“Big Break was honestly just the best experience I could have had in my golfing career. I loved it so much.” Sara Brown, Big Break Sandals Resorts, Big Break Dominican Republic
“Just about everywhere I go, you know, just about every single day, it’s like, my gosh, I loved you on Big Break. And when are they bringing that show back?” Isaac Sanchez, Big Break Greenbrier, Big Break NFL
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 15, 2024) – It was a phenomenon in golf for more than a decade, introducing viewers to golf reality TV and creating fame for its colorful cast of characters – even launching a few careers. Over the course of 23 seasons on GOLF Channel, Big Break was, undeniably, golf’s most-watched original series.
On Tuesday, July 16, GolfPass will begin to catch up and reminisce with a few Big Break contestants who became all-time viewer favorites to also find out what they have been doing since leaving their indelible marks on the show. Big Break: Where Are They Now? will be streamed in eight parts, each profiling a former contestant’s appearance on the show and featuring a present-day interview with host Tom Abbott to discover more about their life journeys. Abbott co-hosted Big Break for 11 seasons and currently serves as a host and reporter for GOLF Channel’s coverage of professional golf.
“There isn’t a day that goes by without someone wanting to talk about Big Break. People still love to watch the old episodes on GolfPass and on our other streaming platforms,” Abbott said. “I was thrilled to be involved with this project as we find out what some of your favorite Big Break contestants have been up to and re-live their memorable moments from the show. It brought back so many happy memories for me. I know Big Break fans, new and old, will love this show.”
Who can forget Don Donatello’s cry to “pull that thing tight” during a critical measurement on Big Break II … or Robbie Biershenk flashing his good ole boy charm on Big Break Indian Wells … or how Iraq War amputee Chad Pfeifer’s performance on Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL changed how the game of golf would forever be viewed?
Big Break: Where Are They Now? will revisit all these great moments and more with the following former contestants:
Robbie Biershenk
On a show which has seen its share of colorful characters, humble driving range owner Robbie Biershenk created a whole new palette. Big Break Indian Wells alum “Shank” is back home on the range, raising a family, competing as an amateur again, and sharing memories of a Palm Springs push that resulted in an unexpected friendship.
Mallory (Blackwelder) and Julien Trudeau
They began as members of opposite teams on Big Break Ireland, but Mallory Blackwelder and Julien Trudeau ultimately became the series’ first married couple. In between, Mallory was a standout on Big Break NFL for Team Brown. During this episode, meet the rest of their new team, find out who is the new golfer in the house, and learn how Big Break Ireland champ Mark Murphy helped Julien cope with defeat.
Sara Brown
For years, Sara “no H” Brown graced GOLF Channel screens with strong runs at Big Break Sandals and Big Break Dominican Republic, and later with several seasons as host of School of Golf. Today, the energetic and plucky competitor is running a family, occasionally herding preschoolers, and being the ultimate team mom for her husband’s other successful squad.
Brian Cooper
A latecomer to golf who started pursuing the game in his mid-20s, Brian Cooper was in his 40s when he made his Big Break debut. Never one to hold back his emotions, Cooper garnered new fans – and detractors – on Big Break Greenbrier. His appearance on Big Break NFL was equally tumultuous, but ultimately led to achievement of a longtime goal.
Don Donatello
Beginning with Big Break II (Las Vegas), Don Donatello earned notoriety for his outbursts and antics, but quickly became heralded as a gritty competitor. Appearances on Big Break IV U.S. vs. Europe and Big Break Reunion solidified Donatello as legendary Big Break personality. Viewers will catch up with the legend and see what’s been happening since “pull that thing tight” became a catchphrase.
Stefanie Kenoyer and Al DelGreco
Stefanie Kenoyer earned and accepted invitations to two Big Break seasons, only to fall short of the ultimate prize in each. But a bold prediction from Big Break NFL teammate Al DelGreco led to the biggest life-changing event of all for Stefanie. Now, find out how it all came together, and how “Team DelGreco” has a whole new meaning.
Chad Pfeifer
Initially, Iraq War veteran/amputee Chad Pfeifer was noticed more for what was missing than for what he brought to Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL. But after eliminating four players in four episodes, the legend of “Corporal Clutch” was born. Learn how Chad continues to promote adaptive golf, and how his Big Break appearance changed the game.
Isaac Sanchez
A hulk of a man who goes by the nickname “Sasquatch,” in reality, Isaac Sanchez is a gentle giant. But that didn’t stop the competitor in him from creating some mythical moments, first at Big Break Greenbrier and later in a victorious run at Big Break NFL, where he teamed with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Much has changed over the years, but this Sasquatch is still just a regular guy.
GOLFPASS HELPS GOLFERS PLAY MORE AND BETTER GOLF: GolfPass offers a vast instructional library featuring more than 4,500 video titles, including Ask Rory, The Golf Fix, The Next Shot, School of Golf, and The Swing Gym, hosted by top instructors like Devan Bonebrake, Nathalie Sheehan, Martin Hall, and Chris Como, as well as golf fitness expert Don Saladino. GolfPass also offers a selection of lifestyle content available exclusively as part of a GolfPass membership, including shows like Better Off with Hally Leadbetter, Home Course Advantage, My Roots, My Daily Routine, and more. Developed in partnership between global golf superstar Rory McIlroy and NBC Sports Next – the innovation and technology division of NBC Sports – GolfPass is designed for today’s golfer and is the only digital golf membership that delivers exclusive content and comprehensive tee-time benefits designed to help every type of golfer – from beginner to expert – play more and better golf. A GolfPass membership is available in North America at GolfPass.com, in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland at GolfPass.co.uk, and in Australia at www.GolfPass.com.au. The GolfPass membership also is available via connected TV, iOS and Android apps.
About NBC Sports Next
NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within Golf and Youth & Recreational Sports. Known for its sports technology product innovation, NBC Sports Next equips more than 30 million players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans in 40 countries with more than 25 sports solution products, including SportsEngine, an industry leader in youth sports club, league and team management technology and youth sports editorial content; SportsEngine Play, a first-of-its-kind subscription streaming service for capturing and viewing live and on-demand video of youth and amateur sporting events, and offering the industry’s most comprehensive collection of player development and training content; GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace and provider of golf course operations technology and services; and GolfPass, the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences.
-NBC Sports Next-