The Big Break – 10?
First, let me say that I am not a fan of reality TV. I never watched Big Brother, Fear Factor or the multitude of others. I don’t even watch American Idol, except for the 2 minutes just before the news when I switched the channel too early. And this coming from a man whose sister writes a reality tv blog!
But I have always liked The Big Break on The Golf Channel. The tenth version just started last week and I’m looking forward to week 2 tonight. For those not in the know, the Big Break pits several high level golfers (usually mini-tour or Nationwide Tour male pros and/or Futures tour women) in a series of varied golf events, from shots over high walls to playing 2 or 3 hole matches. One person is eliminated each week and the one left standing at the end gets exemptions into PGA or LPGA events. Standard American Idol format without the voting – it is all based on performance.
So why is it that this is interesting while I consider other reality type shows junk? Part of it is that it’s golf. I picture myself trying all the challenges and knowing I could probably do some OK – and being convinced I would embarrass myself terribly in others.
Another part is that it is about skill. So is American Idol, although the public voting thing is a little distasteful to me. Maybe if I was a singer or dancer, I might really enjoy AI or Dancing With the Stars a bit more, thinking I could do that better.
Also, I like the fact that these golfers are working hard at golf as a career, not a past time. Getting a shot on a national TV show helps them in a lot of ways in their chosen profession – endorsements, possibly more tournament invitations, confidence in their game under pressure. It can, actually, be a big break. One of the women golfers who won her Big Break, Kim Welch, just made it to the LPGA tour for next year based on her Futures tour season. And another guy, Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey was on the PGA Tour this season, although he probably won’t be next year.
My guilty pleasure – The Big Break.
