WEEK 1
Producer Darryl Marshall's Blog
I couldn’t be prouder of the cast we picked for the 10th season of Big Break. My skeleton crew and I spent the first five months of 2008 flying around the country auditioning hundreds of teams that would eventually make up our cast of eight teams. The result was a diverse group that includes long drive champions, former LPGA players, college coaches, exes and a municipal court judge. Of the thousands of decisions we make concerning Big Break, contestant selection might be the most important.
The first day of shooting is a cold Michigan morning for this southern boy – I’m not used to having temperatures in the 50’s during the summer time – but honestly, I welcome it. It’s been this way for the past week as the cool mornings warm-up nicely in the afternoon. The locals warned me about this when I was here for our site visit of Boyne Highlands, but I thought they were full of it. Well, they weren’t. This past week has been full of meetings about show plans, challenge holes, locations for contestant shoots and props. But now those meetings are over and it’s time to get down to business. This morning I feel like I am walking to the ring for a prize fight; I have my iPod on and blaring a mix of Alter Bridge, Guns N’ Roses and Metallica, all in hopes of taking that nervous edge off and it seems to be working.
There are a few issues to resolve before we start to tape, one of which is pretty major. We need to keep one of our season prizes hidden until the right moment when our hosts come rolling up in a 2008 BMW 328i coupe. For me this should be no problem, I used to work in sports entertainment and am accustomed to having to “hide” surprises. A very cloak and dagger operation, I made the mistake of taking the revel too seriously and called out on radio to “not compromise the package,” which sent those crew members on radio into hysterics. Well, at least I lightened the mood, right?
The first two challenges go off without a hitch, which is a testament to the planning session we had the day before in a messy hotel room. To stay on schedule while moving a crew of 75 and 16 cast members isn’t an easy task and takes plenty of planning to accomplish. I am constantly reminded of where we stand with regards to our daily schedule by our director of production management, Jody, who I have affectionately nicknamed “Buzz Kill”. Jody is always that one person who can make a bad situation even worse with just one look, but I don’t know how I would keep sane on these shoots without her.
Rachel and Otis are the first in the elimination challenge and it’s tough for me to see. Having interviewed every team, I have a bond with the entire cast and feel like they are a part of me. Rachel and Otis stood out to me because of their hearts and that they do so much for others without asking for anything in return. I was on edge the entire elimination, but what else is new. Eliminations are always difficult because you know that someone’s dream is coming to an end. Some contestants cry, some laugh it off and most try to hide the disappointment. But as close as you become to them, they all can’t win. You just hope that they lose playing good golf and leave with their heads held high.
Casey & Rachel Lubahn Blog
It’s finally here…the season premiere of Big Break X: Michigan! It feels like it was an eternity ago that we were up at the Boyne Highlands Resort filming the show. Three months is a long time when you have to keep such big secrets to yourselves. In the privacy of our new home that we bought last week in beautiful Oxford, Ohio, we laugh and reminisce about everything that happened while in northern Michigan. Unless our labradoodle, Jackson, learns to talk like “Duke” the Bush’s Baked Beans dog, the secrets of this season’s show have been safe with us. We are incredibly excited to share this experience with the entire world as you will all get to see what we went through. We have been saying that it’s almost like one of those funny experiences that happen in life, but when you tell someone about it they give you that blank stare and you are forced to conclude with, “I guess you just had to be there.” Well, now every one of the viewers will be able to “be there” with us.
Walking up to that first challenge, especially after waiting for many of the other teams to go, it was difficult to control all of the emotions and nerves that we felt inside. When we say difficult, we really mean that it was absolutely terrifying and gut-wrenching! Both of us agreed that we had never felt that sort of adrenaline and anxiety all rolled in to one in any of our past competitive experiences combined. It was intense to say the least. As much as we were not totally prepared for the emotions, thankfully we had those past experiences to lean on and we were able to calm ourselves enough to hang on to the club and make two solid swings. The badly missed shots that you saw from a few of the contestants were not very far fetched, and could have happened to almost anyone under those circumstances.
We were very impressed with how big of a production this show really was, and how smoothly it ran from start to finish. Casey really got into learning the production lingo as we worked our way through the filming. “Stop down” and “dirty backgrounds” were constantly integrated into the producers’ and director’s language, and every once in a while they would let Casey call out the commands as well. They made it look very easy while working tirelessly to make sure the contestants were happy and ready to go…sometimes literally ready to go. We had never been asked if we had to use the restroom so often. At times it felt like we had digressed back to kindergarten. However, all in all, they made our lives as easy as possible considering the situation we were put in, and they did an excellent job as far as we were concerned.
Hopefully viewers will be able to appreciate the contestants and how vulnerable we all allowed ourselves to become, knowing hundreds of thousands of people may be watching every move we make. It was difficult for each of us to relinquish our sense of control to a group of strangers, but it certainly turned into an unbelievable 11 week season of Big Break X: Michigan!
WEEK 2
Producer Jon Painter's Blog
Culture Shock
Take a person out of their normal social context, drop them into a new one, and all sorts of weird stuff starts to happen. Emotions start to swing, vulnerabilities are exposed, and otherwise mundane details of life can take a terrific amount of effort to accomplish. People traveling abroad for the first time often fail to take into account the tremendous emotional adjustment that has to occur in order to feel comfortable in a country with different customs, language, and social norms.
Participating in Big Break, our contestants experience a culture shock that can be just as severe as that experienced by expatriates. Beyond the competition and the pressure of being in front of cameras without knowing what challenges they’ll face next, they have to deal with being on the course 12 hours a day, scheduled meals, interviews, microphones, and people and cameras observing every waking moment of their lives.
Contestants arrive on travel day, excited to be there, ready to meet new people, and thrilled about the experience they’re about to participate in. One of the biggest changes they make is also one of the first - giving up contact with the outside world. All cell phones and computers are sequestered for the entirety of the shoot, only to be used during brief supervised periods. Imagine being a business owner, a college coach, or a judge, and having to ask permission to use your cell phone!
Day two is golf day. The practice round gives the cast a chance to mix and mingle while checking out their competition. They also get the chance to experience being shot by multiple cameras without being under competitive pressure. David, Michael, and Robby stand out early-on as the most outgoing members of the group.
The third day is a Promo day. Make-up calls for the contestants start around 6 a.m. to make the best of the early morning light. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate and everyone got up early, dressed in their best to go went through hair and makeup only to wait for the weather to break. Cast and crew spend a solid 8-10 hour day shooting most what will become the show open - the first 60 seconds of theme music with titles, names, etc. This is a very different structure from the normal competition day. We move slow, pay a lot of attention to detail, and make sure the film camera and stills shooters get the shots we need at each set up before we move on. I was particularly impressed that Andrea and James managed to make it through their canoeing scene without taking a spill into the lake, and in a true testament to spontaneity, we asked Haymes to try to catch a fish, and about 30 seconds later he and the fish obliged.
And then comes the first day of competition! Everyone’s up for a 6 a.m. breakfast call. There is excitement in the air as the crew is pumped to finally get going the cast is excited to get out on the course. By 8 a.m. we’re already three hours behind and nothing is where it needs to be. Four cups of coffee into the day, Jody, the Production Manager, wants to know when we’re going to break for lunch and let’s us know it better be after the first challenge, even though we were supposed to get two in before the break. Sometime around 6 p.m., after Rachel and Otis escape the ever present specter of elimination, the interview producers bolt down some dinner and compare notes. It’s shortly after 11 p.m. that we all stumble out of the interview rooms with the first show in the can.
Sometime around 5:30 a.m. the alarm goes off and it’s time for show two.
The entire cast is back in the common room for 6 a.m. breakfast, but Rachel and Otis might be the only ones in the room thrilled about having to get up that early in the morning. The second day of competition is when the honeymoon period starts to end. Nothing is quite as new, things begin to become routine, and that one person on the cast that you though was so great, maybe starts to rub you the wrong way. Show two is when the first cracks begin to show in the armor.
Notes for the peanut gallery:
Usually we play with the timing of shots quite a bit in the edit room in order to keep the pace of the show moving, but we cut Michael playing out of the sand almost in real-time. His pace was so quick that the cameras had trouble getting into position for his shots! If you look closely you can see Rachel M. on the green trying to mark her ball during Michael’s third and fourth strokes.
I did an interview on the course with James and Andrea after their 2-hole match. James was so upset with the way he played that he could barely talk.
One of the stock questions for the end of the interviews each night is “what are your predictions for the next day?” At the end of his show two interview, Hugo predicated he wouldn’t hit it left again.
Casey & Rachel Lubahn Blog
Well, it was another solid episode for Rachel and I. We felt fortunate to earn immunity during the increasing length challenge, which was tougher than it looked. You constantly were second guessing the wind, firmness of the landing area, and the shape of the shots you wanted to play. For instance, if you had to hit it 149 yards, you could hook a 9 iron or cruise an 8 iron to achieve the proper distance. You had to committ to each shot and pick small targets. It really challenged your self awareness and the knowledge of your equipment.
