Big Break Atlantis

[PedronNiall]

I was definitely surprised by Zakiya's choice to give up her points given how well she had played in general, especially after nailing her putt during the challenge after backing her team off of getting Yani to take the putt for her. I think she could have easily survived the challenge, but gotta do what feels right in the situation.

So is it skill or setup that's keeping the girls in the fairway? Just noticed that the majority are striping it down the center pretty much every time and it tends to be the odd person out missing the fairway that costs everything.

[Jbird33]

[quote name='Auditor_Kevin' timestamp='1337094626' post='4918154']
The only one I'm rooting against is the one working for the environmental special interest group in DC. She want to make me wash and separate my garbage while she indulges her passion for a sport that requires a patch of Earth with more fertilizer and unnatural chemicals in it than a third world drainage ditch. Go figure that one out.
[/quote]

I'm glad somebody thinks the same way I do. Though I will say that she appears to be a sandwich shy of a picnic in the I.Q. dept. When she speaks she sounds like she just smoked a big bowl.

[J Jack]

[quote name='TheOrange2002' timestamp='1337733089' post='4961254']
[quote name='J Jack' timestamp='1337718818' post='4959890']
Ouch. Orange 2002 drops the hammer - only 20 posts/year but he makes them count

[/quote]


Too soon?
[/quote]


Maybe too late! Unbelievable how poorly Wie is playing

[Awsi Dooger]

[quote name='Yepyukon' timestamp='1337714482' post='4959456']
Anyone with more time/attention span than me want to make a list of all the previous Big Break winners and where they are now? I know a few people that were on the show are playing in the bigs but not sure if any of the winners are. [/quote]

This is a good breakdown of the contestants and eventual winner:

http://golf.about.com/od/thebigbreak/tp/big-break.htm

Tommy Gainey won the second one he was on, Big Break Reunion.

Among the other winners I'm not sure anybody is on the so-called bigs. Justin Peters, winner of the first Big Break, is still playing competitively. I've seen his name sporadically on the Nationwide Tour this year. Kim Welch of Ka'anapali had low LPGA status for a couple of years and played the LET in 2010 and 2011 but lost high status for 2012. She's tried Monday LPGA qualifiers this year without success. Carling Coffing (Sandals Resorts) has fared so poorly on the Symetra Tour lately that she doesn't play every event, in fact not in the field next week. Blair O'Neal (MVP -- Big Break Dominican Republic) is on the Symetra Tour but hasn't made a cut so far this season. Anthony Rodriguez was men's MVP at Dominican Republic and not technically the overall winner, but he did receive a PGA exemption, and is on Nationwide this year. Not playing poorly but missing many cuts by 1 or 2 shots. Anthony would be doing fine with a cut to 70 and ties. At 60 and ties he's fallen just outside the number.

[PedronNiall]

Surprised Coffing has fallen apart like that. She was competing decently at some notable LPGA events in the middle of last season IIRC. There was a thread demonizing her for her birdie dance.

[eric_b]

Ya, I agree to an extent. I'm not bitter or anything. I take it for what it is and watch it. I'd just like to see it survive since it is fairly original and different It's got some golf in it after all. :)

 

The part I disagree on is the validity of the show. They seem to *want* it to be a valid golf competition but then don't try very hard to actually make it one. I mean.. Adams SPONSORS a player for a year. Wouldn't Adams like to see the BEST player be sponsored?

 

I think you can have substance and entertainment in the same show. Maybe American Idol is an example? TBB obviously tries to change it up by differing the point system every season but it's just a band aid that will end up having the show bleed out. In the end they keep letting strong players get eliminated early. How many times can people handle watching the these players leave early because of a lame format before we stop watching?

 

It's probably gone longer than expected so they're just going to milk the format for all it's worth instead of improving it. Kinda seems like the model for some of GC shows all around now that I think about it.

 

 

I agree with your point concerning how you would think the sponsors would want a winner of substance.....but i can't get on board with the rest of it.....sorry to continue the argument.....but hey, gotta kill time at work somehow.....

