267 replies to this topic

[Saint308]

Man you guys are harsh.  If you don't like it, don't watch it.  I think this is generated for the masses and most people can relate to a shank as opposed to a scratch player.  Oh, and Chris Anderson was a tour player back in the day.

[Body_Visions]

I thought it was a decent show, other than the introduction.  A little more in-depth would be nice.

It was cool to see Chris Patton again.

[golfpros1]

it was better then I thought it would be, but it's pretty much what I expected too.

[Thrillhouse]

I liked it, Chris Anderson was a long time nationwide tour player and played on the big tour for a year. Outside of the life stuff I think this is a good chance for people to pay attention and see how most professionals play the game. They drive it in play, hit a lot of greens, really good short games, and week to week performance comes down to how many putts you can make. All while hitting it closer to 280 than the 320 most am's think they do.

For all the guys we see on this site asking "what do I have to do to be a tour player", watching someone like Chris Anderson is a good chance to see how the majority of pros are playing the game.

Hopefully those people pay attention to the details, they might figure something out.

[tdk8180]

I don't care who the players are, the fact is you need to take away the fact that it's hard to make the tour, and that's what they are showing.  Also, listening to the excuses and playing pyschologist for a night is fun for me, the viewer.  These guys are good, just not good enough to be on Tour, and I'm sad that this is their personal nightmare, and that makes me sick inside.

[Yuck]

Body_Visions, on 03 October 2012 - 03:52 PM, said:

I thought it was a decent show, other than the introduction.  A little more in-depth would be nice.

It was cool to see Chris Patton again.

Why does't Chris Patton try this?  He was one of the most talented fat amatuers ever.  US Am Champ and of course played in the Masters.  I am sure his path since those days has been interesting.  One thing he did have in spades was talent.

[Body_Visions]

Yuck, on 03 October 2012 - 09:13 PM, said:

Body_Visions, on 03 October 2012 - 03:52 PM, said:

I thought it was a decent show, other than the introduction.  A little more in-depth would be nice.

It was cool to see Chris Patton again.

Why does't Chris Patton try this?  He was one of the most talented fat amatuers ever.  US Am Champ and of course played in the Masters.  I am sure his path since those days has been interesting.  One thing he did have in spades was talent.

Absolutely all the talent needed.  And he looked in reasonable shape on the show, at least compared to his old self.  The last I knew, he was teaching around Greenville somewhere.

[zikon]

I just wish they didn't use the same guys voice over as they did with "Pipe Dream" It brought back bad memories of that show lol

[supergolfdude]

rockinar, on 03 September 2012 - 03:45 AM, said:

Here goes the Golf Channel again with another "dream" show. The last one was "Pipe Dream" with homeless bum Mark Burk who could not even break 85. Now Golf Channel does it again with two other guys. One is some business owner I know nothing about. The other guy is Robbie Biershenk, AKA "Shank" from Big Break Indian Wells. As usual, it's a show about two guys trying to make it on to the PGA Tour. From what I remember, Shank was a terrible player and I think was on the show for entertainment value. He's of those goofy immature guys that talks a lot and you want to just tell him to shut up after a few minutes. His odds of making it on the PGA Tour are about as good as mine....zip. He has a younger brother who's 100X better than him. So obviously Shank is on the show for entertainment, that's all.

http://www.golfchann...sing-the-dream/

I completely agree, and I don't understand what The Golf Channel saw in "Shank" to think this half-wit is appealing enough to merit even MORE coverage than his appearance with one of the least-talented Big Break casts in history! Unless they subtitle his speech, I don't think a person can understand a damn thing the guy says!

[flip flappy]

supergolfdude, on 04 October 2012 - 06:17 PM, said:

I completely agree, and I don't understand what The Golf Channel saw in "Shank" to think this half-wit is appealing enough to merit even MORE coverage than his appearance with one of the least-talented Big Break casts in history! Unless they subtitle his speech, I don't think a person can understand a damn thing the guy says!

I am from the south and don't have a problem understanding Shank. I like the guy.
Shank's sense of humor appeals to me....he's not afraid to be different.

I am looking forward to this series. The lessons shows on GC bore me to to death. Glad to have something new!

Edited by flip flappy, 04 October 2012 - 07:10 PM.