We were very impressed with Haymes and Bernadette, who were real steady. Haymes righted himself quickly after the first episode and they pulled off the shots in text book fashion.
The team matches were difficult and I think we were relieved not to have to compete against one team for immunity. The three teams that won immunity did exactly what they needed to do in the second challenge which was make pars. In this competiton, pars are great scores and they performed great under heavy pressure.
The show is almost surreal to watch as a contestant. There is no way to portray the intensity and pressure that we were going through. Golf Channel does a great job putting challenges together that test your mental strength and these events were no exception.
Real quick, I have to tell everyone about two people who make this show what it is. Jay, the executive director, and Paul, the director, put their heart and soul into this. They lead such an energetic staff that cares about one thing. Making dreams reality for the contestants. We can't thank them enough.
Lastly, I hope everyone in Michigan appreciates the showcase this program is for a state so close to my heart. It is a beautiful place and I encourage all the viewers to see for themselves what Michigan has to offer.
We look forward to next week's drama on Big Break: Michigan! I promise it will be something to watch!
Go Spartans and Go RedHawks!
James & Andrea's Blog
It is exciting to see the show finally come together. It seems like forever ago and now I can finally share with my family and friends about what happened each day. James and I learned a lot in show two. We realized we needed to relax. We like to think of ourselves as fun people and enjoy a good time....James more than me :) I know this is how James plays his best golf. I feel James just put to much pressure on himself. Like I said in the show, we both had expectations for ourselves and for each other. At this point in the show, it appeared to our main problem. We knew on paper that we were the strongest team. But for Big Break X: Michigan it doesn't matter what the paper says.
We understood this is a game, NOT golf! We needed to get our head in the game. If we would have played Michael and Sherri, we would have been safe and on to the next show. I knew that luck was important when we agreed to be on the show. It's not always easy to see that when you know there is a chance you can go home the next day.
James took it pretty hard after we lost to Amber and Robby. James and I have both known Amber for several years and it's always hard to play a friend. After we lost, James asked me not to talk to him and give him some time. I know he felt responsible for us going into the elimination challenge. I have known James for over 10 years and I don't think I have ever seen him this upset. No one ever wants to be the person to let down the team. I wasn't mad at him. I really thought that if anyone was going to be messing up by now it was going to be me. It's funny how things work out sometimes.
I kept telling James that we are a team and we are in this together. It takes two people to win this show not one. I told him that if we could survive tomorrow's elimination challenge, we would be the team to beat. We learned from show 2 and now it's time to conquer show 3!!
WEEK 3
Producer Darryl Marshall's Blog
Elimination episodes are the toughest shows for a producer to develop and then watch. I can tell you that at the end of the second episode I never in million years thought that James and Andrea would be a part of third show’s elimination. But, never knowing what is going to happen is what I love about producing the Big Break series. Take for instance the prize challenge at the beginning of the show where we planned on having the Children’s Miracle Network hot air balloon flying in the background of the challenge -- a plan that was ditched by light rain and swirling winds that kept the balloon from getting no more than 40 feet off the ground. The challenge, though, came off without a hitch otherwise and Casey hit one of the memorable shots in Big Break history, so much so the director dubbed the shot “a miracle shot for the miracle network.”
To this day the Andrea and James elimination still shocks me. It’s always tough to see people’s dreams come to an end, but knowing that they didn’t play up to their potential for one reason or another makes it even tougher. Andrea and James have a very different relationship from all the other teams and quite often they are misunderstood. They are friends and nothing else. In my opinion Andrea caught a bad rap after show two because she had a right to be upset with James and his play. Here is a guy who had a stellar amateur career and is a winner on the Hooters Tour but is cracking under the pressure. The morning of show three I saw a different team. Both seemed refreshed and ready to tackle whatever hand they were dealt.
The short game shootout was fun to develop because I took shots I have seen my friends struggle with and incorporated them into the fabric of the challenge. The tree shot was genius and never thought that all of the players would climb into the tree to hit it. The one thing you didn’t see were the players struggling to find a comfortable position to hit the shot that Mike perfectly described as, “Cirque du Soleil meets Caddyshack.” Unfortunately, often I have to leave some great material out of the show. An hour episode is cut to 42 minutes to allow for commercial time, and with golf, interviews and eliminations, tough decisions have to be made.
There was an eerie mood over the elimination challenge because the teams in the BMW Zone realized that either Sherri and Michael or Andrea and James would be going home. At this point in the competition, you can definitely see which teams have found a common bond and which teams are all business. There is a clique that seems to wants to play mind games and it was very apparent following this elimination. Keep in mind, I didn’t grow up in the game of golf, but I was in organized baseball for almost 20 years and understand the word respect. Always respect your opponent and show respect when you lose, but more importantly, show respect when you win. At the end of this elimination, some of the cast didn’t show the respect that Andrea and James deserved for their efforts in this show.
I don’t know what the future holds for Andrea and James, but I know the both of them will do well. Since the conclusion of the show, Andrea has made it to the final stage of LPGA Q-School and has a real good chance of earning her card for 2009, which would make her dad proud.
Casey & Rachel Lubahn Blog
First of all, the show’s beginning was something Rachel and I had looked forward to for a long time. To hit that shot at that moment is probably one of the craziest things I have been involved with in golf. It has been hard to describe the shot to others who have heard about it since the airing, but one thing is clear: We got a great break! Obviously, I did not hit the shot exactly the way I wanted to. I hit it very clean and almost went right under it, which affected the distance. For it to land on the top of the giant wall and bounce and roll a foot from the hole, sometimes the sun just shines upon you is about the only way I can describe it. I have told all my players here at Miami University that it was just a sign of my clean living and hard work, though I think they saw through that pretty quick.
The most important thing is that Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich., is going to receive $10,000 to help children in a deep and meaningful way. That gives Rachel and I goose bumps when we think about this episode. We are honored to be a small part of such a great cause. As GOLF CHANNEL producer Darryl Marshall mentioned in his blog, “a miracle shot for the miracle network” seems to fit just about perfectly.
As for the comments about the shot, I have told Rachel there is not a lot we can do about it. You try and hit the shot the best you can and then deal with the results. You can’t apologize for what happened. The comments about other contestants being upset and trying to do it the right way, there is not a lot we can say to that. We were just grinding over a shot and got a lucky break. It happens in this game from time to time (even though I think we all wish it happened more often!). I was happy that in a promo after the original shot, I was lucky enough to hit my second attempt to four feet via the more conventional method. I believe you can see that in another video.
The elimination challenge was very competitive and filled with memorable shots. The tree shots were fun to watch even though it seemed unfair for poor Camila to have to stand in the tree – she suffers from the same problem that I have – she is vertically challenged. It was hard for her to reach the ball, but she made a great effort. Hugo and Mike were tough the entire episode. I was impressed by both of them bouncing back so positively after a rough episode last time. All the players at Long Island Univ. should be proud of Coach Michaelides even though I think they probably enjoy ripping on him a little more…ha!
Watching Camila and Hugo embrace after earning immunity was fun for all of us. The pressure keeps mounting and it was fun to see them celebrate. We talked about that the rest of that day. On the other hand, seeing James and Andrea go was very tough. In some of the early interviews, I predicted they would be a favorite because they are both such accomplished players. We played with them in the practice round and their games were top notch. However, the pressure of Big Break does funny things at times. James was not himself because I promise you the guy can flat play. It is not a shock that he has won already on the Hooters Tour this year and Andrea is through to final stage of LPGA Qualifying school as we speak. They are great players who were off their game. We were sorry to see them go from a personal standpoint, but relieved that some of the best competition was out early.
We look forward to the episodes ahead and hope you enjoy as well! Until next time… Casey and Rachel
Michael & Sherri Blog
Well it’s “ELIMINATION DAY”! Mike and I never anticipated the train wreck we experienced on day two. We were both feeling really confident after our first day of competition, especially Mike after draining such an AWESOME putt! However, like we have all experienced in golf there are good days, and well…there are bad days. Mike and I spent a good amount of time talking after the last show and realized we needed to make some adjustments towards each other as teammates. Most of our time is spent competing against one another, so this venue is a bit of a transition for both of us. We realized that we were going to have think more like coaches and use each other to elevate our level of play. Going into this show and the elimination we had a new game plan and new attitudes towards each other and our golf games.
