Behind the Scenes: First Impressions

Editor's Note: If you want more of an inside look into season four, tune-in every Wednesday at 8:30PM/ET for our new Big Break IV All-Access show.
 
Everyone knows the rewards of The Big Break can be huge. What’s not as well known is the amount of hard work that goes into each episode. Never was that more apparent to me than the first few days of shooting.
 
I had traveled to Scotland with Team USA, and after two very long days of riding by plane and bus, we arrived at our final destination of Carnoustie. Upon arrival I checked in and found out that I was staying in the Jean Van De Velde suite. Something the contestants thought was hilarious, but it was a great suite with a fabulous balcony overlooking the 18th green. And at that point the name of the suite was not nearly as important as the shower and bed within it.
 
I was briefly introduced to the European competitors later that evening but by the end of the day had yet to spend significant time with any of the contestants. For tonight, I would enjoy a bit down time while I could get it.
 
The following morning the contestant call was early – 6:00 AM on the driving range. And so the dreaded wake up calls began. You see, I was the first person the contestants saw every morning. I was the one knocking on their doors each day giving them a 10 minute warning…then a 5 minute warning…then telling them they were late. And, as I quickly found out, the Europeans would prove to be my toughest challenge in this area.
 
The teams still hadn’t met each other and I was assigned to make sure Team Europe stayed separated from the American. There was typical early morning pleasantries and chatter, and aside from some of them (who shall remain nameless, Thomas) being mildly annoyed by the color of their shirts, everyone was in a good mood. When they saw six blue shirts at the opposite end of the driving range, however, all talk of shirts was quickly forgotten.
 
The one tense moment that morning, however, was when Team USA rode by the Europeans, completely ignoring their friendly waves and “hellos.” But not even that could phase anyone for long. In fact, I think I was more affected by the slight than any of them as Marty’s infectious humor quickly helped laugh it off.
 
Turns out Team Europe would have the last laugh at the end of the day anyway. The challenge that morning was certainly not an easy one. Not only because the contestants were playing No. 17 and 18 at Carnoustie. But also because of the lack of sleep, the time change and the cold, rainy weather. The Europeans handily beat the Americans in the first challenge. And the entire crew couldn’t help but wonder if this was the effects of travel taking its toll or if this was a sign of things to come.
 
There was definitely a bit of tension in the air the rest of the afternoon for Team USA. And Randall was the first one to break it at lunch when, in an effort to make up for his poor performance, he made a heartfelt apology to his teammates and vowed not to let them down again. That he would show them he could play.
 
And, although his teammates were all eager to share in the blame for the loss it was certainly a speech that I would not soon forget.
 
But, could they play? We’ll see. Next up is the first elimination. Someone is going home. And while I was only beginning to get to know this group of 12, I knew tomorrow would be a huge wake up call for all of them.
 
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