Marty's mum, Joyce - who managed the musical careers of her husband, 80s pop's blonde bombshell daughter Kim and now youngest daughter Roxanne - did watch the show, however, and is already an avid fan.

She said: "The programme was great. I had two favourites: Marty - but obviously I'm going to say that - and I loved TJ, one of the Americans. Marty's got a strong game and this has given him a great deal of confidence."

Wilde is one of 12 golfers, playing off scratch or better, looking to make the breakthrough into the Tour ranks.

Over the next 14 weeks, viewers will witness the agony and ecstasy of The Big Break IV: USA vs Europe, as players drop out to leave just one who will emerge the victor. And to the victor, the spoils: which includes European Tour exemptions - passes to play in professional events - plus an endorsement contract from Bridgestone Golf.

But golf's Pop Idol-style programme is no freak show. There are no embarrassing auditions and nobody will achieve 15 minutes of fame by being the worst of a bad bunch. All the contestants are capable of incredibly high standards. And that will be reflected in the entertainment on display.

The fourth outing for the show takes on a new format with six Europeans facing off against six Americans in a Ryder Cup format, with the ultimate showdown a head-to-head clash between the last surviving member of each team.

■ The Big Break IV: USA vs Europe continues every Monday on The Golf Channel UK - channel 423 on Sky Digital.