The two other teams we are competing against in the elimination challenge definitely deserve to be there with us based on their performances in the last show. We were the three weakest teams in both challenges. However, they are very talented and seasoned competitors so we were anticipating they will be back with their “A” games and won’t go down without a battle. And, right out of the gates it shows. Hugo, James, and Mike start the 1st elimination challenge with unbelievable shots. They are all here to win and showing just how good they are. I on the other hand am the first knocked out since mey first shot hit and checked. All week my balls have been releasing on these greens, now the one time a shot doesn’t is during an elimination challenge! I have to say that I had never wanted to hear Mike and his chit-chat so much in my life. Sitting on the bench all alone and isolated from the other competitors was agonizing. I was disappointed with leaving my partner and leaving him with the task of having to carry us, but I felt confident that with his talent and new outlook he could win our immunity. He didn’t win, but he was playing solid and gaining momentum with every swing. After the first challenge, Hugo and Camila gained immunity and James, Andrea, Mike, and I are onto the last elimination challenge. The losers will be leaving!
Mike and I spent a few minutes talking as we warmed up on the range and decided we were going to go all out in this last challenge. We weren’t going home without the best fight of our lives. We were going to be in it, present, and really pumped up to play. We were playing to win, not playing not to lose. My favorite moment of this entire show is when I hit my first shot on the green and Mike and I were just clicking and in the zone. We were there as a team working together seamlessly. It was such a turn around from the previous show. Mike hit two phenomenal shots that sealed our spot onto the next show. This was the adrenalin high we both came onto this show hoping to experience. And, now after 3 shows we hope to continue to ride that feeling all the way to the win!
I have to say that despite the high we were feeling knowing we were going to be able to fight another day on the show, losing Andrea and James was as much of a low. We spend so much time with these other teams and competitors while we are here that we really get to know each other, like each other, and more importantly respect each other. These two are such great players and people. It is unfortunate that you the viewer don’t get more of an opportunity to see them in action. However, keep your eyes and ears open on the tours because you will definitely be hearing a lot about both of them in the very near future.
James & Andrea's Blog
Well our journey on Big Break X: Michigan is over. First team off, rather unexpected and to be quite honest a little shocking, but as we all know that is how golf goes sometimes. It doesn't matter how strong you feel your team, is if you don't pull off the shots your gone. That is what makes this game great. When competing against such talented players, if your game is a bit off you are going to get beaten. Unfortunately for Andrea, my game did not get on the plane to Michigan. I believe it was pretty evident to all the viewers that as much as Andrea excelled during the challenges, my struggles put the team in a very difficult situation. By the way Mike and Sherry, pretty impressive playing during the elimination, to be able to step up your game when the pressure is on just shows what talented players you both are. As bittersweet as it was to perform so poorly on the show, it did not take away from how memorable an experience being on the Big Break was.
I would like to thank the Golf Channel for the opportunity to compete against such talented individuals. I feel that this experience has made me a stronger player mentally. It’s hard to explain, but the pressure I felt during the days of competition was unlike anything I had felt before. Once the cameras started rolling it became difficult for me to relax. I'm not sure why, but I do agree with Andrea's assessment that I was putting to much pressure on myself. I wanted to play so well for Andrea that I was getting in my own way and not just playing golf. It was a very humbling experience to perform so poorly. Yet it was a reality check. I needed to push myself to get better.
It was a pretty sobering experience to take that famous walk that signifies you have been eliminated, knowing that I had not only let myself down put my partner as well. I gained a lot of respect for all the past competitors on the Big Break, because until you have gone through this experience you truly don't understand how difficult this show can be. I played the week after in a Hooters tour event in Austin, Texas and it was amazing how much calmer I was being back in my own environment. Being a part of a TV show and not just playing golf the way I know how took me out of my comfort level and I wasn't really prepared to handle the situation properly. Bottom line is you have hit the shots and unfortunately I was unable to do that when it mattered most.
The game of golf has allowed me to travel to many amazing places and meet some very unique individuals. This experience was no different. The friendships made on this show will definitely not be forgotten. Boyne Highlands Resort was a beautiful resort to host the show and a very hard working staff made the experience enjoyable. Once again Andrea and I want to thank the Golf Channel and their staff. They are very professional about the work they do and it was really amazing to see how much hard work goes into putting on this show. If you haven't been a part of it first hand, it goes far and beyond anything you can imagine.
Andrea and I look forward to watching the rest of the episodes and seeing how each day played out. Thanks to all the viewers for your support and encouragement. We hope we were able to entertain you for the short time that we were on the show. Good luck to all the competitors in their future endeavors I wish you all the best of luck. I am very proud to be a part of the Big Break legacy, but for now it's time to move on and work hard to make my own Big Break!!!! Take care all and thanks for watching!
WEEK 4
Producer Jon Painter's Blog
We develop the challenges for a season of the Big Break in the months and weeks leading up to production, so most of the season’s challenges on already fleshed out on paper before we even have a final cast nailed down. We have to create all the season’s twists and turns, and plan around all the basic eventualities, like tiebreakers, before we ever get to the site. I have to say, there’s a dramatic difference between thinking about what may happen to a hypothetical team and watching the episodes unfold in front of you during production.
Episode 4 concludes an arc of dual timelines that began in Episode 1. You may recall at the end of the first show Rachel M. & Otis go to elimination and face off against 3 teams of their choice - Sally & David, Amber & Robby, Haymes & Bernie - and they had to score 1 ½ points to stay alive. Episodes 2-4 were written twice with one track in case of an elimination in show 1 and another track in case there was no elimination in show 1. Oddly enough, because Rachel M. & Otis escaped elimination in the first episode, we had an additional elimination in Episode 4. The “pick your opponent” elimination. We knew it was going to cause some controversy, but no one knew just how out of hand things were going to get.
For starters, Sally and David were just in a slump all day. Sally put it best when she said that they just “didn’t gel.” We had a lunch break after the points challenge and then time at the range scheduled before they had to pick their opponent, so they had a good, solid 2 hours to think about who they were going to pick. Other than Robby and Amber, none of the contestants enjoyed lunch. Michael and Sherri talked to Dave and Sally and basically said, if you want to pick us, go ahead, we won’t take it personally, but other than that, it was quiet at lunch. Then after everyone got warmed up, the big decision.
With these kinds of big show moments and non-actors involved, you hope that you get a 3 second pause before they spit the name out, so that you can build the moment up in post-production. With a fine sense of theatre, David gave us about 30 seconds of thinking out loud, and eyeballing the choices, which made me happy, knowing what a pivotal point in the show it was going to be. Then he went with Rachel M. & Otis, which had everyone on the crew thinking back to show 1’s elimination. And then the comment stirred things up! Rachel Melendez is definitely an emotional player, it’s always right under the surface, and she took David’s comment personally. She came out playing lights out golf, and it’s just too bad it got away from them on the greens. 8 putts in 3 holes, heartbreak on the greens and our second team takes the longest walk in golf.
David & Sally's Blog
First and foremost, I have the utmost respect for all my competitors both on a professional and personal level. It was very difficult for me to watch episode four. I guess it makes for good TV, but there were moments when I thought it would never end. It was like being in a car accident and everything is in slow motion.
I never heard David say anything before the moment we were on camera about Rachael’s playing experience. (She played Div.1 golf for Penn State and the University of Georgia) I was shocked and really disappointed that he sunk to that level! When we discussed it earlier, we decided to pick them because they were the next closest in point total. Personally, I was proud of Rachael for hitting such a clutch shot. I believe in karma and she deserved it. What made that comment from David seem even more bizarre was that all along I felt Rachael was playing better than Otis. Personally, I was in no position to call anyone out on anything as my play was not good. As I said in many interviews, David’s actions speak for themselves and I struggled daily with being his partner. I was disappointed by so much of what he said and did both on and off camera, both as a professional and a lady.
I spoke with Rachael at the end of the day and apologized to her for David’s comment. I believe Rachael and Otis and the rest of the competitors understood that my feelings were not reflected in David’s comments.
Unfortunately, the drama does not end at episode four.
On a positive note, I was really happy for Amber and Robby. They earned the $10,000 with some terrific golf shots! Waste Management has really stepped up to the plate with their concerns for environmental issues and taking care of Mother Earth! Thank you Waste Management!
Michael & Sherri's Blog
The morning after James and Andrea were eliminated the reality of this show and elimination became very real. There was a very somber and quiet tone at breakfast. All the teams were a little sad at the lost of James and Andrea, but everyone also realized that we not only had to play our very best golf, but that we needed to keep our emotions in check and our minds sharp. As we have all seen, the unexpected can happen at any moment on this show and you can be out just like that. These are some of the best players in the world. Now that everyone is getting use to the vast number of cameras and crew (who by the way look like the Verizon network) hovering over our every move, you are starting to see amazing golf shot after amazing golf shot. But with everyone becoming more competitive, we are experiencing more emotions. I think Casey said it best when he said, “when in your life will golf ever mean this much in this moment?”
