Big Break Palm Beaches Discussion Thread

[RandallT]

I'm gonna go alphabetically through the contestants, and see if I find anything interesting on these guys. Might be a good reference as the season goes along. First up,

Brandon Hartzell:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/brandon-hartzell/

Cliff Notes version of that profile (anything I add is in blue :

-          All-State during his sophomore, junior and senior years in high school in Minnesota.  Also was named All-Conference four years

-          Won 2004 AA State Championship senior year in high school

[After graduation,] He moved to San Diego to play on the mini tours and quickly learned finances were going to be difficult.  Eventually, through a mutual friend, he was introduced to the director of golf at Kiawah Island in Charleston, S.C.

The timing was perfect for Hartzell.  Then, in 2010, he was involved in a car accident, where he broke his hand in two spots.  Forced to shut down competitive golf to recover, his dedication shifted to working in the golf industry and saving money to eventually fund his dream of one day reaching the PGA TOUR.

US Open Qualifying Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?Action=Player&PlayerID;=55484

OWGR :

None

Twitter :

@hartzy19

https://twitter.com/hartzy19

My take: this is his last gasp shot, after recovering from a broken hand in a car accident. He has been playing mini tours and US Open qualifiers, but not able to gain much traction so far, almost 5 years after college. Not having looked at the rest of the cast, I'd think Brandon is a long shot to win.

[RFKFREAK]

I'm gonna go alphabetically through the contestants, and see if I find anything interesting on these guys. Might be a good reference as the season goes along. First up,

Brandon Hartzell:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/brandon-hartzell/

Cliff Notes version of that profile (anything I add is in blue:

US Open Qualifying Rounds:

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?Action=Player&PlayerID;=55484

OWGR:

None

Twitter:

@hartzy19

https://twitter.com/hartzy19

My take: this is his last gasp shot, after recovering from a broken hand in a car accident. He has been playing mini tours and US Open qualifiers, but not able to gain much traction so far, almost 5 years after college. Not having looked at the rest of the cast, I'd think Brandon is a long shot to win.

Oh, this should be fun.

[RandallT]

Chad Pfeifer :

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/chad-pfeifer/

Cliff Notes version of that profile (anything I add is in blue :

-          Learned the game of golf while rehabbing in an Army hospital in 2007

-          Goal is to be the first amputee to compete on the PGA TOUR

-          T5 in the 2014 American Century Championship

-          2011 National Amputee Golf champion

-          Three-time Champion of the Warrior Open

Chad Pfeifer is attempting to make history in becoming the first amputee to compete on the PGA TOUR.

A decorated member of the military, where he moved up to the rank of Army Corporal, Pfeifer was deployed to Iraq in 2006 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  One year later, in April, 2007, his patrol vehicle he was driving hit an improvised explosive device.  He ultimately had his left leg amputated above the knee.

Ten months after his injury, he played his first full round of golf.  Knowing that he wanted to work in the golf industry, he and his wife moved to Phoenix where he took a job as an assistant golf professional.  His game continued to improve and he soon became a scratch golfer. Recognizing his passion, Pfeifer’s bosses suggested he start playing in professional tournaments.

In 2014, he competed in the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, and led the tournament after two rounds.  He ended up in fifth place, and his confidence soared.

US Open Qualifying Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?Action=Player&PlayerID;=47079

OWGR :

None

Twitter :

@chadpfeifergolf

https://twitter.com/chadpfeifergolf

My take: love the story. Not much tournament experience compared to others, I would think. Of course, this is only profile 2 of 12. He has been on the Feherty show with Erik Compton:

[RandallT]

Clay Myers:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/clay-myers/

Cliff Notes version of that profile (anything I add is in blue) :

-          Member of the four-time Southwestern Athletic Conference Champions at Jackson State University

-          2012 Individual Conference Championship winner

-          Product of The First Tee of Memphis

-          Caddied for Cheyenne Woods in 2014

-          Competed in the 2005, 2006 First Tee Open at Pebble Beach with Loren Roberts

In the fall of 2012 he turned professional.

