David Byrne is the Big Break Indian Wells Champion!

...and $70,000 richer!  Not too shabby for 11 days work. But like all things in David's life, it didn't come easy.

His story about how his mother and he worked multiple jobs and struggled to make ends meet, has been told more than once on this series. But it's worth remembering - David worked hard for his money his whole life and it's finally paying off. 

David set a number of "firsts" on the Big Break as well.

1. He was the the youngest winner ever on the Big Break.
2. He faced the most elimination challenges (6 if you count this last match) and finally rid himself of being bottom of the money list.
3. His won his first professional career event he ever entered - here on the Big Break.

So let's hear now what David has to say about that day, what's next for him, his recommendations to the Golf Channel on future Big Breaks and his advice for those who dream of having their own ...



Just received this wonderful video from Paul Foster on Twitter (@biztherapistpf) of David's evening with friends in Essex, watching him win his Big Break. I have goosebumps after watching it.



Carl joined me today to wrap up this series with his commentary about the show, David and Kent's performance, and what he thinks separates champions from those who just make a living on the PGA Tour.



Shank shared his thoughts on this week's show and why he thought this series was so successful. Even though he didn't take home the money, he left with a renewed belief in himself and love for the game...



Thank you David, Carl and Robbie for your friendship and being so gracious about doing these interviews every week. You guys are the best!!!

This was David's first professional win in his career and I doubt very much it will be his last.  There's something special about Champions on the Tour - those that never give up, never surrender.  Darren Clarke had what it took at the Open after 20 years of grinding and persevering through personal adversities. 

Just like Darren, David has what it takes and I hope IT takes him all the way!

Until the next Big Break...

Golfgal

Big Break Indian Wells 9: Canada Versus Jamerica

Carl certainly named this show appropriately didn't he? I don't know about you, but for me it was as exciting as a Ryder/President Cup match or the Stanley Cup, but this time around, Canada prevailed. 

The Canucks (Kent and David) shut down Jamerica (Carl and Will)  in two nail-biting matches that were so indicative of this entire series.  Mano-a-mano - the guys fought tirelessly to win, and all four contestants should be extremely proud of how they performed, win or lose.

It was disappointing to see Carl leave the show, but it was hard to be really sad because of what he did for the show and all of us who watched - he showed us the power of positive thinking and inspired us all to be the best that we can be. He gave us a gift.

I asked Carl about the impact the show has had on his life and of course, talked about the match with Kent. I soon discovered there was much more to this competition than we saw...



Meanwhile, David had to sit and watch them go at it hole after hole after hole, stiffening up on the bench before he facing Will. It could not have been easy to hurry up and wait to see if he would make it to the final show...



Robbie also joined me this week to share his thoughts on the final four and the ultimate elmination of his buddie, Carl, by Kent.



Next week is a battle of room mates and fellow countrymen.  I'm excited to see how the Golf Channel takes us beyond normal stroke/match play and ties the whole series back to...It's all about the money!

Until then...
Golfgal

Big Break Indian Wells 8: Shank may be gone...

....but he won't soon be forgotten after this week's show.  There's a new SHANK in town! 

I can't ever remember a Big Break episode with such emotion and such a grand finale as this week's, and it's not even the last show!  My mouth dropped more than once, whether it was from Carl's amazing 3-wood or Robbie's surprise revelation at the end. Wow!

And when it was all over, I had a sudden urge to yell at the TV, "Robbie, who are you and what have you done to Shank?"

Did the Big Break and Carl's friendship really transform this good ole country boy into a new man?   Oh yay!

I knew at some point in this series I was going to have to start saying goodbye to my new friends on this Big Break.  I love all three of these guys and I knew a 3-way tie wasn't in the cards. But as much as I knew it could happen, I had trouble picturing Carl and Robbie battling for survival. Imagine how they must have felt.   I guess the only way to know is to ask them...

First up, the man of the hour...




Caught up with Carl today as he was reflecting back on that day...



And then there's the man who's been living in the pressure cooker for too many shows. How does he stay so calm?



So...it was a sad show in many respects, but an inspirational one as well.  Robbie touched many BB fans in the US of A during this series.  And having his transformation revealed on Independence Day...well, I can't think of a better way to give hope to all of us.  It's never too late to start a new beginning.

Until next week...
Golfgal