It is so easy to get caught up in the moment when you are in the heat of the battle. Mike and I experienced every emotion under the sun last episode. We were disappointed with our previous performances, anxious about facing elimination, excited during the competitions, exhilarated that we survived to fight another day, and sad to see our new friends James and Andrea lose their chance at their Big Break. So we understand as well as anyone what it is like to experience all of those emotions almost simultaneously. But, there is a fine line between experiencing those emotions and displaying them in a negative way. I know Mike regretted not having been a bit more sensitive to James and Andrea after they were eliminated. He got caught up in the moment and his adrenalin was pumping. He was so happy that he redeemed himself after show #2 and carried us onto show #3. But, after the high died down, he was disappointed in himself that he wasn’t more tactful in that moment. After all, we really like and respect both James and Andrea as players and people. It is starting to become quite obvious that some individuals are really having trouble controlling their emotions. As professionals it is our responsibility to teach the juniors and future of the game by our example on the course. Throwing clubs and or talking trash about your teammate or competitor aren’t the examples we should be setting. What makes this game great is that is founded on sportsmanship and respect for your opponent, the course and yourself. Rachel M. and Otis were two examples of great competitors. They were respectful of everyone ranging from the other teams to the entire Golf Channel staff. Rachel M. runs the First Tee programs and the example she has set for all of her kids…well, we are sure they are all so very proud of her!
A FEW SIDE NOTES: The sound of the glass breaking may be the greatest sound we have ever heard!! Unfortunately for the viewer, on TV it loses a whole lot in delivery.
Also, as Daryl the producer blogged after last show, Andrea has played her way into the final stage of LPGA Qualifying School and James just finished tied for 5th at the first stage of PGA Tour Qualifying school. He will be playing next week to earn a spot at the final stage. Andrea will be playing for her fully exempt status in the beginning of December. Good luck guys, not that either of you will need it.
Casey & Rachel Lubahn Blog
This week’s episode started to get into the true personalities of the contestants. People got to see some of the most memorable performances thus far, and they began to see the breakdown in relationships and communication. The entire cast was very happy for Robby and Amber as they clearly performed the best, and as two new touring professionals, they were deserving recipients of the $10,000.00 from Waste Management.
As Casey and I relived this day, we were pretty disappointed in our performance. We did a very poor job of working together and keeping a positive attitude about our games and about each other. While in front of the cameras, we made a very conscious decision to maintain composure and be careful of our tongues but off camera we went back and forth at each other a bit. As he said in the interview, he had been dreading the glass-break challenge since we got on set, and when we watched the show from home I laughed at him (as lovingly as possible) because his bad attitude remained the same even four months later. I also had a negative day as I complained about being uncomfortable in my clothes, and not swinging well. All that negativity built up for me, and as a person that thrives on positive energy, I really beat myself down. All in all, we had not prepared well for this day and when the first sign of adversity hit us, we dropped the ball. We were just very grateful that we were not chosen for the elimination challenge and had the chance to redeem ourselves because we know that we are capable of much more.
It was so tough watching the elimination unfold. Otis and Rachel had become great friends with us. We bonded because, of course, “Rachel’s” have to stick together, and they really took to Casey and his goofy dances and one-liners. She affectionately nicknamed Casey, Tater, because of his intense love of potatoes and the silly dance he made up in their honor. The hardest part watching the elimination slip away from them was watching the defeat in Otis’s face and body language, and knowing how much Rachel wanted to win and seeing her step it up at that moment only to have the performance come up a fraction short. Casey and I both agreed with what was said on the show that if you are going to lose, lose because someone beats you, not because you beat yourself. Now, that’s much easier said than done, but heartbreaking nonetheless when the latter occurs. Unfortunately, it felt a little like a complete circle as elimination came back to bite Otis and Rachel after they narrowly escaped in the first episode.
One other thing to take away from this week is that someone has obviously emerged as the villain. There are times when over-the-top-comments and behavior are funny and then there are times when it is just out of line. Some of the things in this episode could have fallen under the comical category, but overall, it is only the beginning of words and actions that are not funny at all. As cryptic as that sounds, stay tuned because you won’t want to miss what is to come.
We’ll miss our East Lake friends, but the show must go on. Until next week…Tater and Rachel
WEEK 5
Producer Darryl Marshall's Blog
Show five is in the can and what a show it was. It takes months of planning to come up with the challenges and sometimes they go through two to three different incarnations before they are plausible. Sometimes the challenge looks great on paper, but doesn’t translate well to the players – like the five club challenge today. I have to give the ladies credit, they played their hearts out, but the swirling wind surrounding that hole played with their minds and their confidence.
We have had a few difficult days with the elimination of Andrea and James and Rachel and Otis, so it was a good break for our players not to have someone go home. You can tell at this point the stress is really getting to some of the players. In between challenges their faces tell the story. I know it is especially hard for one contestant right now, Haymes. Here he is attempting to fulfill a dream of playing with his brother on the PGA TOUR while his wife at home with their two-year-old, Ella Gray and pregnant with another. It was Haymes wife that convinced him to participate once he found out what the shoot days were. He called me many times prior to the start of taping wanting to pull out and stay with his wife, but she was adamant that he try to fulfill that dream. (I hope my future wife is as understanding and awesome as Haymes' wife is!) At this point, Haymes' baby is due in about six weeks and the stress of not being there is wearing on him, plus he has the added pressure of wanting to help Bernie reclaim her dream of playing on the LPGA Tour.
And that is just one of the many stories that are happening behind the scenes that will unfold in coming weeks.
Michael & Sherri Blog
Show #5…..Well, when you come to a show like this with a team format in golf, it takes some adjusting to learn to play and depend on your partner. I know it took two shows and a “TRAIN WRECK” for Mike and I to gain the trust necessary to gel with each other. But, in good “Big Break” fashion, just as we settled in and got comfortable with each other, they changed the format. Now they are separating us from our partner as we execute our shots in our respective challenges. No more talking with each other before hitting the shots, we have to make decisions that affect our team on our own. Talk about adding stress to the mix! The “Big Break” producers sure know how to shake things up, throw the contestants a wrench, and create great reactions for TV.
Today’s challenges were FANTASTIC! Mike and I knew we had a really tough match ahead of us when we drew Bernie and Haymes. Right now, they are the team to beat. Other than the first shot Haymes hit on the show, these two haven’t made any physical or mental errors. This match should be a good way for us to measure where we stand and what we will have to do if we want to win this contest.
The Hybrid Challenge and the 5 Club Challenge were tough! You could really see the wind swirling and with 25 mph gusts, it makes the challenge that much more difficult. All of us were having a tough time judging the distance as well as club choice.
For the Accuracy Challenge I felt really good going into it. I hit some really good shots in the first elimination as well as breaking the glass and the trouble shots. The grid was very narrow. It was only about 15 yards wide where I hit it and 20 yards where Haymes hit it. When I hit the shot I just wanted to hit the same shot I did to break the glass and keep it under the swirling winds. It came off great! Almost too good….right on the line and then Haymes really stepped up and just looks like the pressure doesn’t get to him. He hit a great drive to split the points and good shots to take the final challenge.
After today’s show we are a ½ point away from being in the elimination challenge. Mike and I have our work cut out for us on the next show that is for sure! But, you can bet we are going to make some adjustments and create a new game plan because we aren’t ready to go home. So, stay tuned for part two and see how this drama unfolds!
David & Sally's Blog
Sally's Blog
Isn’t it funny whenever people do not like the way they are portrayed on reality TV the blame the editing! I heard it from Lori last season and now I am hearing it from David. I have to chuckle. Did editing make everyone else look good or hit good shots? No! Did editing make my shot look like a shank? No, it was a shank! What you are seeing is a fairy accurate portrayal of a seven-hour golf shoot and another four hours of interviews.
The main thing editing changes is the time frame in which the challenges occur. For example, the glass break challenge took about 10 minutes TV time while in real time is was over three hours. That was why Robby’s glass break was so amazing last week. He had been sitting for close to two hours by the time he finally got to hit that shot. He strolled off the bench and nailed it.
I think the challenges for the ladies looked good on paper but the hole locations GOLF CHANNEL picked were questionable. (Of course Mother Nature was uncooperative as well!) For example, a downhill 190-yard shot that was that out of the rough with 20 mph to 30 mph winds blowing to a green that was designed by Donald Ross to have a short iron hit into it is not easy. We were only about 120 yards in front of the tee box. That is a tough shot any day of the week. However, we all played from the same spot and Bernie made it look easy. She is a tour quality player and I would love to see her back playing between the ropes next year! I really love her swing and tempo.
The second challenge was also extremely difficult. Not only did we have a hidden swirling wind, we had to hit a circle on the green with five different clubs. Oh yeah did I mention you couldn’t hit a bump and run because we had to carry water! If the guys had to hit a circle on their last challenge you would have seen far fewer points in my opinion. Overall, kudos to the guys for an excellent day of shot making in episode 5. It was fun to watch last night.
I think David has hit some great shots thus far. Unfortunately, his demeanor has really shadowed his shot making. Golf is a game of honor and dignity, while no one is perfect and emotions can be overwhelming at times, there is a level of professionalism that is expected regardless of what kind of shots you are hitting or what kind of rulings are being handed down.
