Big Break Dominican Republic -- Reunion. Revenge. Redemption.

[Asleep]

congrats to the ladies & Blair O'Neal!!!

Big Break Dominican Republic

premieres September 29 at 9 p.m. ET on The Golf Channel

Reunion. Revenge. Redemption. The players you know and love—or hate—are back for redemption and the lion's share of $100,000. This fall, an all-star cast of six men and six women from past seasons team up to compete in a rare second chance competition on the island resort of Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. Hosted by Tom Abbott and Stephanie Sparks.


Hometown: Tempe, Ariz.; Home Golf Course: Arizona State Karsten Golf Course, Tempe, Ariz.; Age: 29
Hometown: Belfast, Ireland; Home Golf Course: Bulls Bay Golf Course, Awendaw, S.C.; Age: 27
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Home Golf Course: Centennial Valley Country Club, Conway, Ark.; Age: 27
Hometown: Torrance, Calif.; Home Golf Course: Woodland Hills Country Club, Woodland Hills, Calif.; El Dorado Park Golf Course, Long Beach, Calif.; Age: 26
Hometown: Ithaca, N.Y.; Home Golf Course: Rio Pinar Country Club, Orlando, Fla.; Age: 46
Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.; Home Golf Course: La Paloma Country Club, Tucson, Ariz.; Black Diamond Ranch, Lecanto, Fla.; Age: 24
Hometown: New York, N.Y.; Home Golf Course: Trump National, Westchester, N.Y.; Age: 24
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas; Home Golf Course: Cordillera Ranch Country Club, Boerne, Texas; Age: 37
Hometown: Monrovia, Calif.; Home Golf Course: Colorado National Golf Club, Erie, Colo.; Age: 26
Hometown: Greensburg, Pa.; Home Golf Course: Totteridge Golf Club, Greensburg, Pa.; Age: 37
Hometown: Brundidge, Ala.; Home Golf Course: Skybrook Country Club, Huntersville, N.C.; Age: 45
Hometown: South Hill, Va.; Home Golf Course: Rio Pinar Country Club, Orlando, Fla.; Age: 24

read more: http://www.thegolfchannel.com/big-break-dominican-republic/

means on the bench for next show.


means on the bench for the remainder of the series.(unless rescued)

[Awsi Dooger]

Should be good. Early thoughts, before episode one:

* Many of these contestants were stained by their previous experience and may tone it down, unfortunately. Blake comes to mind first. David Mobley is the one glaring exception. I expect he'll try to dominate the villain mode, and every episode.

* Andrew and Blake should be okay. That feud was overblown. Christina and Lori is another matter. Golfgal interviewed both of them separately when the show aired and the weekly tension was delicious.

* I'll be interested to see if Sara's reputation holds on boards like this. I thought she displayed a cheap dagger several times on Sandals Resorts, notably to Kelly and Carling, but the victims weren't strong enough or mean enough to call her on it. That won't be the case here.

* Number one wish is Brian to be Brian again

[bob1]

GO SARA!!!

[Aces-6]

Played against A Rod earler in life in the San Antonio City Amateur. Fine, fine player then but I don't recall much about his behavior. Best I can remember he was fairly quiet and workman like while whipping my arse!! This is when he was at that other, little brother, substandard junior college in College Station

[Ghost_Orchid]

I hope none of those idiots hook up with my girl Sara.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Ghost_Orchid' timestamp='1285808782' post='2720757']
I hope none of those idiots hook up with my girl Sara.
[/quote]
She's a hugger I hear!

Stay away from my girl!

[Awsi Dooger]

The 1 shot handicap eliminated any threat of suspense. I can't believe they contemplated that, let alone decided to use it.

It's going to diminish the series if they keep that in place. The producers have often said viewers won't watch bad golf. I'm not interested in watching unfair golf. It's mathematically clueless to introduce that type of imbalance, particularly when the superior player has the 1 shot spot. It's like football or basketball when a team is much better and playing at home. How many advantages you you want?

It's this season's version of the Save/Send card, something they brought out of nowhere and didn't think out properly. Make it 1/2 shot, if you insist on a handicap. At least that way the disadvantaged player merely needs to win by 1. Seriously, what were the odds of Brenda defeating Anthony by 2 or more over 2 holes?

