Golfer USGA Handicap Index (1st #) Handicap (2nd #) for Winding Creek
Scott Ghant 4.5 6
Tom Riddle 8.8 10
Scott Hobson 9.9 11
Chad Hedrick 9.9 11
Tripp Russell 11.0 12
Dwight Clark 11.4 12
Randy Griffin 11.4 12
Tommy Dugan 12.5 13
Rodney Nail 12.9 14
Jeff Brown 13. 14
Tom Anderson15.5 16
Chris Morris 15.5 16
Ted Prestwood 15.6 16
Jeff Steelman 15.6 16
Skip Mace 15.5 16
Mike Hall 17.0 19
Wayne Hunt 17.8 19
Tim Hulin 20.9 22
Jackie King 21.3 24
Ken Davis 21.3 24
Tom Dugan 22.0 25
Ryan Mayo 23.0 26
Wes Crump 24.5 27
Lane Moore 29.2 30
Tony Fritts 30.8 32
Dru Broadway 30.9 32
Phillip Brookshire 32.0 32
Lance Branham 34.4 35
Eddie Branham 36.4 37
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
2010 King Invitational
Each year the King Invitational and its organizers seek to bring golfers an exciting and memorable event. Last year the King Invitational reached new heights with an unprecedented draft process and the unveiling of The King's Court and The Hunt Club. This year, organizers were faced with a challenge to ensure that the King Invitational remain both fresh and economical.
Circumstances being what they are have created a first-ever location change for the King Invitational. For the fist time in the eight year history of the event, Myrtle Beach, SC will not play host to golfers at the King Invitational. Instead, organizers have decided to move further south for a change of scenery and bit of low-country hospitality. Thus, we are proud to announce the 2010 King Invitational will be held in historic Charleston, SC. Dates for this event are February 4-7, 2010.
Understanding the location change
Myrtle Beach, SC has hosted the first seven events and The Caribbean Resort and Villas has been the accommodations of choice for the five of those seven years. In addition to The Caribbean, King Invitational golfers have stayed at the Springmaid Resort and Compass Cove. Tough economic times being what they are have prevented either of these facilities or any other locations contacted to match the price provided to the 2010 version of the King Invitational in Charleston. Golfers will enjoy a 3-night, 3-round all-inclusive stay for a King Invitational all-time lowest rate of $225.00 per player, based on double occupancy. For those golfers wishing to begin their trip early, a Wednesday night stay (February 3rd) will cost $25.00 per player extra, again a figure lower than past tournaments.
We understand that golf is the first and foremost reason behind the King Invitational. That's why we have ensured that the golf courses included in the 2010 King Invitational will be comparable, and sometimes superior to, any courses we've played in Myrtle Beach. In addition, we have also ensured that each golfer will be provided a full breakfast every morning at the hotel restaurant.
Golf Courses
Wild Dunes - The Harbour Course - A Tom Fazio-design, The Harbour Course at Wild Dunes challenges a player's shotmaking and course management skills on a design that includes marshes, lagoons and the Intracoastal Waterway. Fazio himself ranks The Harbour Course as one of his all-time favorite courses. The Intracoastal Waterway runs parallel to half of the holes on this magnificent course. This course will play as a 5,900 yard par-70 course for the King Invitational.
Charleston National Golf Club - This Rees Jones-design runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, with holes that are flanked by a combination of natural wetlands and pine and oak forests. The King Invitational will play Charleston National at the Members tees which is a 6,412 yard par-72. Ranked the #1 non-resort course in SC by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, Charleston National offers a full practice facility, including an indoor hitting area, short game practice area, driving range and putting green.
Patriot's Point Links on Charleston Harbor - The 2001 South Carolina Golf Course of the Year will play host to the opening day of the 2010 King Invitational as a 6,393 yard par-72 links style course at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor. This Willard Byrd-design features the par-3 17th hole, an island green with views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter and historic downtown Charleston's skyline which has on several occasions been named the best par-3 in South Carolina. Patriots Point is home of the USS Yorktown.
Golf Shops
Another favorite of King Invitational golfers has historically been a trip to one of Myrtle Beach's numerous fine golf shops. Charleston is home to the Edwin Watts Golf Shop as well as several other fine golf shops including Pro Golf Discount and the Charleston Golf and Tennis shop located within walking distance of our host hotel.
Hotel
The Comfort Suites at Isle of Palms will be the host hotel for the 2010 King Invitational. The hotel features double occupancy rooms with refrigerators, flat screen TVs, an Internet cafe, a meeting room (already reserved for King Invitational functions) and a full-service buffet breakfast each morning.
Amenities
For the first-time ever, The King Invitational has partnered with a host restaurant for 2010. The King Street Grille has been named the best Sports Bar in Charleston for five straight years. Located adjacent to the Comfort Suites, The King Street Grille is offering up a 25% discount on food and beverages (including all alcohol) for King Invitational attendees, with a minimum of three members in your party.