[CheckJV]

Body_Visions, on 04 October 2012 - 04:39 PM, said:

Yuck, on 03 October 2012 - 09:13 PM, said:

Body_Visions, on 03 October 2012 - 03:52 PM, said:

I thought it was a decent show, other than the introduction.  A little more in-depth would be nice.

It was cool to see Chris Patton again.

Why does't Chris Patton try this?  He was one of the most talented fat amatuers ever.  US Am Champ and of course played in the Masters.  I am sure his path since those days has been interesting.  One thing he did have in spades was talent.

Absolutely all the talent needed.  And he looked in reasonable shape on the show, at least compared to his old self.  The last I knew, he was teaching around Greenville somewhere.

Still is and has more talent than you can possibly imagine. He just has too much hay to cut on his farm and family considerations.

[Yuck]

[quote name='Body_Visions' timestamp='1349297574' post='5746227']
I thought it was a decent show, other than the introduction.  A little more in-depth would be nice.

It was cool to see Chris Patton again.
[/quote]
[quote name='CheckJV' timestamp='1349397640' post='5752347']
[quote name='Body_Visions' timestamp='1349386776' post='5751549']
[quote name='Yuck' timestamp='1349316816' post='5747619']
[quote name='Body_Visions' timestamp='1349297574' post='5746227']
I thought it was a decent show, other than the introduction.  A little more in-depth would be nice.

It was cool to see Chris Patton again.
[/quote]

Why does't Chris Patton try this?  He was one of the most talented fat amatuers ever.  US Am Champ and of course played in the Masters.  I am sure his path since those days has been interesting.  One thing he did have in spades was talent.
[/quote]

Absolutely all the talent needed.  And he looked in reasonable shape on the show, at least compared to his old self.  The last I knew, he was teaching around Greenville somewhere.
[/quote]


Still is and has more talent than you can possibly imagine. He just has too much hay to cut on his farm and family considerations.
[/quote]

[quote name='CheckJV' timestamp='1349397640' post='5752347']
[quote name='Body_Visions' timestamp='1349386776' post='5751549']
[quote name='Yuck' timestamp='1349316816' post='5747619']
[quote name='Body_Visions' timestamp='1349297574' post='5746227']
I thought it was a decent show, other than the introduction.  A little more in-depth would be nice.

It was cool to see Chris Patton again.
[/quote]

Why does't Chris Patton try this?  He was one of the most talented fat amatuers ever.  US Am Champ and of course played in the Masters.  I am sure his path since those days has been interesting.  One thing he did have in spades was talent.
[/quote]

Absolutely all the talent needed.  And he looked in reasonable shape on the show, at least compared to his old self.  The last I knew, he was teaching around Greenville somewhere.
[/quote]


Still is and has more talent than you can possibly imagine. He just has too much hay to cut on his farm and family considerations.
[/quote]

For those who do not remember Chris Patton in his prime.  He was an absolute golf stud at Clemson.

[url="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1136781/1/index.htm"]http://sportsillustr...781/1/index.htm[/url]

Attached Files

•  patton.jpg   87.74K   3 downloads

[2bGood]

Watched the show and I liked it enough to watch again. I just wish they would be "honest" about things. The viewers aren't so dumb that we would believe the two guys being featured in a documentary just happened to run into each other randomly at a golf course the way they did. "hey buddy, I see you have a camera crew? Cool I do too! What show are you doing? Really the same one as me? Cool." As viewer I would be fine with them let us know that the meeting was set up to kick off the show instead of pretending it just happened. Also I wish they would aknowledge that they are on a TV show and getting money to do it. Shank should be saying "I have lots of bills, I am sure glad I was picked for the show as it going to help with those and let me focus on chasing the dream." Lots of guys going after the PGA tour get outside financial help so I am not sure why they are so afraid to admit this. In no way would owning up to what really going on make the show less interesting.