Darn shame, because other aspects of episode one were very good. The long opener was effective including the airport scenes. The introductory sequence with each player's name on screen was the best ever, so dramatically improved over Sandals Resorts it's like a completely different company produced it. The handoffs from player to player in that segment are upbeat and tongue in cheek, with patience instead of the frantic and disjointed flashes from scene to scene like Sandals Resorts.

Also, the glass breaking challenge was terrific, and not merely because it was so tight. Everyone got to participate, dozens of shots including a time criteria. In Sandals Resorts the producers managed to twist that challenge to such absurdity only 7 shots were attempted.

[Phireside]

So happy to se Sara Brown again. GO SARA!

[LightningSTL26]

[quote name='Awsi Dooger' timestamp='1285818867' post='2721043']
The 1 shot handicap eliminated any threat of suspense. I can't believe they contemplated that, let alone decided to use it.

It's going to diminish the series if they keep that in place. The producers have often said viewers won't watch bad golf. I'm not interested in watching unfair golf. It's mathematically clueless to introduce that type of imbalance, particularly when the superior player has the 1 shot spot. It's like football or basketball when a team is much better and playing at home. How many advantages you you want?

It's this season's version of the Save/Send card, something they brought out of nowhere and didn't think out properly. Make it 1/2 shot, if you insist on a handicap. At least that way the disadvantaged player merely needs to win by 1. Seriously, what were the odds of Brenda defeating Anthony by 2 or more over 2 holes?

Darn shame, because other aspects of episode one were very good. The long opener was effective including the airport scenes. The introductory sequence with each player's name on screen was the best ever, so dramatically improved over Sandals Resorts it's like a completely different company produced it. The handoffs from player to player in that segment are upbeat and tongue in cheek, with patience instead of the frantic and disjointed flashes from scene to scene like Sandals Resorts.

Also, the glass breaking challenge was terrific, and not merely because it was so tight. Everyone got to participate, dozens of shots including a time criteria. In Sandals Resorts the producers managed to twist that challenge to such absurdity only 7 shots were attempted.
[/quote]

Agreed on every single point you made...gotta say that the introduction sequence is on a whole new level and its actually interesting to watch. Hopefully they will also find a more creative way to provide an advantage to the winning team. If they can change that up, I think it will make for a great season.

[Vagolf]

I thought the show was pretty good but I don't really understand the "benching" competition at the end. A one stroke advantage on two holes is huge as someone already pointed out but I also do not see where it benefits the team that has the winner of it. It would seem to me like you would hope that a member of your team gets benched. I know you will have one less teammate the following show but at least you will not be trailing in the mvp points race. I would have liked it a little better if the whole team had something to gain from having a member of their team win it. I did not like the "save/send" and I do not like the "benching" but I do like to watch Sara Brown compete so I will be following the show. The other disappointment is with no Don Donatello...I don't know if they asked and he declined or if they just did not want him back. I would be curious to know if the asked him or not?

[Asleep]

[quote name='Vagolf' timestamp='1285851041' post='2721367']... no Don Donatello...I don't know if they asked and he declined or if they just did not want him back. I would be curious to know if the asked him or not?
[/quote]
I bet GolfGal can answer that: http://www.golfgal-blog.com/

[sanjuanfly]

I can't believe I missed the premier. Does anyone know if they are going to re-air it?

[dalehead]

[quote name='sanjuanfly' timestamp='1285853720' post='2721433']
I can't believe I missed the premier. Does anyone know if they are going to re-air it?
[/quote]

[InspiredTP]

To those who watched, was it FINALLY back to being a "golf" contest, or the usual-as-of-late "soap opera with a sprinkle of golf"?

Given the last 3 seasons have degenerated into focusing on pure drama instead of golf, combined with the fact that they've brought back "the most controversial" characters, I didn't bother watching. To me, the commercial featuring Blair in a bikini was all that was going to be worth seeing, but figured I'd at least ask those who tuned in.....

Thoughts?

[RAD3]

I was really enjoying this first episode untill they threw in that 1 stroke "penalty" (and when my gal Blair couldn't come up with a half in her match:0( ) Having the winning team be able to choose both players for the final match is plenty advantagous enough IMO.