In 2014, he took a role that he says has re-invigorated his outlook on golf.  He caddied full time for Cheyenne Woods, niece of Tiger Woods, on the Symetra Tour.

“Cheyenne’s passion for the game is what I wanted,” said Myers.  “I quickly realized I needed to change my priorities and focus to achieve success at its highest level in golf. I saw that in her."

US Open Qualifying Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=52371

Nothing since 2013.

OWGR :

None

Twitter :

@oscar_myers

https://twitter.com/oscar_myers

Web Site

http://www.claymyersgolf.com

My take: Again, not much tournament experience that I can see. The cliche "wildcard" term comes to mind. Maybe this batch of BBers doesn't have a lot of documented tourney experience? Maybe I'm just not searching right!

[Slowcelica]

I watched the preview show detailing the contestant BIO's and YES..................I am looking forward to this season.   This season looks like a good mix of talent and personality and I am sure I will enjoy watching the season unfold!!

Bring it!!  I'm ready...LOL

I hope so, the last big break it just seemed like there was just not a lot of talent there. Almost like they picked the contestants based on personality instead of talent.

[RandallT]

George and Wesley Bryan:

They must hate being combined all the time, but I'm lazy. Just one profile for them both.

Big Break Profiles:

http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/george-bryan/

http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/wesley-bryan/

Cliff Notes version for George

-          Three-time NCAA All-American and three-time All-SEC at University of South Carolina [graduated 2010]

-          Lowest single season stroke average and lowest all-time stroke average at USC

Following graduation in 2010, he turned professional.  He took on a full schedule right out of college on the mini tour circuit, a decision he regrets.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself coming out of college.  I wanted to play and earn a good paycheck every week,” recalls Bryan.  “Looking back on it, I should have eased into turning professional and continued to build confidence in my game.  Instead, I went full speed ahead and developed some bad swing habits.”

In early 2014, George and Wesley decided to start recording some of their trick shots and post them on YouTube.  The videos became an instant hit.  By the end of 2014, their collection of trick shot videos had received more than two million views.

Cliff Notes version for Wesley

-          Four-year letterman at the University of South Carolina, two collegiate victories

-          Two-time All-SEC selection at USC

-          Two-time South Carolina high school state champion

-          Currently competing on various mini tours

[Younger brother to George...] After a successful junior golf career that included multiple victories, his game struggled at USC, to the point where he nearly hung up his golf clubs after shooting 101 in a tournament during his junior year.  He was fighting mentally with his golf game on a term known as the “Yips.”

For the next three months following the disastrous tournament, he dedicated himself to the game.  He would not allow the doubt about his swing get the best of him.  His technique began to improve.  His scores soon followed. During his senior year, a refocused Bryan posted some of his best tournament scores in his collegiate career, including one victory and earning Team MVP honors.  His confidence soared.

Golfweek Rounds :

George: http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=7769 and  http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=14831 (spelling!)

Wesley: http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=2214

OWGR :

George: http://www.owgr.com/en/Ranking/PlayerProfile.aspx?playerID=8823

Wesley: None

Twitter :

@bryanbrosgolf

https://twitter.com/bryanbrosgolf

Web site:

http://bryanbrosgolf.com

My take: These guys might be fun. I hope they don't overdo the trick shot tie-ins during the season. We will see. George looks the better of the two brothers.

There's a Bryan Bros in tennis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bryan_brothers). Dont confuse them.  George is ranked on OWGR and has played web.com.  Again, not too many tourney results though. He's the first of the batch to have a PGA profile.  http://www.pgatour.com/players/player.07309.html

[RandallT]

Justin Martinson:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/justin-martinson/

Cliff Notes version of that profile:

-          Four professional wins on mini tours since turning professional in 2011

-          2010 Philadelphia Amateur champion

-          2010 Delaware Amateur champion

-          2009, 2011 Delaware Open champion

-          2010 Colonial Athletic Association Conference champion

-          First Team All-Conference, 2010

-          Holds multiple scoring records at University of Delaware

Martinson’s family moved a lot when he was growing up.  Every two years, his family would move.  Korea. California, New Zealand and Minnesota just to name a few.  When Martinson turned 16, he and his family moved to Avondale, Pa.  John Dunigan, a local golf instructor and a family friend, noticed Martinson’s raw talent and took him under his wing.

