is a press release It will be winner take all as 11 professional golfers put their golf skills - and money - on the line when Golf Channel's popular Big Break series returns for its 15th season on May 16 at 9:30 p.m. ET. Big Break Indian Wells will feature an all-male cast who are at different stages of their professional careers. Some have competed professionally on many of the world's top tours, while others are just beginning their journey in professional golf. The 10-episode series will feature an all-new format - each competitor will begin with $5,000, with the objective to win each other's earnings on the golf course and to be the last man standing. The champion will take home the most valuable prize in Big Break history - an exemption to a 2012 PGA TOUR event and a minimum of $55,000 in cash. The contestants are: Robbie Biershenk (34, Greenville, S.C.) - Younger brother of Nationwide Tour professional Tommy Biershenk, Robbie is owner of Shank's Golf Range and Learning Center in Greenville. The laid-back Southerner is looking to follow in his brother's footsteps. Hernan "Piri" Borja (25, Coral Springs, Fla.) - Son of 1984 U.S. Olympic Soccer team captain Chico Borja, Piri wants to follow in the footsteps of his famous father by becoming an Olympian - only on the golf course. Piri is currently playing on the mini-tour circuits. David Byrne (23, Essex, Ontario, Canada / Orlando, Fla.) - The youngest competitor on Big Break Indian Wells, Byrne has enormous talent. He recently graduated from the University of Detroit-Mercy, where he was 2010 Horizon League Player of the Year. Byrne gave up his amateur status and kicked off his professional golf career by competing on Big Break Indian Wells. Kent Eger (30, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada / Scottsdale, Ariz.) - Confident and athletic, Eger is currently competing on the Canadian and Gateway Tours, recording victories on both circuits in 2010. Eger also has one additional leg up on the field - he is the lone competitor to have competed in a Major Championship, the 2010 U.S. Open. Robert Floyd (35, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) - The most experienced competitor on Big Break Indian Wells, Floyd is the son of Hall-of-Famer Raymond Floyd. Robert has competed in more than 30 PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour events over the past the past 15 years, but has yet to achieve similar success as his father. Oren Geri (37, Herzliya, Israel / Orlando, Fla.) - Both the top-ranked amateur and professional golfer from Israel, Geri has represented his native country in numerous International events, including several World Cup matches. He has competed on various mini-tours with moderate success over the past 15 years. John Lepak (30, La Habra Heights, Calif.) - One of the most talented competitors on Big Break on and off the course, Lepak - also an artist and musician - has competed on the Gateway and Golden State Tours for the past several years, and believes his goal of competing on the PGA TOUR is within reach. Will Lowery (26, Charlotte, N.C.) - A former competitive tennis player, Lowery plays golf like he is hitting tennis backhands by playing with a cross-handed grip. Lowery recently turned professional and volunteers at the First Tee of Charlotte, teaching life lessons and core values on and off the course to youth of similar backgrounds. Russell Normandin (36, Woonsocket, R.I.) - A Master Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Normandin is the first Big Break competitor in the history of the series to be on active duty. Currently deployed in Afghanistan for "Operation Enduring Freedom," Normandin has one goal in mind: to be the only current active-duty Marine to compete on the PGA TOUR in 2012. Justin Payne (30, Floydada, Texas) - Payne's golf career has been victimized by bad breaks and bad timing. One of the top junior golfers coming out of Texas, Payne has had several false starts in getting his golf career on the fast track due to injuries and family matters. Currently, Payne competes part-time on the Adams Tour while managing the family ranch with his father. Carl Whyte (32, Green Mount, Manchester, Jamaica / Salisbury, Md.) - A track athlete from Jamaica, Whyte turned professional in 2010 and wants to be the first Jamaican-born competitor on the PGA TOUR. He plays golf with three different grips - a baseball grip to hit straight golf shots, an interlocking grip to hit fades and an overlapping grip to hit draws. Golf Channel's Tom Abbott and Stephanie Sparks return as co-hosts for the series. Filmed on location in January at Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, Calif., the series will unfold on the resort's two championship golf courses - Celebrity Course and Players Course. The Celebrity Course is a two-time host to the PGA TOUR's Skins Game, and both courses are ranked as one of California's top-20 courses by GOLF Magazine and Golfweek Magazine - the only 36-hole facility in the state to boast that honor. The Big Break show concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills and mental toughness. During Big Break Indian Wells, one contestant will be eliminated each week, with the last man standing crowned Big Break champion. Past Big Break champions have won tournament exemptions to compete on some of the world's top professional circuits, including the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour. Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey, Big Break VII: Reunion champion, is currently competing full-time on the PGA TOUR. Several other past Big Break competitors are currently competing on the world's top tours, including Matt Every (PGA TOUR), James Nitties (Nationwide Tour), Kim Welch (Ladies European Tour) and Sara Brown, Gerina Mendoza, Ryann O'Toole and 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team member Kristy McPherson all competing on the LPGA Tour. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 03:11 PM	#2