 

I don't think the golf channel wants the show to have substance....they want the show to get ratings.....and, if we're being honest with ourselves, i don't think substance gets ratings. Substance requires thought and attention from viewers....and the average person doesn't like that.....we live in a world of frenetic instant media with everything being quick and flash and easy to digest.....adding substance to the show and making it more about the better players would probably turn the average consumer away because it would require more focused time and attention to actually learn what's going on.....yeah, that doesn't work for joe and jane average.

 

it's sad....but probably true.

 

That being written.....it's worked pretty well so far. This is the 17th run of big break.....so i would say that's pretty successful.....and i can't see golf channel changing a thing.

 

Also.....american idol has substance? ummmmm.....seriously? Sorry to get personal.....but are you nuts? That show is an example of the how mindless the masses can be.....for years that show was "watch the mindless zombies call in to vote for whoever simon cowell likes"......seriously, i used to watch the show and i was always blown away by how whoever simon cowell liked moved on despite a stunning lack of talent (but impressive amount of marketability....and cowell, being a smart business man, could care less about talent....he was all about what he could sell) while those he criticized got the axe. In addition, how many american idol "stars" have made it.....by my count: 2.....kelly clarkson and chris daughtry......the rest are popping up here and there....but haven't really achieved any kind of sustained success.....that's not exactly substance......it's basically a talent contest to further distract and already stupid and pacified masses......

 

but i digress.....

[Splitter]

Ya, I agree to an extent. I'm not bitter or anything. I take it for what it is and watch it. I'd just like to see it survive since it is fairly original and different It's got some golf in it after all. :)

 

The part I disagree on is the validity of the show. They seem to *want* it to be a valid golf competition but then don't try very hard to actually make it one. I mean.. Adams SPONSORS a player for a year. Wouldn't Adams like to see the BEST player be sponsored?

 

I think you can have substance and entertainment in the same show. Maybe American Idol is an example? TBB obviously tries to change it up by differing the point system every season but it's just a band aid that will end up having the show bleed out. In the end they keep letting strong players get eliminated early. How many times can people handle watching the these players leave early because of a lame format before we stop watching?

 

It's probably gone longer than expected so they're just going to milk the format for all it's worth instead of improving it. Kinda seems like the model for some of GC shows all around now that I think about it.

 

 

I agree with your point concerning how you would think the sponsors would want a winner of substance.....but i can't get on board with the rest of it.....sorry to continue the argument.....but hey, gotta kill time at work somehow.....

 

I don't think the golf channel wants the show to have substance....they want the show to get ratings.....and, if we're being honest with ourselves, i don't think substance gets ratings. Substance requires thought and attention from viewers....and the average person doesn't like that.....we live in a world of frenetic instant media with everything being quick and flash and easy to digest.....adding substance to the show and making it more about the better players would probably turn the average consumer away because it would require more focused time and attention to actually learn what's going on.....yeah, that doesn't work for joe and jane average.

 

it's sad....but probably true.

 

That being written.....it's worked pretty well so far. This is the 17th run of big break.....so i would say that's pretty successful.....and i can't see golf channel changing a thing.

 

Also.....american idol has substance? ummmmm.....seriously? Sorry to get personal.....but are you nuts? That show is an example of the how mindless the masses can be.....for years that show was "watch the mindless zombies call in to vote for whoever simon cowell likes"......seriously, i used to watch the show and i was always blown away by how whoever simon cowell liked moved on despite a stunning lack of talent (but impressive amount of marketability....and cowell, being a smart business man, could care less about talent....he was all about what he could sell) while those he criticized got the axe. In addition, how many american idol "stars" have made it.....by my count: 2.....kelly clarkson and chris daughtry......the rest are popping up here and there....but haven't really achieved any kind of sustained success.....that's not exactly substance......it's basically a talent contest to further distract and already stupid and pacified masses......

 

but i digress.....

 

I've already put too much time into talking about this as well. And since I'm not going to change anything and since I still DVR the show, it's hard to disagree... *I* just think it could be better. Some agree, some not so much. :)

 

As far as AI, look here: http://en.wikipedia....dol_contestants

 

I had to look it up myself to see if they had done well or not.