Which brings me to the subject of professionalism. In corporate terms, David is an HR walking nightmare. (I have spent the last 4 years doing b2b sales for two different Fortune 500 firms.)
In case anyone was wondering my name is Sally not “baby” or “honey”.
At the wrap of shooting episode 5, they gathered all of us around and reminded the cast to treat the crew and each other with respect. At the time I thought how sad they have to remind adults to behave professionally.
Honestly, by this point I felt I was walking on pins and needles with my partner. Needless to say I was uncomfortable.
I think the comment of the day came from Casey Lubahn who said, “keep your mouth off my ball.” I could not have agreed more, all I wanted was a little peace and quiet so I could go through a pre shot routine. Haymes also put it well when he said, “The line has been crossed.” David habitually stepped over the line. I finally do something about it in episode six.
David's Blog
What a GREAT show so far. Things have really livened up since the first two episodes. Since I am late to the blogging let me say, I love the game of golf as much as anyone and hold its etiquette and sportsmanship standards sacred. I want everyone to know how much I deeply regret going over the line with the rules official Marv. My response was way out of line. Once things settled down Marv I spoke about this and we had a good laugh. He’s a sweetheart of a guy and he didn’t take any offense. While I am having a great time being ‘Darth Dave’, I do not take myself too seriously and neither should you. I simply tried to have fun with it and give the shows producers plenty of material to work with.
About episode V ‘Darth Dave Strikes Back’, the day’s events started off the way Sally and I had hoped the show would be most of the time, girls vs. girls and guys vs. guys. The weather was cool and windy, but over all pretty good. The Hybrid Challenge for the girls was well conceived, but on the wrong golf course. The Donald Ross design with the firm bowled greens made it nearly impossible to hold a shot. I think the Heathers softer contoured greens would have played more fairly. But in the end all the girls performed admirably.
The guy’s first challenge was way too easy. I know it sounds funny coming from me, since I was the only one who didn’t hit the landing area. By the way, if you paid close attention to Casey’s first shot you could see how much the wind was affecting the ball by the extreme right turn when his ball reached its peak. None the less I had let the team down again. I should have nailed the first try and we would be up a point and not in such a desperate situation. Boy was I glad to see the lunch break.
After icing, a couple of Aleve, and a vote of confidence to my partner we set out to take back the match in the afternoon. The ‘Five Club’ challenge was right up Sally’s alley. She had been breathing through her eyes and soaking up the positive energy from the trees around us. Finding her Chi. With her skills and imagination I knew she was going to take this one. Rachel seemed to struggle more without Casey’s help and as we know by now Sally certainly doesn’t want or need mine, advantage Monster Mashers. Had it not been for a minor alignment problem to the left Sally would have hit four of the five shots in the circle. Did anyone notice the spin she was putting on the ball? Rachel seemed to have the same kind of issues and she also showed great talent in her attempts as well. Again all the girls stepped up but the wind was the victor in the end.
I thought all the guys struggled with the Shape Wall challenge. In the first two matches, no one was able to hit the green each way. But Casey is a master of spin control and technique. I knew going in he would be nearly impossible to beat. I felt very lucky to have another opportunity to beat such a great player and regain the point we had lost.
Here is what happened in the next sequence of events. At the time I was only concerned with winning the point. I had to do what ever I could within the rules of golf. My question was to the fairness of the divot replacement in the designated small hitting area. Again, I regret very much for snapping at Marv. The rest was showmanship. I had an opportunity to show off and I did. The Drama is what you want and I delivered.
Be sure to tune in next week, Episode VI in the saga “The Return of Sally Dee. Jedi Golfer”
Remember Rachel Melendez’s response.
WEEK 6
Producer Jon Painter's Blog
After you’ve worked on Big Break, you quickly figure out that there are challenges that look hard, and there are challenges that are hard, and the two don’t necessarily have anything to do with one another. The other weird part of the job, is that after all the work we do planning challenges and scouting the location, it can all come down to the way the 1st team plays a challenge. Golf is such a mental game, that the performance of the first team through the challenge can completely dictate the perception that other teams have of the challenge.
One of the great perks of working on the Big Break, is that every once in a while we get done early enough that I get a chance to grab a bag of clubs and “test” the next day’s challenges. The day before we shot this episode, I had a break in the afternoon, so I got to check out the back nine on the Robert Trent Jones designed Heather Course. I have to say, it’s my favorite of the courses at Boyne Highlands, because it’s a thinking course. It’s not enough to be in the short grass, you have to be in right position on the course, or you’re dead.
The holes we played in the “Worst Drive” challenge are a perfect example, of both the target golf required by the course, and a challenge that’s a lot harder than it looked. The 14th hole has a ridge running across the fairway, even with the fairway bunker. If you don’t drive it beyond that ridge, you’re looking at a blind, uphill approach to a small heavily bunkered green. For shorter players off the tee, it was going to create some problems. As a side note, with the men and women playing off the same tees, half of the “Worst Drives” on the 14th hole were by male competitors.
We knew this “Worst Drive” challenge created the opportunity for teams to get in real trouble off the tee, but I didn’t personally expect the fireworks we got. I’ve learned over four seasons of Big Break not to get too wrapped up in what you expect to have happen, because things rarely work out the way we expect them too. When we came back and cut the 15th hole, we tried to maintain the rollercoaster of momentum swings the teams went through, and just to convey how bizarre it was to watch teams that were polar opposites in terms of team dynamics play the hole so differently. One of the bites that we had to cut from the show because of time considerations was from Sherri and Michael’s interview. Sherri and Mike talked to the Lubans after the whole affair, and told them they were going to use this episode as an example for both of their college teams, of why you should never give up. Play hard, play it out, and finish as strong as you can, because you never know what’s going to happen.
Michael & Sherri's Blog
Show #6……This may have been the longest, craziest, most disturbing day me, Mike, the Big Break, or even the Golf Channel may have ever experienced! The day started with a lot of tension looming over breakfast, the warm up, and the final part of the immunity challenge. The David and Sally antics were really starting to wear on everyone!
Mike and I started the day a ½ point from elimination. Unfortunately, we tied the hole and that sent us into the elimination challenge. Now we just had to wait and see which teams were coming with us. Mike and I weren’t that stressed as we had already been through an elimination challenge and came through unscathed. We felt battle ready and were up to the challenge.
However, things started to get really interesting after Robby and Amber were beaten by Hugo and Camila. The last match of Casey and Rachel L. against David and Sally took the craziest turn in golf we have ever seen! WOW… was really all any of us could say. I know we are going to replay the Lubahn’s immunity win again and again for our players on our college teams. Talk about not giving up. They were so far behind and easily could have just quit. But, instead they hit one shot at a time, stayed calm, and were supportive of one another. As a result the best 8 we have ever seen. Forget that, one of the best comeback wins in golf we have ever seen! Sally and David made our “Train wreck” look like a little baby bump. These two are just beating on each other like the show “Gladiators”.
Just when things didn’t look like they could get any worst, they did. As we all loaded up our carts for lunch before the elimination challenge, Sally jumped into my cart and Mike was left to ride with David. This is normally a time Mike and I spend talking about our strategy and get into sync with one another before the afternoon challenges begin. Instead we are in carts with these two screaming and bashing the other. Sally had a complete meltdown! She got her wish and they interviewed them separately; they had separate carts, and separate warm ups. Basically they only had to interact during the challenges. Sally had a new lease on this competition. The rest of us unfortunately were just drained from their drama. I guess if this was some sort of strategy it worked quite well.
This particular show, this particular season , Big Break X was a competition based on team dynamics. They come in as a team, they leave as a team. Well, these two aren’t even forced to interact as a team. Andrea and James, Otis and Rachel M., and the entire cast had hard moments, disappointing moments where one or both dropped the ball, where one or the other let their teammate down. It wasn’t easy for anyone to ride next to, eat next to, or interview next to the other after the difficult moments. But, everyone did and they did it with class and professionalism.
As for Mike and I, well…..what a GREAT journey! This was the best time of our lives on a golf course. We learned about each other, we learned about ourselves. We made life long friends and left with complete admiration and respect for our competitors, the hosts, the Golf Channel staff and crew, and the game of golf!!!!!! Thanks Golf Channel and all involved for giving Mike and I a memory we will never forget and a chance at our BIG BREAK!
David & Sally's Blog
David's Blog
Wow! What a show! Yes, it was the craziest thing I have ever seen!
It was really, really hard to see Mike and Sherri go. They are wonderful people with an endless supply of kindness and patience and understanding and one-liners and movie lines and impersonations and…Fun! With much love … you two are the best.
How about those women! After the last show when they all performed so well under such difficult weather conditions, to see them continue their great play was awesome. I have always appreciated great performance under great pressure and the ladies brought it home today.
Camila’s bunker shot to 3 feet was amazing, but we all knew she would. Tiger would have been impressed with that shot under the trees and through the sand trap that Rachel hit. It was pure all the way. And that putt, Holy Cow it made me Choke! Sherri and Amber, You kicked my butt! Great shot making when your team needed it!
