Jamaican Whyte gets big break in Golf Channel series

Jamaican golfer Carl Whyte is set to compete in Golf Channels 15th season of the now popular Big Break series, which will premiere on Monday at 9:30 p.m.

The former Knox College head boy is among 11 professionals who will put their skills to the test at Indian Wells in a bid to win the main prize of US$55,000 (J$4,675,000), as well as exemption to the 2012 Zurich Classic of New Orleans Professional Golfers Association Tour event.

The 32-year-old Whyte, who moved to the United States on a track scholarship to the University of Maryland in 1997, is elated at getting the opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage.

Dream come true

"This is a dream come true for me to be able to fulfill my dream as a professional golfer," he said.

Whyte, who started playing the game just seven years ago, was introduced to the sport by his mentor, Gary Hurlock, and since then it has been all positive.

"I want to show the youths of Jamaica that once you put your mind to something you can achieve it," he remarked. "I started playing golf late in life, but my determination has gotten me to where I am today."

The Great Mount Manchester native has big dreams for Jamaica's golf, as he hopes that the country can field a team to the 2016 Olympics.

"We have some of the most talented individuals in the world and if our bobsledders can make it through adverse circumstances, our golfers can also make it if we put in the hard work," he reasoned.

Unlike Whyte, who is an Information Technology specialist in Maryland, the other members of the cast of Big Break Indian Wells are at different stages of their professional career. Some have competed on the world's top tours, whilst some are just beginning their journey in professional golf.

The 10-episode series will feature a new format. Each competitor begins with US$5,000, with the objective to win each other's earnings on the golf course and to be the last man standing.

The Big Break Show concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills and mental toughness. During Big Break Indian Wells, one contestant will be eliminated each week, with the last man standing crowned Big Break Champion.