 

I think you'll see that the contestants from AI have done far more than you think and even if it's not *a lot* by your standards have done more in their respective field than anyone from BB. That was my point. AI knows how to have success after the show. But to your point, BB probably doesn't care, although I wish they would. Maybe they know something I don't. Wouldn't be the first time. :)

 

Two different shows, so we could argue about it all day I guess. I was just throwing it out there as a casual example.. I'm not stuck on either thing really. I couldn't argue either show without looking stuff up, so I probably don't care *that* much. :)

[Cajun83]

[quote name='eric_b' timestamp='1337868407' post='4970024']
In addition, how many american idol "stars" have made it.....by my count: 2.....kelly clarkson and chris daughtry......the rest are popping up here and there....but haven't really achieved any kind of sustained success.....that's not exactly substance......it's basically a talent contest to further distract and already stupid and pacified masses......

but i digress.....
[/quote]

Carrie Underwood much, Fantasia Barrino (might not like her but a Grammy says she's "made" it.), Jennifer Hudson (golden globe, grammy, SAG award), Kelly Pickler (multiple CMT awards), Scotty McCreery (AMA, ACM) All of those have "made it" as far as I'm concerned...

[PittShark]

On an interesting side note, I was just talking to Aubrey on FB and she said she was here, in Pittsburgh, visiting for the weekend with Anya. Said they were playing all weekend at a couple nice clubs. She also said that she was getting ready for the LPGA Shoprite Classic Pro-Am next weekend while Anya is getting ready for the US Open qualifier. I wouldn't have minded getting in a round with them, but alas, no such invite was offered, haha.

[eric_b]

In addition, how many american idol "stars" have made it.....by my count: 2.....kelly clarkson and chris daughtry......the rest are popping up here and there....but haven't really achieved any kind of sustained success.....that's not exactly substance......it's basically a talent contest to further distract and already stupid and pacified masses......

 

but i digress.....

 

Carrie Underwood much, Fantasia Barrino (might not like her but a Grammy says she's "made" it.), Jennifer Hudson (golden globe, grammy, SAG award), Kelly Pickler (multiple CMT awards), Scotty McCreery (AMA, ACM) All of those have "made it" as far as I'm concerned...

 

 

Well there you go.....goes to show how much i know about pop culture......

[eric_b]

Ya, I agree to an extent. I'm not bitter or anything. I take it for what it is and watch it. I'd just like to see it survive since it is fairly original and different It's got some golf in it after all. :)

 

The part I disagree on is the validity of the show. They seem to *want* it to be a valid golf competition but then don't try very hard to actually make it one. I mean.. Adams SPONSORS a player for a year. Wouldn't Adams like to see the BEST player be sponsored?

 

I think you can have substance and entertainment in the same show. Maybe American Idol is an example? TBB obviously tries to change it up by differing the point system every season but it's just a band aid that will end up having the show bleed out. In the end they keep letting strong players get eliminated early. How many times can people handle watching the these players leave early because of a lame format before we stop watching?

 

It's probably gone longer than expected so they're just going to milk the format for all it's worth instead of improving it. Kinda seems like the model for some of GC shows all around now that I think about it.

 

 

I agree with your point concerning how you would think the sponsors would want a winner of substance.....but i can't get on board with the rest of it.....sorry to continue the argument.....but hey, gotta kill time at work somehow.....

 

I don't think the golf channel wants the show to have substance....they want the show to get ratings.....and, if we're being honest with ourselves, i don't think substance gets ratings. Substance requires thought and attention from viewers....and the average person doesn't like that.....we live in a world of frenetic instant media with everything being quick and flash and easy to digest.....adding substance to the show and making it more about the better players would probably turn the average consumer away because it would require more focused time and attention to actually learn what's going on.....yeah, that doesn't work for joe and jane average.

 

it's sad....but probably true.

 

That being written.....it's worked pretty well so far. This is the 17th run of big break.....so i would say that's pretty successful.....and i can't see golf channel changing a thing.