It was then that Martinson switched his focus from hockey to golf.

He began playing in junior tournaments and found considerable success as one of the top players on the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT).  As a result of several wins during his final year on the IJGT, several universities had an interest in recruiting him. He accepted a scholarship from Charleston Southern University, where he played his Freshman year.  For family reasons, Martinson headed back north and transferred to the University of Delaware for his Sophomore year and found immediate success, becoming one of the most successful collegiate golfers in UD history.

Golfweek Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=4802

Nothing since 2013.

OWGR :

http://www.owgr.com/en/Ranking/PlayerProfile.aspx?playerID=15400 (has played some web.com since 2011)

Twitter :

@jmart59

https://twitter.com/jmart59

My take: Mini-tour player struggling to make it. Nothing jumps out at me from the profile to differentiate him from the pack yet. So far, nobody looking the best- possibly George Bryan? 6 profiles down, 6 to go.

[RandallT]

Kyle Scott:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/kyle-scott/

Cliff Notes version of that profile:

-          Three-time All American (2008, 2009 with the University of West Florida; 2011 with Georgia Tech)

-          Member of two ACC Championship teams at Georgia Tech (2010, 2011)

-          Member of the Division II National Championship Team with University of West Florida (2008)

Scott broke his back in a golf cart accident and was told he would never be able to play golf again.  After two surgeries and months of rehabilitation, Scott didn’t know how his golf game would fare once his back brace was removed. His doubts were put to rest when he won his first tournament without a brace.  With renewed confidence, his results continued to improve and coaches in the United States started taking notice.

He transferred to Georgia Tech for his final two years of college and was a member of the two-time ACC Champions (2010-11). Scott turned professional following graduation and competed on the Sunshine Tour in his native South Africa.  In late 2012, he re-injured his back and was forced to shut down his golf career for almost a year.

He returned to the competitive circuit in 2014 by competing on mini tours in the United States.  He won one event on the Hopkins Tour and had several top-10 finishes.

Golfweek Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?Action=Player&PlayerID;=1694

OWGR :

None

Twitter :

@krscotty

https://twitter.com/krscotty

My take: Similar to a few of the profiles, except that he is from South Africa. Mini-tour player struggling to make it and nohing jumps out at me from the profile to differentiate him from the pack. Could be a competitive season, as these seem to be all guys at a similar level. 5 left to review.

Darn- I shoulda posted pics of each. Here's he is with his wife and caddie:

[RandallT]

Richy Werenski:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/richy-werenski/

Cliff Notes version of that profile:

-          Won three of first five events after turning professional in June, 2014

-          Four year letterman at Georgia Tech

-          Hold three university school records at Georgia Tech

-          Winner of the 2012 Porter Cup

-          Alumnus of the International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head, S.C.

If there is anyone on the cast of Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL who enters the show riding a wave of momentum, it is Richy Werenski.  A three-time Academic All-ACC and a four-year letterman from Georgia Tech, Werenski turned professional immediately following graduation in June, 2014.  In his first five professional events, he won three times and lost in a playoff in the fourth.

Three wins and a runner-up in his first five events.

Golfweek Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=1756

OWGR :

None

Twitter :

@werenskir

https://twitter.com/werenskir

My take: This guy seems like he's got more of a pedigree than the others so far. I'd move him to frontrunner of the batch I've reviewed. Here's his current week on web.com (currently T38, made the cut: http://www.pgatour.com/webcom/tournaments/panama-claro-championship/leaderboard.html). The guy has a ton of tourneys documented with very solid finishes.

[RandallT]

Robert Rohanna:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/robert-rohanna/

Cliff Notes version of that profile:

-          Conditional status on the Web.com Tour in 2015

-          Two-time All Big Ten Conference at Penn State

-          Academic All-American at Penn State

-          Competed full time on PGA TOUR LatinoAmerica in 2014

-          2010 Pennsylvania Open Champion

Following graduation in 2009, he turned professional. He discovered quickly, much like his fellow competitors on Big Break, that funding a professional golf career is not easy. In 2010, he recorded his greatest achievement in his professional career by winning the Pennsylvania Open – his first win as a professional – highlighted by a career-low round of 9-under-par 63 in the second round.

