The Big Break

Flying in from around the country, The Big Break contestants meet for the first time and, within hours, seem like old friends. Shown to their accommodations at Treetops Resort - a remote bunkhouse on the edge of the property - and provided information about the week ahead, they are eager to get started. After a quick introduction to co-host Katherine Roberts, they are off to the course for the first challenge of the series. Because no one will be eliminated in the first show, the contestants are loose and having fun. The first skills challenge will test their ability to execute a knock-down shot and they will be hoping for a "smashing" success.

Famed golf instructor and The Big Break co-host Rick Smith meets the contestants and braces them for their first serious day of competition. Trying to knock the ball close to the pin is one thing, but hitting a moving target? The contestants work against the clock and hope to be awarded the series' first Mulligan, which could provide one contestant a second chance in the elimination challenge - a three-shot contest - that will send someone home for good.

Touch and accuracy with a short iron is the show's first challenge. Contestants scramble to beat the clock and end up as the golfer with the most points to win the all-important Mulligan. Then, in the elimination challenge, finesse around the green is the key to success.

Contestants try to imitate PGA TOUR star Phil Mickelson's talent of shooting the ball virtually straight up in the air - the extreme flop shot. Getting the ball up and on the green will give them the best chance at success, and the Mulligan. The long iron will determine who goes home in the elimination challenge.

Seven golfers remain. The skills challenge forces the golfers to choose the shots they believe will deliver the biggest payoff. The more risk, the larger the reward, but common sense may be the best option of all. The winner of the Mulligan gets a second-shot chance during the elimination round, which will call for command of the same shot from a variety of clubs in their bags.

All of the six golfers remaining have to show their speed in this team skills challenge, but don't forget accuracy. Contestants have to rely on their fellow teammates to succeed and win the Mulligan - and an exemption from the elimination challenge. Members of the losing team in the skills challenge face off in the elimination challenge, which will determine who the big hitters are.

The number of contestants has been cut in half, with five remaining. The skills challenge may be the most familiar challenge for the players yet, but will they perform like they expect? The Mulligan should help during the elimination round, where course management is the name of the game. Those that make the right decisions will survive to the next show.

With four contestants remaining, each will be partnered for a team skills challenge. Skill and strategy will reign supreme as the teams compete in a Ryder Cup-style event, with only the two members of the losing team going to the elimination round. Each will rely on his strengths by picking his favorite shots from a variety of choices. The poorest performer will go home.

The remaining three contestants test their command of a wedge in the show's skills challenge. The most accurate will win the Mulligan and get a second chance in the elimination round. The field will be cut to just two contestants after the elimination challenge, which calls for putting prowess.

The final episode pits the two remaining contestants against each other in a realistic tournament situation. The loser goes home. The winner will be awarded The Big Break, four exemptions on the 2004 Canadian Tour.