Location
From Lexington, NC our host hotel is a 4hr, 15 minute drive down I-85 South to I-77 South to I-26. For comparisons sake, The Caribbean Resort is a 4 hr, 3 minute drive from Lexington.
Deposit
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due by Oct. 31, 2009 for those planning to attend the King Invitational. However, we would like a verbal acknowledgement as soon as possible from those planning to attend this year's event.
Other Sporting Events
Wednesday, February 3 - NC State at Virginia (ESPNU)
Thursday, February 4 - Georgia Tech at Duke (ESPN)
North Carolina at Virginia Tech (ESPN)
Saturday, February 6 - Wake Forest at Virginia (Raycom)
Duke at Boston College (ESPN)
NC State at Georgia Tech (ESPN)
Daytona 500 Qualifying (FOX)
Budweiser Shootout (FOX)
UFC 109 (PPV)
Sunday, February 7 - North Carolina at Maryland (ESPN)
Super Bowl XLIV
Circumstances being what they are have created a first-ever location change for the King Invitational. For the fist time in the eight year history of the event, Myrtle Beach, SC will not play host to golfers at the King Invitational. Instead, organizers have decided to move further south for a change of scenery and bit of low-country hospitality. Thus, we are proud to announce the 2010 King Invitational will be held in historic Charleston, SC. Dates for this event are February 4-7, 2010.
Understanding the location change
Myrtle Beach, SC has hosted the first seven events and The Caribbean Resort and Villas has been the accommodations of choice for the five of those seven years. In addition to The Caribbean, King Invitational golfers have stayed at the Springmaid Resort and Compass Cove. Tough economic times being what they are have prevented either of these facilities or any other locations contacted to match the price provided to the 2010 version of the King Invitational in Charleston. Golfers will enjoy a 3-night, 3-round all-inclusive stay for a King Invitational all-time lowest rate of $225.00 per player, based on double occupancy. For those golfers wishing to begin their trip early, a Wednesday night stay (February 3rd) will cost $25.00 per player extra, again a figure lower than past tournaments.
We understand that golf is the first and foremost reason behind the King Invitational. That's why we have ensured that the golf courses included in the 2010 King Invitational will be comparable, and sometimes superior to, any courses we've played in Myrtle Beach. In addition, we have also ensured that each golfer will be provided a full breakfast every morning at the hotel restaurant.
Golf Courses
Wild Dunes - The Harbour Course - A Tom Fazio-design, The Harbour Course at Wild Dunes challenges a player's shotmaking and course management skills on a design that includes marshes, lagoons and the Intracoastal Waterway. Fazio himself ranks The Harbour Course as one of his all-time favorite courses. The Intracoastal Waterway runs parallel to half of the holes on this magnificent course. This course will play as a 5,900 yard par-70 course for the King Invitational.
Charleston National Golf Club - This Rees Jones-design runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, with holes that are flanked by a combination of natural wetlands and pine and oak forests. The King Invitational will play Charleston National at the Members tees which is a 6,412 yard par-72. Ranked the #1 non-resort course in SC by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, Charleston National offers a full practice facility, including an indoor hitting area, short game practice area, driving range and putting green.
Patriot's Point Links on Charleston Harbor - The 2001 South Carolina Golf Course of the Year will play host to the opening day of the 2010 King Invitational as a 6,393 yard par-72 links style course at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor. This Willard Byrd-design features the par-3 17th hole, an island green with views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter and historic downtown Charleston's skyline which has on several occasions been named the best par-3 in South Carolina. Patriots Point is home of the USS Yorktown.
Golf Shops
Another favorite of King Invitational golfers has historically been a trip to one of Myrtle Beach's numerous fine golf shops. Charleston is home to the Edwin Watts Golf Shop as well as several other fine golf shops including Pro Golf Discount and the Charleston Golf and Tennis shop located within walking distance of our host hotel.
Hotel
The Comfort Suites at Isle of Palms will be the host hotel for the 2010 King Invitational. The hotel features double occupancy rooms with refrigerators, flat screen TVs, an Internet cafe, a meeting room (already reserved for King Invitational functions) and a full-service buffet breakfast each morning.
Amenities
For the first-time ever, The King Invitational has partnered with a host restaurant for 2010. The King Street Grille has been named the best Sports Bar in Charleston for five straight years. Located adjacent to the Comfort Suites, The King Street Grille is offering up a 25% discount on food and beverages (including all alcohol) for King Invitational attendees, with a minimum of three members in your party.
Location
From Lexington, NC our host hotel is a 4hr, 15 minute drive down I-85 South to I-77 South to I-26. For comparisons sake, The Caribbean Resort is a 4 hr, 3 minute drive from Lexington.
Deposit
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due by Oct. 31, 2009 for those planning to attend the King Invitational. However, we would like a verbal acknowledgement as soon as possible from those planning to attend this year's event.