His career was blossoming, and he was on the right track for success. Then he discovered the “Yips.” Longtime family friend and PGA Professional Joe Nieporte and swing coach Dennis Clark took Rohanna under their wing in 2013.  Rohanna credits Clark and Nieporte with not only resurrecting his golf swing, but also instilling outlook on life through a simple philosophy: “You’re just playing golf.”

In November, 2013, Rohanna put the philosophy to action and won his first tournament in three years.  He entered 2014 with a sense of renewed confidence.  He qualified for and competed full time on the PGA TOUR Latino America Tour, and concluded 2014 by earning conditional status on the Web.com Tour for 2015.

Golfweek Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=8226

OWGR :

http://www.owgr.com/en/Ranking/PlayerProfile.aspx?playerID=14968 ( RANK 642 in the world. Probably the highest of all the contestants this season)

Twitter :

@rtrgolf23

https://twitter.com/rtrgolf23

My take: Ok, Robert is definitely a first tier player in this season. How can you not with a World Ranking of 642. Anyone else so far that has shown up on owgr has been way up in the 1000's with only an event or two. Robert has nearly 20 events that qualify for OWGR (PGA Latin America), some with high finishes.  Here's his PGA Career profile http://www.pgatour.com/la/en/players/player.34527.robert-rohanna.html/career. Not bad!

[RandallT]

Tommy Schaff:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/tommy-schaff/

Cliff Notes version of that profile:

-          25 professional victories on various mini tours. Turned professional in 2002.

-          Part-time caddie for Tim O’Neal on the Web.com Tour

-          Two-time medalist in U.S. Open local qualifying

-          Currently competing on various mini tours throughout the Southeast

2015 will be his 13th year of playing on mini tours, and his passion to achieve his goal has not diminished. In 12 years as a professional, he competed in PGA TOUR Q-School only three times.

“I want to show my three kids that their dad realized his dream,” Schaff continued.  “Through hard work and dedication you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

Golfweek Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=57309

OWGR :

None

Twitter :

@schafftommy

https://twitter.com/schafftommy

My take: Big time long shot, but what a story of perseverance. Doubtful his game will stack up with a few of the young guns, but will be fun to watch.  He has a youtube channel but last update was 2 years ago:

[RandallT]

Tyler Neff:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/tyler-neff/

Cliff Notes version of that profile:

-          Two-time All-American at Cleveland State Community College

-          Holds three course records in Tennessee

Following graduation in 2008, he was determined to continue to pursue his dream of playing professional golf, and drove to Florida the day after graduation.

In 2012, citing a career change and a way to supplement his income for the future, he enlisted in the Marine Corps.  He was subsequently medically discharged, a blow to him emotionally and physically.

In 2013, he was more determined than ever to give professional golf another shot.  He worked several jobs to supplement his income and practiced as much as he could, playing a limited schedule.  By 2014, he was ready to play a full schedule for the first time, and found success on the Hopkins and Swingthought.com Tours.

Golfweek Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=96262

OWGR :

None

Twitter :

N one

My take: I love a good comeback story, but he will need all the good fortune he can muster to beat some of the young guns in this season. I'm also amazed how many Tyler Neff's are on twitter, none of them appear to be this Tyler Neff. Is Tyler Neff that common a name???? I really couldn't find much info on Tyler, so he's a bit of an unknown.

[RandallT]

Zach Portemont:

Big Break Profile: http://www.golfchannel.com/about/bio/zach-portemont/

Cliff Notes version of that profile:

-          Won the 2014 Dixie PGA Section Assistant Championship

-          Two professional wins in 2014

-          Four-year letterman at Troy University, team captain senior year

On Sept. 2, 2014, Portemont was hoisting the trophy and the first-prize check for winning the Dixie PGA Section Assistant Championship, highlighted by a final-round 8-under-par 64 to win by two strokes.  One week later, he flew to West Palm Beach to compete in the series.