I thought they did a great job with the opening...a nice way to re-introduce the players. Having the glass break right away was also a great idea. Wasn't happy to see Tom Abbott back as co-host though.

The benching thing is tough 'cause a benched player obviously can't win any points for themselves or their team. I'm not sure that it is a necessary twist though because the worst players wouldn't be earning as many points anyhow.

As for the play, it went about how I expected it to. Brenda is clearly the weak link on the women's team. If I recall her bio vid correctly I don't believe that she has hardly played any golf for sometime. Brian's game seems to still be more in his mind then on the course but it's pretty hard to tell from what little we got to see in one show. I was a little surprised to see Blair hit driver on that last match hole and then hit such a poor bunker shot.

It seems like it could be a very good BB. I heard Blair on a radio interview and she declared it the best BB yet so I hope that means it won't turn into a run-away like it looks as if it could.

[RAD3]

[quote name='sanjuanfly' timestamp='1285853720' post='2721433']
I can't believe I missed the premier. Does anyone know if they are going to re-air it?
[/quote]

I believe that this first episode will be repeated just before show #2 next Tues.

[RAD3]

[quote name='InspiredTP' timestamp='1285854518' post='2721447']
To those who watched, was it FINALLY back to being a "golf" contest, or the usual-as-of-late "soap opera with a sprinkle of golf"?

Given the last 3 seasons have degenerated into focusing on pure drama instead of golf, combined with the fact that they've brought back "the most controversial" characters, I didn't bother watching. To me, the commercial featuring Blair in a bikini was all that was going to be worth seeing, but figured I'd at least ask those who tuned in.....

Thoughts?
[/quote]

Very little drama last night...a mostly golf episode. I don't expect that will last though :0)

[geoffaw]

[quote name='Awsi Dooger' timestamp='1285818867' post='2721043']
The 1 shot handicap eliminated any threat of suspense. I can't believe they contemplated that, let alone decided to use it.

It's going to diminish the series if they keep that in place. The producers have often said viewers won't watch bad golf. I'm not interested in watching unfair golf. It's mathematically clueless to introduce that type of imbalance, particularly when the superior player has the 1 shot spot. It's like football or basketball when a team is much better and playing at home. How many advantages you you want?

It's this season's version of the Save/Send card, something they brought out of nowhere and didn't think out properly. Make it 1/2 shot, if you insist on a handicap. At least that way the disadvantaged player merely needs to win by 1. Seriously, what were the odds of Brenda defeating Anthony by 2 or more over 2 holes?


[/quote]

While I agree that the 1 shot may be too much, I think that they are trying to stir up some serious intrigue going between the players on the winning team, because of the winner takes all nature (money + MVP points vs. benching) I think that you'll start seeing some serious politics between the players when it comes to playing in the challenge. Plus the fact that if the losing team member actually does pull off the win, they get a pretty good edge on the other team members, besides simply being able to play the next time.

Any idea on how they handle teams when there are benched players, does the winning team get to sit a player? (If so I think Brian or Dave'll being riding the pine a good bit) or will a player on the previously losing team have to go twice? Would also be interesting if a benched player was eligible for the benching challenge, if so Brenda ain't long for the show

[Asleep]

[quote name='sanjuanfly' timestamp='1285853720' post='2721433']
I can't believe I missed the premier. Does anyone know if they are going to re-air it?
[/quote]

http://www.thegolfchannel.com/big-break-dominican-republic/schedule/?select=237

[RAD3]

[quote name='geoffaw' timestamp='1285863429' post='2721638']
[quote name='Awsi Dooger' timestamp='1285818867' post='2721043']
The 1 shot handicap eliminated any threat of suspense. I can't believe they contemplated that, let alone decided to use it.

It's going to diminish the series if they keep that in place. The producers have often said viewers won't watch bad golf. I'm not interested in watching unfair golf. It's mathematically clueless to introduce that type of imbalance, particularly when the superior player has the 1 shot spot. It's like football or basketball when a team is much better and playing at home. How many advantages you you want?

It's this season's version of the Save/Send card, something they brought out of nowhere and didn't think out properly. Make it 1/2 shot, if you insist on a handicap. At least that way the disadvantaged player merely needs to win by 1. Seriously, what were the odds of Brenda defeating Anthony by 2 or more over 2 holes?