 

Also.....american idol has substance? ummmmm.....seriously? Sorry to get personal.....but are you nuts? That show is an example of the how mindless the masses can be.....for years that show was "watch the mindless zombies call in to vote for whoever simon cowell likes"......seriously, i used to watch the show and i was always blown away by how whoever simon cowell liked moved on despite a stunning lack of talent (but impressive amount of marketability....and cowell, being a smart business man, could care less about talent....he was all about what he could sell) while those he criticized got the axe. In addition, how many american idol "stars" have made it.....by my count: 2.....kelly clarkson and chris daughtry......the rest are popping up here and there....but haven't really achieved any kind of sustained success.....that's not exactly substance......it's basically a talent contest to further distract and already stupid and pacified masses......

 

but i digress.....

 

I've already put too much time into talking about this as well. And since I'm not going to change anything and since I still DVR the show, it's hard to disagree... *I* just think it could be better. Some agree, some not so much. :)

 

As far as AI, look here: http://en.wikipedia....dol_contestants

 

I had to look it up myself to see if they had done well or not.

 

I think you'll see that the contestants from AI have done far more than you think and even if it's not *a lot* by your standards have done more in their respective field than anyone from BB. That was my point. AI knows how to have success after the show. But to your point, BB probably doesn't care, although I wish they would. Maybe they know something I don't. Wouldn't be the first time. :)

 

Two different shows, so we could argue about it all day I guess. I was just throwing it out there as a casual example.. I'm not stuck on either thing really. I couldn't argue either show without looking stuff up, so I probably don't care *that* much. :)

 

 

i think the long and tall of it is.....big break is kinda silly and could be worth something if they cared....and they probably won't as the show is making money as is......

 

So.....to sum up.....enjoy the T&A everybody!

[Yepyukon]

I don't see how people can say they don't pick the best talented people. Sure, it looks like a scratch could beat them from what we see on tv; but, there have been what? 5 people from the show that hit the big times (PGA and LPGA). Out of the millions of golfers that would love to make it on tour, and the few that actually have the game to make it, the BB has found several. That is impressive IMO.

But it is also a television show. Shows only survive with high ratings. Sex, conflict and intrigue produce high ratings.

[Splitter]

[quote name='eric_b' timestamp='1337882553' post='4971564']

So.....to sum up.....enjoy the T&A everybody!
[/quote]

[Awsi Dooger]

[quote name='PedronNiall' timestamp='1337835292' post='4968880']
Surprised Coffing has fallen apart like that. She was competing decently at some notable LPGA events in the middle of last season IIRC. There was a thread demonizing her for her birdie dance. [/quote]

The LPGA event and LET (Dubai) event were late 2010, after her Big Break victory. Carling indeed played very well in those tournaments, making the cut easily. She was briefly high on the leaderboard at -6 on Saturday in the CVS Pharmacy event.

Carling got a major golf makeover prior to 2011. She changed coaches, specs, hired a caddie, and made swing changes. I thought it sounded like too much, even though she bragged about it, saying her previous clubs didn't fit her properly, based on everything she'd learned in the offseason after extensive fitting.

There's no betting on the Symetra Tour. If there had been, I would have opposed Carling weekly in the head-to-head matchups. Her scoring average had been steadily on the improve every year, and suddenly she denounced everything she had been doing and relied on altered clubs. It hinted at backfire and it's played out that way. Carling has made only 3 of 16 cuts the past two seasons. Her scoring average jumped more than 2.5 shots last season after the changes, and it's up another 2 shots this year. In short, non competitive.

http://lpgafuturestour.com/content//2012PlayerBios/CoffingCarling.html

I hope Carling can somehow revive her game. June is a big month on the Symetra Tour, with a tournament every week. I was wrong that she's not in the field next week. I checked today and the most recent list includes Carling.

I forgot to mention Briana Vega among the previous Big Break champs. She's still on the Symetra Tour, determined to stay as long as it takes to reach the LPGA. Bri's results have been stagnant for years.

Ashley Prange, winner of Big Break Hawaii, retired from the Symetra Tour last year to become women's golf coach at Jacksonville University.

Plenty of Big Break women who are not on the LPGA have attempted to qualify for this year's US Open. So far only Lili Alvarez has made it, surviving a 3-way playoff for the last spot.

