As a youngster Mark Farrell wanted to play in the NHL. But he ended up on "The Big Break: Mesquite" - which is a fortunate turn of events since he is pursuing a career in golf.
After playing hockey in high school and later at both the Peddie School in New Jersey and Denison University in Ohio, he decided to give up on the sport.

With a degree in economics, Farrell went the business route and did well selling computer systems to large financial institutions. After an eight-year stint as a "corporate guy," Farrell decided to try his hand as a freestyle ski instructor/ski bum in Aspen, Colo., for three years.

"It was the classic 'inverse curve'," Farrell said. "The W2 goes down and the quality of life goes up."

In 2000, Farrell returned to competitive golf after 12 years. Since that time he has played in 10 USGA National Championships, (including the past two U.S. Amateurs in 2005 and 2006) a British Amateur and won three player of the year titles in Connecticut, along with winning five amateur titles.

Farrell made the jump to the professional ranks in October 2006 after representing the Metropolitan Golf Association in a Ryder Cup format against the French National Amateur Team in Paris. Currently, he is a member on the North American Pro Golf Tour.

Even with the success, Farrell said it is a little unnerving playing for a living and knows there will be pressure in "The Big Break: Mesquite." However, he has a mature outlook on the competition and on golf in general.

"I've had enough life perspective to realize that it's still just a game and it's still just a number," said Farrell, who works as a "pro-shop jockey" and gives lessons to finance his golf career. Don't confuse perspective with a "Que-Sera-Sera" attitude because Farrell wants to win. To prepare for "The Big Break: Mesquite" shoot in the Nevada desert, he would sit in his car with the windows rolled up and the seat heater on.