[/quote]

While I agree that the 1 shot may be too much, I think that they are trying to stir up some serious intrigue going between the players on the winning team, because of the winner takes all nature (money + MVP points vs. benching) I think that you'll start seeing some serious politics between the players when it comes to playing in the challenge. Plus the fact that if the losing team member actually does pull off the win, they get a pretty good edge on the other team members, besides simply being able to play the next time.

Any idea on how they handle teams when there are benched players, does the winning team get to sit a player? (If so I think Brian or Dave'll being riding the pine a good bit) or will a player on the previously losing team have to go twice? Would also be interesting if a benched player was eligible for the benching challenge, if so Brenda ain't long for the show
[/quote]

The team that has an extra player will naturally have a big advantage as that extra player has the oportunity to score points for his team and himself. As for Brenda, she's just a huge drag on the women's team. I remember her saying in her bio vid that she had pretty much given up playing after BB PEI. Pretty hard to whip a game (that wasn't so great anyway) into shape in a few weeks before flying off to the Dominican. Unfair to the gals really.

[jsjmp]

Glad to see Brian hasn't changed a bit.  Stop talking and hit some good shots.  He almost blew the glass breaking challenge for the guys. Dave was a little slow too but had the most pressure on him being in the last spot.  The other guys were 1 and down.  Really impressive.  

Overall, the scoring/benching set-up for the show is way too confusing but I will be watching. 

[BirdKiller14]

I'm thinking it will get really old listening to the girls act like cheerleaders all season!!!!!!

[phillypete]

Boo! Strike Eraser!

I was digging the survival vs points aspect of the show but that sort of defeats the strategy.

[phillypete]

Waste Management Challenge?

Too much going on. It seems like the producer never heard an idea he/she didn't like.

[MtlJeff]

anyone see A-Rod is still using the I5's? Classic irons...

[Awsi Dooger]

How many weeks is this series going to last? Unless I'm missing something, or they change the format and double up, it takes 12 weeks minimum to bench an entire team. If it's neck and neck that number is virtually doubled, and now they throw in the Strike Eraser. I kind of like that aspect. We already know it shows up at least once. They have a clip of a lengthy shot going in on a circle challenge.

Tonight was similar to episode one, interesting head to head matchups then a worthless final segment due to the idiotic 2 shot handicap. Big Break producers get in trouble when they have room to think. In the typical version it's a lazy crutch to have the weekly elimination end each episode. Here, they are scrambling, and not effectively.

I agree it should be interesting to watch the players on the winning team fight over the benching challenge. Particularly the men. Several of these guys still aspire to tournament golf and $5000 is a huge chunk on their level. The women were desperate to even the points tonight so Lori was an obvious choice. I wonder if that will continue? I didn't like it. Lori won 20-something thousand in the bonuses at Ka'anapali. Give someone else a turn. Blair, Elena and Sara were in Q School recently. That's $5000 right there. Christina considered it but didn't try this time.

Next week apparently will feature some classic Brianisms.

[Jag80]

Question. Should I be laughing at Brian or feeling sorry for him? Dude is a mental case! Blake isn't much better. Sara's going to be asking for meds if she three putts from 8 feet again.

All in all I find this one entertaining. I don't like the bonus that is given before the final challenge, though. Two points was too much to overcome.

[Borthwick]

Has Brian even picked up a club since PEI? He's awful thus far.

[jsjmp]

The show is way too complicated but regardless I am enjoying it.  My one caveat is that I do not think that if a team is forced to sit one of its members because it "won" last week, then that player is allowed to be pulled into the next benching challenge.  Coming off the bench cold for the day is too much of a disadvantage.

[RAD3]

While I like the strike eraser(because it ain't that likely) I gotta say that I now have no Idea of who is where. It's just getting too complicated. A lot of poor play last night. So far I think that Brian is playing worse on this show then on PEI where he knocked some players out early. As far as length of the show...I follow Blair on Twitter and there was a period of time early this summer that she did not tweet for almost a month and she's usually pretty prolific on there so maybe it was longer then the usual two weeks.

Edit: wanted to add that I'm disapointed that Golfgal isn't doing her BB interviews this time. I wonder if GC nixed them? It was always a great way to get some real insite into the show.