[Body_Visions]

supergolfdude, on 04 October 2012 - 06:17 PM, said:

rockinar, on 03 September 2012 - 03:45 AM, said:

Here goes the Golf Channel again with another "dream" show. The last one was "Pipe Dream" with homeless bum Mark Burk who could not even break 85. Now Golf Channel does it again with two other guys. One is some business owner I know nothing about. The other guy is Robbie Biershenk, AKA "Shank" from Big Break Indian Wells. As usual, it's a show about two guys trying to make it on to the PGA Tour. From what I remember, Shank was a terrible player and I think was on the show for entertainment value. He's of those goofy immature guys that talks a lot and you want to just tell him to shut up after a few minutes. His odds of making it on the PGA Tour are about as good as mine....zip. He has a younger brother who's 100X better than him. So obviously Shank is on the show for entertainment, that's all.

http://www.golfchann...sing-the-dream/

I completely agree, and I don't understand what The Golf Channel saw in "Shank" to think this half-wit is appealing enough to merit even MORE coverage than his appearance with one of the least-talented Big Break casts in history! Unless they subtitle his speech, I don't think a person can understand a damn thing the guy says!

Yeah, he would probably have a hard time understanding you as well, being as you are from Ohio.  I doubt he would call you half-witted because of it though.

[Body_Visions]

CheckJV, on 04 October 2012 - 07:40 PM, said:

Body_Visions, on 04 October 2012 - 04:39 PM, said:

Yuck, on 03 October 2012 - 09:13 PM, said:

Body_Visions, on 03 October 2012 - 03:52 PM, said:

I thought it was a decent show, other than the introduction.  A little more in-depth would be nice.

It was cool to see Chris Patton again.

Why does't Chris Patton try this?  He was one of the most talented fat amatuers ever.  US Am Champ and of course played in the Masters.  I am sure his path since those days has been interesting.  One thing he did have in spades was talent.

Absolutely all the talent needed.  And he looked in reasonable shape on the show, at least compared to his old self.  The last I knew, he was teaching around Greenville somewhere.

Still is and has more talent than you can possibly imagine. He just has too much hay to cut on his farm and family considerations.

I doubt he has more than I can imagine.  I have a good memory.  It is nice to hear that he is still doing well.  Maybe he will give it another shot at 50!

[Wordmixer]

I live in the upstate of SC and know most of the pros and range owners, so I'd like to pen a few words to the OP about this "goofy immature guy" of whom he writes.

For years Robbie Biershenk has provided the upstate a low-cost alternative to the pricier club membership ranges and country clubs by offering discount lessons, an encouraging atmosphere, and Friday afternoon range sessions replete with feel-good country tunes blaring from loudspeakers as patrons of all colors hack away their work week stresses. Shank's is popular because its owner is popular. Robbie Biershenk is one of the hardest workers I've seen in the golf industry, and the sight of him on his tractor, pulling the range picker while his three labs lope behind their owner and leap at the occasional bouncing ball, is a welcome sight to all who frequent his facility. His is the welcoming, utilitarian range where you'll witness guy's with tour-issue 910s and video camera set-ups hitting next to barefoot Bubba's who'd think a 9-3 drill was a power tool from Home Depot.

I've seen Robbie offer part-time jobs to struggling friends, host mini-tour pros as they hone their games, and walk over to assist parent's trying to help junior stop topping his 5-wood. For years Robbie has been a facilitator of other golfer's dreams. That he was given a chance to live out one of his own dreams -- to briefly be receiver rather than giver -- is a circumstance he deserves, especially when weighed against the privileged class of youngsters sprouting up like so many one-plane daisies from the manicured gardens of NCAA Division 1.

It may seem unfair to the OP that Robbie Biershenk gets a spot on a tv show, but such is life. Life is tedium and skydive, green pasture and wildfire, and it would be to the benefit of the collective GolfWRX experience if fewer of us wasted minutes insulting another man and his dream from behind the anonymity of the internet.

Go get 'em, Shank.

[Body_Visions]

Wordmixer, on 06 October 2012 - 11:47 AM, said:

I live in the upstate of SC and know most of the pros and range owners, so I'd like to pen a few words to the OP about this "goofy immature guy" of whom he writes.

For years Robbie Biershenk has provided the upstate a low-cost alternative to the pricier club membership ranges and country clubs by offering discount lessons, an encouraging atmosphere, and Friday afternoon range sessions replete with feel-good country tunes blaring from loudspeakers as patrons of all colors hack away their work week stresses. Shank's is popular because its owner is popular. Robbie Biershenk is one of the hardest workers I've seen in the golf industry, and the sight of him on his tractor, pulling the range picker while his three labs lope behind their owner and leap at the occasional bouncing ball, is a welcome sight to all who frequent his facility. His is the welcoming, utilitarian range where you'll witness guy's with tour-issue 910s and video camera set-ups hitting next to barefoot Bubba's who'd think a 9-3 drill was a power tool from Home Depot.