BTW, on another golf message board today a poster had good info that Gerina (Mendoza) Piller will appear as a surprise playing guest on this Big Break. My posts tend to ramble so I can avoid spoiler concern by placing the important stuff at the end.

[SPY ZINGER]

New MH video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkSNZqsDOgs

[PedronNiall]

[quote name='Awsi Dooger' timestamp='1337906325' post='4973636']
The LPGA event and LET (Dubai) event were late 2010, after her Big Break victory. Carling indeed played very well in those tournaments, making the cut easily. She was briefly high on the leaderboard at -6 on Saturday in the CVS Pharmacy event.

Carling got a major golf makeover prior to 2011. She changed coaches, specs, hired a caddie, and made swing changes. I thought it sounded like too much, even though she bragged about it, saying her previous clubs didn't fit her properly, based on everything she'd learned in the offseason after extensive fitting.

[/quote]

I just have never understood this. Saw the story of the NZ pro who did the same. Won the Players, then got new sponsors, a new swing coach, the whole nine. Why mess with it if it's not broken. To each his own, but once I get on tour anyone who comes sniffing around talking to me about swing changes can kick sand. If you've got it grooved, stick with it. If you need help, make sure you find someone whom you click with, not someone pouring honey in your ear. Hope to God no one ever gets a hold of Fowler.

[MizunoMatt]

[quote name='SPY ZINGER' timestamp='1337913071' post='4974274']
New MH video:

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkSNZqsDOgs"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=dkSNZqsDOgs[/url]
[/quote]


Mmmmm

[PedronNiall]

[quote name='SPY ZINGER' timestamp='1337913071' post='4974274']
New MH video:

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkSNZqsDOgs"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=dkSNZqsDOgs[/url]
[/quote]

Two things:

1) She has a pretty good swing but that head drop is gonna catch up to her under pressure.

2) Would not date. Do you see how pointy those elbows are? Sheesh.

[78Staff]

[quote name='PedronNiall' timestamp='1337928977' post='4975144']
[quote name='SPY ZINGER' timestamp='1337913071' post='4974274']
New MH video:

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkSNZqsDOgs"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=dkSNZqsDOgs[/url]
[/quote]

Two things:

1) She has a pretty good swing but that head drop is gonna catch up to her under pressure.

2) Would not date. Do you see how pointy those elbows are? Sheesh.
[/quote]

Yep, not sure why the "dip" is popular with American players... My theory it's the result of younger girls learning/playing with std. length men's clubs too soon... Don't see the dip much from euro/asian players.

Seems like way to much lower body action going on there as well, imo.

[eric_b]

[quote name='SPY ZINGER' timestamp='1337913071' post='4974274']
New MH video:

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkSNZqsDOgs"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=dkSNZqsDOgs[/url]
[/quote]


She seems to be putting a lot of effort into branding herself....hopefully it pans out.

[78Staff]

[quote name='78Staff' timestamp='1337703264' post='4958376']
[quote name='Splitter' timestamp='1337665419' post='4956386']
Seriously. I just don't get it. She'd probably look great in a club, but the setting makes her and the clothes look really bad. I get that she's trying to promote her line but c'mon. Which begs the question.. wonder what kind of a deal she has goin with GC.. She's not wearing club clothes with a big "Z" on them because GC is feeling nice...
[/quote]

I was wondering about that as well... I guess since it may not be a a golf specific company? They are taping over FJ, Adidas, etc.

Or maybe she has no commercial contract, or whatever its called when you design clothing - ie still all home sewn gear at this point.
[/quote]


Here's a tweet from Zakiya on her clothing line, so I suspect since not really a commercial brand they aren't requiring the logo be covered up like other brands such as FJ, Adidas, TM, etc...


[quote]
Zakiya Randall ‏@ZakiyaRandall
My clothing line isn't out yet but if you want me to do a custom order for you I can. Just send me a DM on here or on fbook.

