ORLANDO, Fla. -- Gerina Mendoza was eliminated in the ninth episode of Big Break Prince Edward Island, leaving Derek Gillespie (Oshawa, Ontario, Canada), Brenda McLarnon (Charleston, S.C.) and Blair O'Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz.) to compete for the $100,000 winner's paycheck in the series' remaining two shows.
In the episode's opening challenge, McLarnon defeated Mendoza in a two-hole stroke play match while O'Neal pulled off an upset by defeating the favored Gillespie. The winners earned immunity and the losers faced off in an elimination challenge.
Competing in the same format, Gillespie overcame faulty driving to eliminate Mendoza, who he called the greatest threat to winning the series.
"I definitely would get some grief from my friends if I lose to a girl," a relieved Gillespie said.
Elimination by Episode:
Show 1: Robert Read
Show 2: William Thompson
Show 3: Kim Kouwabunpat
Show 4: Caroline Larsson
Show 5: Nicole Sikora
Show 6: Brian Skatell
Show 7: Eugene Smith
Show 8: Aaron Wright
Show 9: Gerina Mendoza
With two-thirds of the remaining field female, and each gaining momentum, he is far from escaping ridicule. Gillespie's two victories on the Canadian Tour give him the best credentials, but he has a challenge ahead.
O'Neal proved she could beat him, something that was in question. A four-year starter at Arizona State University, she twice won the NCAA Long Drive Championship but has been out of professional golf since 2006 pursuing a modeling career. Before leaving the fairway for the runway, she competed on numerous Tours around the world. However, other competitors in Big Break Prince Edward Island quickly learned that she is someone to watch instead of merely look at. "She comes in a beautiful package but she is not just a pretty face," said Nicole Sikora (Valley Cottage, N.Y.), who was eliminated in episode five. "That girl can stripe it."
McLarnon is brutally honest and outspoken, and brings humor and conflict to everything she does. Having played the Duramed FUTURES Tour the last three years, she learned the sacrifice it takes to play professional golf and is ready to capitalize on the hard-earned experience. In the series, she has earned respect as a gritty competitor who has been tested in elimination challenges.
The 10th episode of Big Break Prince Edward Island will air Monday at 9 p.m. ET.
Past Big Break champions won tournament exemptions to compete on some of the world's top professional circuits, such as the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour. Former Big Breakers Tommy Gainey and James Nitties compete on the PGA TOUR in 2009 while four previous female contestants currently play on the LPGA Tour, including Kristy McPherson, who finished tied for second at the Kraft Nabisco Championship earlier this year.
Adding insight to Big Break Prince Edward Island as co-hosts are former PGA TOUR professional Charlie Rymer and Golf Digest Senior Editor Stina Sternberg.
Shot at Mill River Golf Course in Prince Edward Island, it marks the first time a Canadian location has hosted Big Break. Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Canada's east coast, Prince Edward Island boasts more than 32 courses that span from one end of the Island to the other. One of Canada's top golf destinations, Prince Edward Island offers other recreational activities, including kayaking and cycling.
For more information, please contact Mark Mitchell (407-355-4063/ mmitchell@golfchannel.com ) or GolfChannel.com/bigbreak