NumsAmenniams Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 532 Senior Member	Wicked. I love the Big Break series and this one sounds interesting. Tappin to the oldies Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 03:14 PM	#3
romalama Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 400 Senior Member	what, I have to watch a bunch of guys play this season, man I must have gotten spoiled lol Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 03:27 PM	#4
Bbjhjxfy Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 398 Senior Member	They let canadians in? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 03:28 PM	#5
Alina20100 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 568 Senior Member	I've met Robbie Biershank. He comes to Ash-Vegas every year to play in the Skyland Open. He also wins it too. I played in this tourney last year, albeit in a different flight, and he and I met at the bar. Really nice guy. His brother is super cool too. Alright! Now I have some one to root for. tapatalk: even available for lefties! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 03:39 PM	#6
vulikox Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 638 Senior Member	I agree this one sounds cool with the whole money thing. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 03:53 PM	#7
Suvuseh Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 405 Senior Member	Looks like it will be a good season to watch. I am very intrigued by the grips used in different scenarios by Carl Whyte. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 04:04 PM	#8
Ruidselisse Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 488 Senior Member	Looks like it will be a good season to watch. I am very intrigued by the grips used in different scenarios by Carl Whyte. That is very interesting indeed. It will be fun to see if the different grips really work well for him or not. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 04:32 PM	#9
avaiguite Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 489 Senior Member	what, I have to watch a bunch of guys play this season, man I must have gotten spoiled lol i'm with ya mike! Big Break without the babes...i dunno about that... THP needs to work with the Golf Channel and get a Hacker's Edition going! 10-20 handicaps competing against each other. that's what people want to see! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 04:43 PM	#10
Alina20100 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 568 Senior Member	i'm with ya mike! Big Break without the babes...i dunno about that... THP needs to work with the Golf Channel and get a Hacker's Edition going! 10-20 handicaps competing against each other. that's what people want to see! THP kind of has something like that, it's called The Morgan Cup. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 04:46 PM	#11
fuslkdhfma Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 429 Senior Member	I love Big Break. Can't wait for it to start. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 04:48 PM	#12
avaiguite Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 489 Senior Member	THP kind of has something like that, it's called The Morgan Cup. true... but Big Break: THP Edition has such a nice ring to it. plus, you get to do the glass-breaking challenge! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 04:50 PM	#13
xyupi Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 541 Senior Member	Let the ego's run wild. It should be interesting. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 05:46 PM	#14
Sdinozes Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 408 Senior Member	Let's go Will Lowery! Not too far from my hometown haha I love the Big Break, especially the glass breaking challenges Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 06:05 PM	#15
romalama Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 400 Senior Member	the girl that won last season's was was from right down the road from where I live now, heard some stories about her... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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04-19-2011, 07:17 PM	#16
pMJWFoAWD Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 550 Senior Member	Looks like it has a lot of talent. I've always enjoyed watching TBB. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 07:21 PM	#17
Alina20100 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 568 Senior Member	true... but Big Break: THP Edition has such a nice ring to it. plus, you get to do the glass-breaking challenge! I did the glass breaking challenge once in college, albeit not on purpose. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 07:22 PM	#18
pMJWFoAWD Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 550 Senior Member	I did the glass breaking challenge once in college, albeit not on purpose. I broke a lot of glass in college... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 07:23 PM	#19
Alina20100 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 568 Senior Member	I broke a lot of glass in college... lol We use to chip balls in our quad, if you caught one thin...........LOOK OUT! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-19-2011, 07:31 PM	#20
RildFiemodo Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 438 Senior Member	I don't know how I missed the first 15 seasons of this show. I can't wait. I do wish though they would have stuck with the guy and girl format. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote