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The Big Break IV |
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The Big Break IV: USA v Europe
What an experience! The whole experience for me started back in April 2005 at the first Europro event of the year at Wensum Valley. When I arrived at the club on the practice day I was informed that a film crew were there auditioning for the upcoming series in the summer for the Big Break IV.
My room mates that week went for it so I followed suit. The audition process wasn't as easy as I thought. I went down to the practice range (where it was all going on) and was told to get a 5 iron out straight away (with no warm up) and hit a draw, a fade, a high one and then a low one! Then I had to do the same with a driver, then hit lob shots into a basket all in front of a video camera - then came the interview! This seemed to go very well and they seemed to like my dress sense too!
A month had passed and I had not even thought any more of it, then one day late in May I got a phone call confirming my participation in the show. I couldn't believe it! I was really excited by it all, but at the same time really apprehensive. All I was told was that I would fly to Edinburgh on June 14th for 2 weeks with 11 other contestants!
I was very nervous all day until I got to Edinburgh where I soon met up with Thomas and Warren and immediately felt at ease. I soon realised it was going to be a team format - Europe v America (Ryder Cup style!) Marty, Eddy and Richard soon joined us and we all seemed to gel straight away, it seemed a really good mix.
It wasn't long before we worked out we were going to Carnoustie and when we arrived we were treated like royalty. We all got our team kits, paired up and shown to our rooms. I really did feel part of a team, but when were we going to meet our opposition?
It wasn't until the next morning! We weren't sure what to expect when we first caught a glimpse of the American team - when we did they all seemed to blank us and we all thought "here we go, this could be interesting!"
As it turned out we all got on great. I didn't even feel like we were 2 divided teams.
Once we had a chance to eye up each other and assess each others games I felt sure Europe were definitely the stronger team throughout but felt that either Tommy or Paul were the danger men on the US team.
For me initially the whole thing was very nerve wracking! There must have been about 30 cameras and 75 film crew around us the whole time.
I came through the early round playing pretty average, but to be fair the format we were playing was all about surviving - you didn't always have to bring your A game - you just had to get through!
I think some turning points for me were when both Tommy and Warren were eliminated a lot earlier than I expected. For me these could have been potential winners.
Another big challenge was playing Thomas in the semis. Thomas had probably been the most consistent in all the eliminations, but I felt that the fact I had played more golf than him up to this point and come through it gave me a lot of confidence. Also the fact that Thomas had hardly played any golf meant I was probably favourite and this proved to be -eventually winning 4 and 2.
Now I was in the final! A great feeling and achievement. I think the problem may have been that I relaxed too much and lost my focus a little on the final. Paul Holtby was to be my opponent in the final and he proved to me he would be a tough opponent as he seemed to get stronger and stronger as the rounds went by.
It turned out to be a great final going right down to the last hole! I felt Paul gave me enough opportunities but I just couldn't take advantage of them. But when Paul missed a 3 footer for victory on the 17th I really felt I'd been given a life line and would turn the match around - but hats off to Paul as he stood up to a tough 12 footer for victory (on the 18th) and rolled the thing straight in. He showed great nerve and deserved it.
I had come so close to the dream prize and was gutted! I have no regrets though - it was an amazing experience - one that I have learnt so much from and feel privileged to have been part of.
Without doubt the moment that will stay with me was holing the 45 footer to win the 2 year lease on the Ford Explorer.
The whole camaraderie between all 12 of the players and people behind the scenes was amazing. I have made so many great friends - it was a life experience!
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| Course Records |
Newbury & Crookham 63
Saunton West 63
Royal Ascot 65
The Bedfordshire 65
Windlesham 68 |
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| Tournament Wins |
Europro Collingtree Pk 07
Golf with style Global Champion 06
Grand Challenge Cup 98
Price of Wales 98
East Berks Club Chmp 98
Brenn Trophy 97
Burnham Beeches Tr. 96
Windlesham Club Chmp 96
East Berks Club Chmp 95
Laleham Open 95
Burnham Beeches Open 95
Flackwell Heath Open 94 |
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