I've seen Robbie offer part-time jobs to struggling friends, host mini-tour pros as they hone their games, and walk over to assist parent's trying to help junior stop topping his 5-wood. For years Robbie has been a facilitator of other golfer's dreams. That he was given a chance to live out one of his own dreams -- to briefly be receiver rather than giver -- is a circumstance he deserves, especially when weighed against the privileged class of youngsters sprouting up like so many one-plane daisies from the manicured gardens of NCAA Division 1.

It may seem unfair to the OP that Robbie Biershenk gets a spot on a tv show, but such is life. Life is tedium and skydive, green pasture and wildfire, and it would be to the benefit of the collective GolfWRX experience if fewer of us wasted minutes insulting another man and his dream from behind the anonymity of the internet.

Go get 'em, Shank.

Yes sir!!!

[golfpros1]

I dont know why they aren't satisfied with a career and great amateur record they could go after these types of guys.  What's so great about being a struggling tour player living in cheap motels and conversion vans?  It's one thing if they think they have the game to make a half million a year, but clearly if they did they would already be out there.

Edited by golfpros1, 06 October 2012 - 01:18 PM.

[2bGood]

Golfpros1 - they are chasing the dream, it not about settling for something "good" it about going for something bigger.

[middie8]

I thought it was pretty good.  Slightly more realistic than other shows.  At the end of that round those guys were at 71-31.  And they do have a history of playing at high levels.  Its not some scrub that posts good scores at his country club so he thinks he can go big time.  That is why I will watch it.

But I agree those two running into one another on the putting green was slightly cheesy. No need to insert drama.

[richard t]

I said earlier, at least give us someone who has a chance and isn't a psycho-social idiot. (Mark Burk). Well, I liked it. Whether these two will ever go to 'the show' doesn't matter to me. At least they both seem honest, sincere,  and determined about what they are trying to do. As opposed to the Burk episodes anyone could look carefully here and see talent, and realize it's a long way to the big boy tour. Good luck to both of them. Like others, it was neat to see Patton. Wondered  sometimes whatever happened to him. Maybe all the rants over Mark Burk got GCs attention. Who knows????

[Thrillhouse]

Wordmixer, on 06 October 2012 - 11:47 AM, said:

I live in the upstate of SC and know most of the pros and range owners, so I'd like to pen a few words to the OP about this "goofy immature guy" of whom he writes.

For years Robbie Biershenk has provided the upstate a low-cost alternative to the pricier club membership ranges and country clubs by offering discount lessons, an encouraging atmosphere, and Friday afternoon range sessions replete with feel-good country tunes blaring from loudspeakers as patrons of all colors hack away their work week stresses. Shank's is popular because its owner is popular. Robbie Biershenk is one of the hardest workers I've seen in the golf industry, and the sight of him on his tractor, pulling the range picker while his three labs lope behind their owner and leap at the occasional bouncing ball, is a welcome sight to all who frequent his facility. His is the welcoming, utilitarian range where you'll witness guy's with tour-issue 910s and video camera set-ups hitting next to barefoot Bubba's who'd think a 9-3 drill was a power tool from Home Depot.

I've seen Robbie offer part-time jobs to struggling friends, host mini-tour pros as they hone their games, and walk over to assist parent's trying to help junior stop topping his 5-wood. For years Robbie has been a facilitator of other golfer's dreams. That he was given a chance to live out one of his own dreams -- to briefly be receiver rather than giver -- is a circumstance he deserves, especially when weighed against the privileged class of youngsters sprouting up like so many one-plane daisies from the manicured gardens of NCAA Division 1.

It may seem unfair to the OP that Robbie Biershenk gets a spot on a tv show, but such is life. Life is tedium and skydive, green pasture and wildfire, and it would be to the benefit of the collective GolfWRX experience if fewer of us wasted minutes insulting another man and his dream from behind the anonymity of the internet.

Go get 'em, Shank.

Well said

[teejaywhy]

I got the feeling from watching the first episode, that maybe Chris' wife is not "all in."