Now for, 'The Rest of the Story." I took a chance after the match with Casey and Rachel by calling Sally a quitter in front of everyone told her she might as well go home if she wouldn't even try to win. The pitch out to the fairway was ridiculously weak. She had three times the room Rachel did on the hole before and was 20 yards closer. Enough of the eye rolls, heavy sighs, hand gestures, and sarcasm. She knew I had planned to play up the drama after Episode III. The show was boring and everyone got along way to well for it to make for good reality TV. Our team dynamic was my fault, I shouldn't have walked on eggshells around her mood swings, but called her out like I did today. You want to shut me up? Then Step UP! And man did she ever!
Finally Sally Dee was back! The You-Want-a-Piece-of-Me head bob said it all. Everyone could see the difference in her because she had found her will to fight and stopped making excuses. The difference between excuse and reason is resolution. Sally had finally set her mind to making it happen. You all heard her say there was no way she was going to miss that shot! That's all I had been wanting from her. My challenging her desire and ability helped her confront Shankerella and put that evil twin behind us. Her anger changed direction and focused solely on showing me up. She channeled it like Rachel Melendez. Sally is a great competitor at her core, but she had lost herself in all the worry of what people were thinking. I couldn't have been happier or more proud of her for showing such resolve and grit in the elimination challenge. Boy, she saved my butt!
For what is worth, I have always believed if it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger. You learn more about yourself through failure than you ever will in success. In golf and life, we fail 1000 times more than we succeed. That's what makes the successes so sweet. You can say what you want about today's episode and about me, but this was our finest day as a team. After all was said and done, we were finally on the same page. Who was to blame didn't matter anymore. Dave and Sally had finally met for the first time as equals and… Teammates! …now we can compete as one.
Sally's Blog
It was unfortunate what went on both on and off camera. My personal code is not to discuss what went on behind camera, as we were all friends in a vulnerable situation and shared a lot of personal information that should remain private.
If the other players thought they were drained, even though their partners were kind and supportive, imagining being attached at the hip with my partner for 12 hours a day! I can assure you that my strategy to win the Big Break was not to annoy the other players into elimination. Let’s be reasonable. My goal was to have fun, help my partner, and try to win by executing clutch golf shots.
My LPGA friends have called me and said they have never seen me look so uncomfortable on the golf course or in the interviews. They don’t even recognize my swing and quite frankly, neither do I when I watch these episodes. Oh well such is life and golf.
As far as our team dynamics go: well they were what they were! The Lakers have won many a world title with Shaq and Kobe not getting along or speaking. I just wanted to have fun and compete with class. Enough said.
I was happy to see Amber and Sherri hit great shots throughout the day and in the elimination round. I felt all the ladies stepped up to the plate and redeemed ourselves from episode 5’s sketchy performances.
I was sad to see Mike and Sherri go. It stinks to see such a fun team make the longest walk in golf. We all missed the banter they brought to the set. Unfortunately, someone has to be eliminated in an elimination episode. I am sure David and I would have been voted off the Island on another reality show!
Just a side note, I learned that a good friend, Dr. Joe Smith, broke his neck and was breathing on a ventilator the evening after episode 6 was shot. It really put into perspective what is important in life. We all had our health and we were shooting a reality golf show. Meanwhile Joe was clinging to life. My heart goes out to him and his wonderful family. He has a long up-hill battle and even now 4 months later is not out of the woods. I really hope and pray that one day we can walk down Bellevue Country Clubs fairways again together, at this point though, that day is a long way off. Joe has touched many people’s lives in such a positive way. Not only are Joe and his wife, Carol, friends, they are role models for all those who know them. I would humbly ask that include Joe and his family in your prayers.
Haymes, my favorite competitor on Big Break X: Michigan, is a kind and good man and I am glad the viewers will get to know him and Bernie better next week. Stayed tuned for some fun happy moments!
Casey & Rachel Lubahn Blog
First of all, Rachel and I just got back from our honeymoon in Florida as a result of the flop wall challenge and had a great time. It's great getting to spend vacation with the person that you love. We can't thank Children's Miracle Network and the Golf Channel enough for providing us with such a memorable experience. It was also nice to know that so many people are watching the show. We had people coming up to us all week talking about Big Break!
In regards to episode 6, I think Haymes hit it right on the head when he said that today's episode was a lot like watching a NASCAR crash. You don't want to watch, but you can't help but stare. Our finish to the immunity challenge with David and Sally was something we have thought about for a long time. We were fortunate to escape elimination and live to fight another day.
To further review, I will try and relay the events that took place during the two hole challenge. Being tied, the first hole was extremely important. David and Sally both hit great tee shots and put a lot of pressure on us. Unfortunately, we failed to step up and both hit poor tee balls. When we got up there, I was pretty certain that they were going to pick my tee ball for Rachel to play. However, I really wanted to have them pick Rachel's tee shot for me. I had a feeling like that the bunker shot was going to be a shot that could turn the momentum for us. I was disappointed not to be able to play it.
Rachel and I discussed her second shot over and I really felt good about her trusting my advice. She's the kind of partner that excels when she has someone behind her with reassuring words. I told her to rip that 4 iron from the trees at the first bunker, thinking that there was a good chance it would roll through. If not, it was a straight uphill bunker shot where we could make par. She hit a beauty of a shot which even Dave and Sally were very complimentary about it. After Sally's bladed wedge shot and their consequent bogey, our par from the fringe had us feeling pretty good.
Then, the wheels came off. Rachel and I both hit poor tee shots on the par five, with mine going out of bounds (which they had to edit out) and Rachel's deep in the trees. At this point, the drama started to take hold of us. We did not know where the tee shots where, what to do next, etc. It was crazy. After extensive deliberation, we hit two provisionals in play and waited for Dave and Sally to pick whether they wanted us to play from the middle of the fairway laying 3, or from the trees laying 1.
They made a great decision by choosing Rachel's tee ball, which I thought was gutsy under the circumstances. I give Dave a lot of credit for that. We were dead back there. There really was not a pitch out available without going backwards, so I decided to gamble and blast it through the bushes. Unfortunately, it hit a tree, kicked out of bounds, and really put us behind the eight ball. Eventually, we fought our way out of the trees and got it on the green in 7. Whew!!
Then, my partner made the putt of the day and all of a sudden, the atmosphere changed. Dave and Sally were off squabbling despite being in good shape to win the hole and the match until that putt went in. At that moment, the tension was almost surreal from those two. They were bickering about who knows what, and they had to try and putt after that. I was not totally surprised to see them miss. This game is about mental control, and they were definitely crashing and burning. This competition especially is not just about golf shots, it's about the team. That is what kept Rachel and I alive in this episode. Despite the calamity that ensued on the par five, we never took it out on each other. We kept battling and believing that we could hit good shots. Her 7 wood shot, my 7 iron, and that putt were executed to the best of our ability. No matter how many shots you have played, the only shot you can worry about is the next one and that's what we tried to do.
When the dust settled, the famous triple bogey was enough to win. That is all that matters. Like I said a few weeks back, you can't apologize for winning with an 8 or landing on top of the flop wall. You just keep hitting shots until you get the ball in the hole or they tell you to stop.
Lastly, I wanted to review two things that need to be said. Mike and Sherri are first class in every way. I know Mike is an acquired taste at first, but so are coffee and beer, and this country seems to love them. He is real in every sense of the word and cares about people, just like his partner, who I dubbed Big Break Mom because she was our person to go hug and laugh with when things were out of control. She made everyone feel better starting at breakfast through the end of the each day. She is someone I would recommend anyone student athlete to play for - a true role model and friend. I was sorry to see them go home.
The last thing that is dominating the discussion is Dave. Dave is a showman and a darn good one. He probably puts on a fantastic clinic where he can show off his ridiculous talents and fun demeanor. However, in this competition, he missed the most important thing in my opinion. He forgot to stop being Dave the showman and start being Dave the good guy who doesn't need to act like a fool. I promise you, when we were around Dave in the evenings and off the course (before the episode 5), he was a fun guy who made us laugh. Unfortunately, no one is seeing that side of Dave. And this is not careful editing, this is how he was. He made all of us feel uncomfortable…which I don't think is what he wanted. I sincerely hope that his actions (actually their teams actions because Sally was not making it any easier) do not detract from the fact that some cool golf shots were played, although I think that ship already sailed.
My wish is that good golf will come back to center stage even though my sense is America is eating their story up ...ha-ha.
Best wishes and we look forward to next week.
WEEK 7
Haymes' Blog
I didn’t think I would get emotional again seeing episode seven… but I was wrong.
It’s hard to watch, but it was even harder to live. When Darryl called me to let me know that Bernie and me had been selected, we were ecstatic until he told me the dates that we were going to film. I was out. Filming ended just three weeks before the due date of my second child, Wells. Darryl requested that I discuss this situation with my wife before I gave him my final decision.