[/quote]

[TJCDAS]

Nice article in our local paper on Allison Micheletti. The Micheletti's are a great old Minnesota hockey family.


http://www.startribune.com/sports/golf/154597585.html

[78Staff]

[quote name='Awsi Dooger' timestamp='1337215013' post='4928090']
[quote name='78Staff' timestamp='1337206210' post='4927324']
Looks like Selanee outdrove Mehgan by almost 50 yards in the elimination? And that was into a pretty good wind. Maybe it was just the angle of the hole.[/quote]

Selanee is a long hitter. I think I mentioned that months ago in the original thread when the Atlantis cast was announced. She was a familiar name from the Symetra Tour, unlike most of the members of this group. Big hitter...weak putter. It was obvious she would make the winning birdie putt -- based on the clock -- but I wouldn't be surprised if she putts her way off the show eventually.

[/quote]

Just caught part of EP1 replay, and payed more attention to Selanee in the Elimination... It's obvious Selanee has a nice down the line power move, and your right really get's the ball out there... Hopefully she can overcome nerves/putting/whatever and do well...

[78Staff]

[quote name='TJCDAS' timestamp='1338090226' post='4983630']
Nice article in our local paper on Allison Micheletti. The Micheletti's are a great old Minnesota hockey family.


[url="http://www.startribune.com/sports/golf/154597585.html"]http://www.startribu.../154597585.html[/url]
[/quote]

Gotta wonder what Martin was thinking giving up on that... or maybe it was the other way around.

What's the old saying, "no matter how hot a girl is, there's always some guys who's sick of her bs..." or something like that...

(Not directed at Allison, just "in general" )

[Awsi Dooger]

[quote name='78Staff' timestamp='1338183501' post='4988032']
Just caught part of EP1 replay, and payed more attention to Selanee in the Elimination... It's obvious Selanee has a nice down the line power move, and your right really get's the ball out there... Hopefully she can overcome nerves/putting/whatever and do well...[/quote]

Big Break generally picks at least one big hitter among the women. Two years ago on the Futures Tour, Gerina Mendoza led in driving distance average with Ryann O'Toole third. Both, obviously, appeared on Big Break. So did belter Blair O'Neal. Selanee was second in driving average in 2010, between Gerina and Ryann. I think that's when the producers became aware of her, and it provided the edge when she tried out, along with the family story.

Selanee has been awful on the Symetra Tour this season. In two events, both missed cuts, her rounds have been 81-86 and 79-81.

[toddnt]

Who got boot tonite?

[Fenix]

That would be Zakiya.

[78Staff]

Odd episode tonight, it really felt like at least half of the women could have gone home, they were hitting shots so poorly. Yes it was windy, but some if the shots appeared 2-3 clubs short, or never even touched a green. Some of the ladies seem very, very short, even with the hurting wind.

A bit surprised to see Z go home this early, (I'd tagged Anya and Aubrey as likely upcoming elimination suspects, and will keep the tag on them for next week as well). Z appears to have a decent game, although a too long swing, perhaps a lack of distance and suspect putting though. Putting definitely did her in tonight.

Interesting, as least to me, is that a few players I identified early on as ones I thought I would like and pull for I am no longer doing so... Kelly is an example, I thought it was a good story, college golfer, couldn't pursue tour golf due to family/money issues, getting a second chance several years later. But, in the first few shows she strikes me as someone who always seems to have an answer/comment/opinion on everything, I mean everything. I don't know, just annoys me...but maybe it's me lol.

Z is another, I wanted to keep an open mind because I knew so many would root against her by default. Seems like a nice girl, good story, from my home state, etc. And in her interviews, etc she comes off as a pretty nice person. But her actions and comments on the course in the first three episodes left a bad taste in my mind...but again maybe it's just me.

Hard to see one person shining above the rest still at this point...Selanne decent game but a bundle of nerves, Allison also decent but seem to hit a dorky shot at inopportune times. Kelly, Christina, Glorianna too short to be truly competitive, imo. Marcella decent game but hasn't been able to get off the Futures/Symetra tour in what, almost a decade... Natalia in Elims tonight a surprise though.

I guess still to early to tell, Need to see some more golf and not these make one shot be safe for the rest of the day shows...

[PedronNiall]

Zakiya. Sucks because she almost won one of the immunity challenges but couldn't hold it together in the end.

[toddnt]

Guess we'll see Zak with Michael Breed tomorrow, thanks!