[finalist]

It's on my must see TV list.
Homeland
Chasing the Dream
Big Break
49ers Games

Also, the SHANK hoodie looks cool. Bet there's a place to buy one online...

[Bombn]

On a side note, I watched Tommy Biershenk play in the Tour event this past Sunday in Las Vegas.  Robbies big brother and the more "responsible" one barely made it to his tee time by 10 seconds and had to actually RUN to the tee to make it.  Pretty funny when the other players were there along with about 50+ people waiting to watch him tee off #10 to start his round.  And the kicker was he was the 1st to tee off in his group.

[lbhitter]

I had the pleasure of playing with Robbie's brother Tommy in a Hooter's Tour Pro Am event about 3 years ago.  I cannot recall meeting a more humble person.  He treated us like VIPs and was a gracious enough to give lessons to the whole group.   He carried his own bag (no caddie) for 5 straight days and won the tournament.  

I'm rooting for Robbie.  GO Shank.

LB

[Pert1862]

Wordmixer, on 06 October 2012 - 11:47 AM, said:

I live in the upstate of SC and know most of the pros and range owners, so I'd like to pen a few words to the OP about this "goofy immature guy" of whom he writes.

For years Robbie Biershenk has provided the upstate a low-cost alternative to the pricier club membership ranges and country clubs by offering discount lessons, an encouraging atmosphere, and Friday afternoon range sessions replete with feel-good country tunes blaring from loudspeakers as patrons of all colors hack away their work week stresses. Shank's is popular because its owner is popular. Robbie Biershenk is one of the hardest workers I've seen in the golf industry, and the sight of him on his tractor, pulling the range picker while his three labs lope behind their owner and leap at the occasional bouncing ball, is a welcome sight to all who frequent his facility. His is the welcoming, utilitarian range where you'll witness guy's with tour-issue 910s and video camera set-ups hitting next to barefoot Bubba's who'd think a 9-3 drill was a power tool from Home Depot.

I've seen Robbie offer part-time jobs to struggling friends, host mini-tour pros as they hone their games, and walk over to assist parent's trying to help junior stop topping his 5-wood. For years Robbie has been a facilitator of other golfer's dreams. That he was given a chance to live out one of his own dreams -- to briefly be receiver rather than giver -- is a circumstance he deserves, especially when weighed against the privileged class of youngsters sprouting up like so many one-plane daisies from the manicured gardens of NCAA Division 1.

It may seem unfair to the OP that Robbie Biershenk gets a spot on a tv show, but such is life. Life is tedium and skydive, green pasture and wildfire, and it would be to the benefit of the collective GolfWRX experience if fewer of us wasted minutes insulting another man and his dream from behind the anonymity of the internet.

Go get 'em, Shank.

Well said!

[bouch640]

I think the show would be far more interesting if it was about Shank's brother.  He is actually chasing the dream.  Sure he's already made it to the tour but he is in the 200's on the money list.  I'd be interesting to see how he handles tour life and the pressures that come with it for a player at the bottom of the money list.

[golfpros1]

richard t, on 08 October 2012 - 11:58 AM, said:

I said earlier, at least give us someone who has a chance and isn't a psycho-social idiot. (Mark Burk). Well, I liked it. Whether these two will ever go to 'the show' doesn't matter to me. At least they both seem honest, sincere,  and determined about what they are trying to do. As opposed to the Burk episodes anyone could look carefully here and see talent, and realize it's a long way to the big boy tour. Good luck to both of them. Like others, it was neat to see Patton. Wondered  sometimes whatever happened to him. Maybe all the rants over Mark Burk got GCs attention. Who knows????

I agree.  Those guys are "normal" and have enough heritage in the game to be worthy of a show.  I think as a whole, golf fans are a little jaded against these types of shows because of some of the past players, some of which had just started playing the game all the way to homeless that haven't played golf in a while.  It was just too ridiculous in cases where the audience became irritated by the format.  Nothing against these guys.

[golfpros1]

bouch640, on 10 October 2012 - 10:44 PM, said:

I think the show would be far more interesting if it was about Shank's brother.  He is actually chasing the dream.  Sure he's already made it to the tour but he is in the 200's on the money list.  I'd be interesting to see how he handles tour life and the pressures that come with it for a player at the bottom of the money list.

agree