When I wake up each morning and look over at my wife Amy, I feel like I’ve stolen something. I don’t think that feeling will ever change. She’s even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the out. Seeing her, you wouldn’t think that it would be possible. That being said, I knew what her position would be regarding the show even before I asked. I told her that I wouldn’t go but she insisted that I do it. That’s just how she is. She knew it is my dream to play on the PGA TOUR and get to play with Brandt again. She probably thought I would hang it over her head the rest of our lives. She knows me too well. She said that the chances of Wells coming early were slim and that I would most likely be back. Deep down, it felt like the equivalent of quick calling a putt that you knew was about to fall, then violently lips outs. We assured each other that I would come home if there were any problems and Darryl agreed. So it was done.
Then came the night before we shot episode seven. Amy and I had our customary fifteen minute supervised phone call around 6:00 p.m. She told me that she had been to doctor and he said the baby wouldn’t be early. Two hours later, Darryl, Paul, Reagan and the GOLF CHANNEL counsel came to the room to let me know Amy was in labor and what the options were. I talked to Amy, our parents and her doctor…..they assured me things were fine and to make sure to win Big Break X: Michigan. We all knew there was no way for me to make it home in time. The next available flight wasn’t until the next morning.
I have never felt more helpless or selfish in my life. Despite all the assurances from all the wonderful family and friends that you’re doing the right thing, you always have doubts….it’s human nature. Plus I had Bernie to think about. The truth is that it wasn’t just my dream anymore. Thanks to Paul and Darryl, I was allowed to have my cell phone during the evening. Finally at 3:36 a.m. I was able to hear Wells cry for the first time and I cried with him. Everything went great. Amy’s last words were, “Just think, after you win the Big Break, you get to come home and meet your son!”
Needless to say I didn’t sleep. I went downstairs for breakfast but couldn’t eat. Everyone was so supportive. I held it together as best I could through the day fighting back the emotion. I knew this was going to be our biggest test. It was a tremendous strain on Bernie as well and at times she was more emotional than me. We were fortunate to play well and make it safely to episode eight and the final four.
After we were finished with seven, for the first time I really felt the pressure of wanting to win. One thing is for sure, regardless of whether we win or lose, my wife Amy will always be my biggest break.
Casey & Rachel Lubahn Blog
Well, our journey on Big Break Michigan has come to an end, but it is hard to have anything less than great feelings about our experience. The opportunity to share this show with our loved ones and friends has been incredible. I think it has shown us that in everyone’s life, it is incredible how many people you come in contact with. I can’t thank them enough for watching and sharing in our excitement. No matter what happens on a golf course, Rachel and I are blessed to have so many dear people in our life.
This episode had a different feeling for us right from the beginning. I saw Haymes at breakfast and we had some small chit chat like always (btw, he is arguably the funniest human being I have had the pleasure of meeting) and he did not mention the fact that his first son was born that night. I think he was trying to get himself ready for the day. However, once we heard, I was so thrilled for him and his wife, who seems to be such an incredible person. It really gave us perspective as the day started.
The first challenge was a disaster from the start. I was not comfortable with the new swing changes on the driver, and it showed. I had made a grip change with an instructor of Big Break fame, Bart Lower, about two months before the show that was designed to eliminate the left shot. Leading up to the show, I couldn’t even make it hook. That’s why I was shocked when it kept going left. I had handled almost every iron shot well to that point, but I did not hit a driver or a putter until episode 6, the two clubs I was not feeling great with. When I stepped over that shot, I made myself trust it that I could swing away and not worry about the hook, however, that ended not being not the case.
Entering elimination I still felt confident we would get out and we certainly had our chances. Rachel’s three putt and my poor performance from the fourth location really opened the door, and Robby and Amber took advantage. The producers did not show the 5th location the first time, where we had a chance to win. I really liked our strategy because I felt we could make birdie half the time with a wedge, where the driver was a risky play. During the first playing of the hole, Robby hit a driver right of the green which was really a tough spot. Amber played to 40 feet and we had ended up having a 15 footer to win the match. Rachel hit a great putt, but it slid by the edge. It was the last opportunity we had. Robby’s shot still impresses me and I hope all the folks at home appreciate how fantastic it was - it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. He told us afterwards he felt like they had to do something special to beat us, and he certainly did. I hope that shot gives him the confidence to chase his dream knowing he can hit the big shots under heavy pressure.
In the end, our Big Break was not meant to be. However, four days after we returned home, I did receive my Big Break as I was named the Head Coach at Miami University in Oxford, OH. While my dream of playing the tour may have died on episode 7, my dream of leading a great university’s golf program was truly life changing. We continue to be proud of the fact that our marriage was more important to us than the show, and I hope we handled ourselves accordingly. We did this together and supported each other through our ups and downs, and even though there will always be plenty of critics out there, I am proud that as husband and wife we can hold our own as a team on and off the course.
We take away so much from our experience, and we cannot thank the folks at the Golf Channel enough. We were proud to represent Michigan and our families, and hopefully we can use this experience to meet more great friends. After all, the Big Break is a human story more than a golf story. We hope you enjoyed and stay tuned! There is going to be some great golf ahead!
Go RedHawks!!
David's Blog
Episode VII: Real Life Comes to Realty TV
What a beginning to a new day. Nothing like life perspective to set your day in motion. I was the last one down to breakfast that morning so when I walked into the room I saw Sally was in a very different distraught state of mind. So I knelt down beside her and asked what was wrong. She told me of Dr. Joe's accident. I felt bad for her. So I expressed my sympathies, gave her a hug and let her know everything would be all right.
Then I sat down at the table and across from Haymes and Bernie and heard about the baby. I was very happy for him, but I could see the pain and regret in his eyes. As a father myself I could imagine how difficult it was for him. I don't know how he got through the day. I have always heard “Great people do great things under great stress”. Haymes had certainly done that.
The challenges were really cool this morning. I think the play speaks for itself. Sally was back and awesome as ever. Haymes and Bernie were unbelievably good and Hugo and Camila were FTW (Fun To Watch) as always. I love the style and passion you see in their games.
It was great to be in the BMW Zone for the Elimination Challenge. We needed an easy day. Although, watching for me was just as hard. As much as I love to see someone rise to the occasion, I feel agony when they fail. The back and forth, success then failure of each person on each team was 'gut wrenching' to say the least. When you see competitors adapt and overcome you know they are made of the right stuff.
In the sudden death playoff that came about after the elimination challenge was over, you could feel the level of both teams rise to meet the task at hand. Robby’s drive was INCREDIBLE. Then Casey nearly holing out the wedge… Then Amber calling Robby off and draining that putt! Now is this great golf drama? Unfortunately, you hate to see anyone go but there can be only one winner. Casey and Rachel Lubahn were two of the nicest and sweetest people I have ever met. Through all of my antics they were still encouraging and supportive. I thank them and wish them much success in their new lives together.
Tune in next week to see if a new hero rises to face the beast or will all hope be lost and the golfing world be carried away to the 'Dark Side.'
Michael & Sherri's Blog
Show #7…and one thing is for sure, there is never a dull moment on this show or set. Haymes had to face his biggest fear about coming on this show, his wife going into labor early. It was obvious to all of us that this possibility was weighing on his mind from the moment he arrived in Michigan. He really wanted to be home during this time with his wife and family. But, his wife wouldn’t have it. She wanted him to take this once in a lifetime opportunity for himself and for his playing partner Bernie, and go get their Big Break. Haymes and Bernie always looked so composed and focused despite everything. All I can say is “WOW!” they are true professionals and such great role models. We were constantly impressed with how these two handled every part of this process from the golf, the antics, the long days, to the new birth.
On another note, Casey and Rachel L. leaving. Well, it just goes to show how crazy this game is. No one guessed in the beginning that they would leave so early. However, just an FYI for all of you: Casey struggled the entire time with a rib injury. He spent as much time with the trainer as he could on the set. This show is filmed in 13 days and it is 13 really long and exhausting days. When you have an injury like he had, I am not sure anyone could of held up better. He didn’t once complain or use it as an excuse. But, to those of us in the know, you could see how it started to affect his swing towards the end. I think if he had been a 100% healthy it may have been a different ending for the infamous shmoopies! Also, immediately following this shoot Casey and Rachel moved to Ohio. Casey was named the new Head Men’s Golf Coach at University of Miami Ohio. I guess we know now which one of you two will be pursuing their playing career and which one will be paying the bills now, don’t we?