“That win gave me a lot of confidence going into Big Break, and proved to me that my hard work is paying off,” said Portemont, who underwent a complete swing overhaul in 2014.

Following graduation in 2011, he turned professional.  Knowing that finances were going to be tough he worked several jobs to make ends meet, including as a fitness instructor, golf instructor and pressure washer.  Unfortunately, expenses outweighed the results, and Portemont went bankrupt.  He put his PGA TOUR aspirations on hold to work full time.  Over the past three years, he has and continues to work in several jobs – golf instructor, bouncer at a bar on the weekends, and starting up a mobile detailing business – to supplement his income.

Golfweek Rounds :

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=9005 and

http://scores.golfweek.com/scores.asp?ACTION=Player&PlayerID;=52657 (2011)

OWGR :

None

Twitter :

@zportemont

https://twitter.com/zportemont

My take: Another longshot I have to say.

[RandallT]

Finals will be Rohanna v. Werenski.

Werenski wins.

They'll beat George Bryan and Schaff to make it past the semi's.

After going through the profiles, I think it'll be pretty damn good. Tons of talent. I think everyone there has won at some level.  Every one of them probably has the ability to shoot well for a week or two- enough to take a prize like this. I've gone with the players that seem to have the most experience and best results for a large number of rounds. I think there could be some great storylines here, and honestly, I'm just glad we're back to the all-male format with a decent slate of players. Should be fun!

[Hammer 4]

Regardless of the stats, I'm pulling big time for Chad, the wounded warrior. I think from his past experiences, he has the mental makeup of a winner. Plus, how cool would it be to see him playing in a PGA tourney..?

[RandallT]

Regardless of the stats, I'm pulling big time for Chad, the wounded warrior. I think from his past experiences, he has the mental makeup of a winner. Plus, how cool would it be to see him playing in a PGA tourney..?

Absolutely, man, that'd be amazing. I'll definitely be rooting for Chad. My picks above are just that: predictions- not really what I'll be cheering for. I'm a sucker for a good story, so I'll take one of the older guys looking to make good. The more adversity, the better. Some good stories this season, but it's tough to top Chad. Here's a profile on YouTube from Golf Digest in November 2014. Six minutes long, and probably better than the little Big Break Profile video (I don't know- I haven't watched that):

[Slowcelica]

Regardless of the stats, I'm pulling big time for Chad, the wounded warrior. I think from his past experiences, he has the mental makeup of a winner. Plus, how cool would it be to see him playing in a PGA tourney..? :dance:

This may be a dumb question but if he were to get in a PGA tour event would they allow him to ride in a cart or would he have to walk?

[newtogolf]

I think he was arrogant and didn't care for most of the other competitors and wasn't afraid to show it. A demeanor like that is going to put off some people so I'm not surprised his brashness would rub people the wrong way.

You make it seem like he got beat in the middle of the series rather than the second to last show. I think he performed very well and did indeed, "back up," what he said. I personally think Jimmy got lucky to win and, tbh, I think you need luck to win.

For example, Fiamma got into the finals, not because she was one of the best two competitors (at best she was fourth best), but because she got lucky.

Sometimes luckboxes do better than you'd expect. It happens.

In a show like BB there are intentionally a large number of dynamics that factor into who makes it to the end.

• Team competitions - if you end up on the losing team you could face elimination through no fault of your own.
• Weather - I've watched competitions where the weather changed during the course the of the competition.  I don't know how long the actual filming takes for a challenge but with only a few shots per challenge, the weather conditions can certainly give one an advantage over the other.
• Many of the challenges aren't designed to see who the best golfer is, but who handles diversity the best.  Some challenges are more trick shot challenges than golf.
• The filming schedule and living arrangements aren't representative of how professional golfers would play a round of golf and prepare for it.

I guess the producers do this intentionally to add excitement and randomness to the show so that less accomplished golfers that have other attributes (looks, personality) can be cast and feel they have an opportunity to win.

In the past season I think Charlie was the best player and Anthony might have been Top 5 which imo wasn't good enough to back up his childish outbursts.