Golf Channel announced today that its popular Big Break reality competition series has chosen Mexico as the next competition grounds for its 19th season, premiering May 13, 2013. The luxurious, all-inclusive IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso and the accompanying Playa Paraíso Golf Club in Riviera Maya will serve as the backdrop for Big Break Mexico, providing the opportunity for the ultimate winner to compete alongside the game’s best on the LPGA Tour or the PGA TOUR.

“We are thrilled to be the host partner for Big Break Mexico. Golf is an important growing segment for IBEROSTAR and Golf Channel’s audience aligns well with our target guest; therefore, it was a natural fit to partner with Big Break,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for IBEROSTAR, John Long. “It is our hope that Big Break Mexico will inspire travellers and golf enthusiasts to visit IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso and experience the luxurious amenities and unparalleled services we have to offer guests.”

The series will unfold on the IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club’s P.B. Dye designed 18-hole championship course. The par-72 layout, featuring breathtaking signature holes and distinctive rock work, is typical of P.B Dye’s signature designs. Carved out of the ancient Mayan jungle, the IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club features narrow fairways, deep bunkers and extreme vertical movement, along with untraditional hazards such as a rock riverbed that make the course distinctively unique to the area.

Big Break Mexico will feature a guest appearance from former LPGA World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, who surprised the cast during the filming of the series and competed alongside the players in one of the challenges. This season’s Big Break champion will receive an exemption to compete either on the LPGA Tour at the 2013 Lorena Ochoa Invitational presented by Banamex and Jalisco, or on the PGA TOUR at the 2013 OHL Classic at Mayakoba (both Nov. 14-17).

“I love having Big Break in my home country of Mexico and am proud to offer an exemption to the Lorena Ochoa Invitational,” said Ochoa. Big Break is very popular, and I want to help the sport of golf in my country as much as I can. This is a win-win situation for all of us. It was great to meet all of the players and see how excited they are to be on Big Break. I’m looking forward to watching the series this summer and see how I fared in front of all of the cameras.”

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. When not on the golf course, Big Break Mexico contestants enjoyed the five-star luxury of the all-inclusive IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso. Amenities at this sprawling beachfront resort include 24-hour butler and concierge service, all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining at several on-property restaurants, a full-service spa, 24-hour room service and much more.

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