And, finally what would a blog be without a few comments on Dave and Sally. Well, it just goes to show that when these two found a better more comfortable space they can play golf. This format and show is so much more difficult than any of you out there in TV land can comprehend. Any Big Break show is more difficult than you can comprehend period, but add a team dynamic and the level of difficulty goes through the roof! The idea of this format was to see how great players and their abilities can withstand being accountable to another individual. Most of us love the fact that when our round is over we only have one person to blame, ME! But, now we may have our partner. Our partner may affect whether or not I get to play on the greatest stage of all, the PGA or the LPGA. We saw Andrea and James struggle because James who is normally like ice on the course, started to melt a little when his performance could affect someone he really cared about. Or Rachel L. put more pressure on herself to execute shots so that maybe Casey won’t have to swing as much with his injury. Each and everyone of these competitors can play great golf, not just “I won my club championship” good golf. I mean they have won national junior events, national amateur events, collegiate events and World Long Drive competitions. Keep that in mind when you watch and decide how good these players are. As Two Gloves Tommy said when asked whether facing Davis Love in a playoff or facing Big Break Elimination was more difficult, he didn’t skip a beat to say, “BIG BREAK ELIMINATION!”
WEEK 8
David's Blog
Episode VIII: Darth Dave is dead! Long live Haymes the Magnificent!
Now that I have removed Haymes's foot from my throat and I am getting oxygen to my brain again, I can recall the day’s events.
The day started off very well, but slow. The first challenge was a curve ball. I like it now that I have seen it on TV, although I think they should have had one more round where the teammates switched positions. Sally made a great call letting Hugo hit the shot. You can't imagine how difficult that was with the two-hour wait in a secluded location, and then you are asked to stick it within twenty-five feet. We all thought Hugo was a bit unlucky when his ball hung out right with a right-to-left wind. He and Camila are such great talents. He reminds me of a young Seve B. (the original FTW player).
On a serious note, my thoughts and prayers go out to Seve and his family during this difficult time. Thank you Mr. Ballesteros for your style, passion and the unconquerable will you showed in your golf and now in life.
The next challenge was one of my favorites. I went first because that seemed to work best for us. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my A game—or B or even C—and let the team down. Those are the shots I am supposed to hit, like Robbie hit. Speaking of Robbie, what a show from him and Amber. Those two have incredible amounts of talent and resolve in their game. Robbie reminds me so much of myself 20 years ago. He performs best when his back is against the wall. Unfortunately, like me, it is usually his own fault that he is in that position. Amber is a pit bull with lipstick. If she ever finds 15 more yards, look out! They really helped make the show entertaining with their rips on me and my antics. Thanks Guys! I love you both, and hope you realize your dreams.
After putting us behind the eight ball, I thought very carefully about the third challenge. The decision to let Sally hit the tee shot was the right one. The shot onto that green required height and spin. If I had hit with a four or five iron to ensure hitting the fairway off the tee, Sally would have had to use a six iron or higher to hit the green. The landing area would have been about 15 feet wide for her. The green had a ridge running through it, and anything rolling was going out of the circle. I did not feel 18 points would be enough. As you saw, my swing issues continued, and I was unable to point, making it easy for the other groups.
In the elimination challenge I wanted a victory. As for what happened, the show pretty much covers it. The team of Haymes and Bernie proved to be too much for the individuals of Dave and Sally. My inability to fix my problem with LOFT (Lack Of Freakin' Talent) was evident. I thought Sally showed great perseverance in her ability to bounce back from the bogey on the first hole. I probably should have hit with a three wood off the tee on the last hole to ensure a birdie instead of playing for the hero shots, but that's not my style.
In competition, you learn lack of practice combined with a lack of commitment to your method is a certain recipe for failure. You have to commit to what you are doing first, and then learn from your mistakes if things don't work out. That's the only way to teach yourself to win. Second guessing is an endless layer of quicksand in which you will never escape.
The two weeks I spent in Boyne will be a great learning experience for me for many years to come. Through all the extremes, I had fun and was tested in ways I had never been tested before. Choosing to be paired on a team with my greatest adversary was particularly challenging, but we made the most of it. In the end, we certainly seemed to understand each other better. I thought we made great strides toward a friendship, but I guess I was wrong about that, too.
I wish everyone the best in their future endeavors. If I can ever help don't hesitate to call. As for me, maybe I can team up with another Big Breaker. What do you think? Don Donatello and I could star in School of Golf: DETENTION! It would probably be a bit too raw for the Golf Channel... or is it?
WEEK 9
Producer Darryl Marshall's Blog
Although it seems like only yesterday that taping began, we have narrowed down the competition to the final three teams. I can honestly tell you that I am not surprised which teams are still standing. Each one of them has something all the other teams lacked: a true sense of teamwork. All these teams have had moments where they have picked each other up in order to advance in the competition.
This was one of the longest days I have ever had on a Big Break shoot. From start to finish the cast and crew were on the course for a total of 14 hours. You can imagine how cranky we all were by the end of the day. I have to give props to our crew. Most of the guys and gals spent the day lugging a 35-pound camera on their shoulder, and they still got some amazing shots. The crew always works hard at getting their assigned shots, but they always go that extra mile to get a shot that the producers don’t see. A great example is a shot in episode seven when Amber ducked behind the scoreboard. She couldn’t bear to watch Camila and Hugo’s attempt to send her team directly to elimination. These are the type of shots a good crew gets. Anyone who thinks my crew doesn’t know what they are doing should strap on a camera and walk up and down a fairway for 12 hours a day!
Guys, thank you for working your butts of today and every day. I am very lucky to be working with such a great crew. You are the best.
Camila and Hugo are in the finale—which I know comes as a relief to the both of them, because Camila gave up her amateur status to participate in Big Break X Michigan. From our first interview in Port Saint Lucie, Fla., I fell in love with this couple. Their body language alone revealed how close they are, and to see them one step away from possibly grabbing that brass ring is just heartwarming.
However, one of the other remaining teams may have something to say about whether or not Camila and Hugo’s story has a happy ending. Whichever team wins (to paraphrase the USGA), it is certain that the series will have identified the best team in the field.
Michael & Sherri Blog
Well, it has been an exciting 2 weeks. First off we want to start by saying we hope everyone had a great holiday!
The last 2 weeks we have seen some great golf! The challenges last week were a great exhibition of shot making. The short game challenge was awesome! David and Sally ripped it up and as always Hugo and Camila show why they are so tough and why we affectionately call Hugo “Seve”. It was great to see that 2 long hitters can have great touch around the greens. All the remaining competitors are great golfers and we really got to see some of that. Unfortunately, David and Sally got eliminated in a rollercoaster ride of an elimination challenge. Just goes to show you it’s never over until it’s over.
This week was fun to watch too! No elimination and you really see how strong Hugo and Cami are playing and the first real chink in the armor from Haymes and Bernadette. They just didn’t look like they were clicking. We know Haymes was feeling really drained and at this point in the show the challenges and curve balls are really starting to wear on everyone. Robbie and Amber played well and how about those 2 clutch putts to really keep themselves in it! The short game challenge was fun too! Those shots were really clutch and those bunker shots were phenomenal. What you guys didn’t see was that they had to hit out of the bunker a few times because of ties.
We can’t wait to see what happens next week and who will move on to the final two! Congratulations again to Hugo and Camila for securing the spot in the final show.
P.S. Let’s all wish Andrea Luck as she begins her final stage in LPGA Qualifying school! Go Andrea!!!!!
WEEK 10
Producer Jon Painter's Blog
After shooting episode nine (one of the longest days I’ve worked on a Big Break), episode 10 shot like a dream. I think we were off the course by 11:30 (on time for lunch), wrapped the interviews by two, and hit the course for a little golf.
This match turned on that famous 15th hole at the Heather Course. It’s weird how a hole can become such a mental monster that it affects play. In the interviews, Haymes said that there was “bad mojo” on the hole. Maybe with everyone talking about it on the tee box, it got to peoples’ heads. When Bernadette’s ball went into the trees, I thought they were dead. With two-down and two-to-play, it seemed like game over. Then Robby tried to cut the corner and found trouble, and Haymes hit the miracle shot of shots through the trees. Suddenly the match was all square.
Then we went to hole #17. This was one of those surreal moments when you work on a show like Big Break. As both teams are looking at the green, our challenge tester, Chris who had hit a lot of putts on these greens when we were picking pins, calls out over the radio that Amber has just misread the break by 180 degrees, and Robby was going to miss big. When we went back and looked at the tape, we realized everyone on the green, except Haymes, was completely fooled by the landscape. When you see it on television, it looks pretty obvious because the cameras are all leveled, but standing there in real life, with the green cut into the side of the hill, it plays with your equilibrium. Even though the whole world is sloping left toward the lake on hole 18, it feels like the putt is going to go the other way. To make a long story short, all of us that were hooked up to a radio knew the putt was going to miss long before Robby took his stroke.
We said farewell to Robby and Amber today and set our final match: Camila & Hugo v. Bernadette & Haymes. With three different team formats, you will have to tune in next week to see what we’ve cooked up!
As I sign off for the last time, I have to thank my editors, Gaston, Andy and Troy, Glen our audio mixer, Adam our post-production PA, and the whole army of loggers that transcribed hours and hours of interviews and confessionals.
Peace!