Other Sporting Events
Wednesday, February 3 - NC State at Virginia (ESPNU)
Thursday, February 4 - Georgia Tech at Duke (ESPN)
North Carolina at Virginia Tech (ESPN)
Saturday, February 6 - Wake Forest at Virginia (Raycom)
Duke at Boston College (ESPN)
NC State at Georgia Tech (ESPN)
Daytona 500 Qualifying (FOX)
Budweiser Shootout (FOX)
UFC 109 (PPV)
Sunday, February 7 - North Carolina at Maryland (ESPN)
Super Bowl XLIV
Sunday, July 19, 2009
TGA Summer Classic at Winding Creek - June Results
Finish, Net Score, Points
1. Tommy Dugan 57 - 57
2. Wes Crump 67 - 54
3. Jeff Brown 68 - 51
4. Tripp Russell 68 -48
5. Ken Davis 68 - 45
6. Scott Ghant 68 - 42
7. Tom Anderson 70 - 39
8. Tommy Dugan 71 - 36
9. Randy Griffin 73 - 33
10. Chad Hedrick 74 - 30
11. Wayne Hunt 74 - 27
12. Dwight Clark 74 - 24
13. Skip Mace 75 - 21
14. Lance Branham 76 - 18
15. Tom Dugan 79 - 15
16. Dru Broadway 81 - 12
17. Lane Moore 82 - 9
18. Jeff Steelman 83- 6
19. Eddie Branham 89 - 3
Money Leaders
Tim Hulin $95.00
Tom Anderson $63.00
Wes Crump $57.00
Wayne Hunt $42.00
Jeff Brown $38.00
Scott Ghant $21.00
Randy Griffin $21.00
Tom Riddle $21.00
Lane Moore $21.00
Greenies
Tom Anderson 2
Wayne Hunt 1
Lane Moore 1
Skins
Randy Griffin 1
Scott Ghant 1
Tom Anderson 1
Wayne Hunt 1
Tom Riddle 1
Birdies
Wayne Hunt 3
Tom Riddle 3
Tripp Russell 3
Ken Davis 1
Scott Ghant 1
Randy Griffin 1
Tommy Dugan 1
Chad Hedrick 1
Dwight Clark 1
Skip Mace 1
Pars
Scott Ghant 10
Jeff Brown 8
Randy Griffin 8
Tom Riddle 8
Rodney Nell 8
Dwight Clark 8
Tripp Russell 7
Ken Davis 7
Chad Hedrick 7
Tom Anderson 6
Tommy Dugan 5
Wayne Hunt 4
Skip Mace 4
Jeff Steelman 4
Tim Hulin 3
Tom Dugan 3
Dru Broadway 1
Lane Moore 1
1. Tommy Dugan 57 - 57
2. Wes Crump 67 - 54
3. Jeff Brown 68 - 51
4. Tripp Russell 68 -48
5. Ken Davis 68 - 45
6. Scott Ghant 68 - 42
7. Tom Anderson 70 - 39
8. Tommy Dugan 71 - 36
9. Randy Griffin 73 - 33
10. Chad Hedrick 74 - 30
11. Wayne Hunt 74 - 27
12. Dwight Clark 74 - 24
13. Skip Mace 75 - 21
14. Lance Branham 76 - 18
15. Tom Dugan 79 - 15
16. Dru Broadway 81 - 12
17. Lane Moore 82 - 9
18. Jeff Steelman 83- 6
19. Eddie Branham 89 - 3
Money Leaders
Tim Hulin $95.00
Tom Anderson $63.00
Wes Crump $57.00
Wayne Hunt $42.00
Jeff Brown $38.00
Scott Ghant $21.00
Randy Griffin $21.00
Tom Riddle $21.00
Lane Moore $21.00
Greenies
Tom Anderson 2
Wayne Hunt 1
Lane Moore 1
Skins
Randy Griffin 1
Scott Ghant 1
Tom Anderson 1
Wayne Hunt 1
Tom Riddle 1
Birdies
Wayne Hunt 3
Tom Riddle 3
Tripp Russell 3
Ken Davis 1
Scott Ghant 1
Randy Griffin 1
Tommy Dugan 1
Chad Hedrick 1
Dwight Clark 1
Skip Mace 1
Pars
Scott Ghant 10
Jeff Brown 8
Randy Griffin 8
Tom Riddle 8
Rodney Nell 8
Dwight Clark 8
Tripp Russell 7
Ken Davis 7
Chad Hedrick 7
Tom Anderson 6
Tommy Dugan 5
Wayne Hunt 4
Skip Mace 4
Jeff Steelman 4
Tim Hulin 3
Tom Dugan 3
Dru Broadway 1
Lane Moore 1
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The TGA Rules - Scenario 1
Scenario 1:
Dru and Wayne are playing in a TGA-sanctioned event at Winding Creek. They are both hitting approach shots into the green. Dru hits first as his ball is not in the fairway. His ball hits on the green and appears to come to rest on the back of the green. Wayne hits second as his drive was longer than Dru's and found the fairway. His approach shot also hits the green but appears to roll off the back of the green.
En route to the green, Wayne stops to help their other playing partners, Ted and Skip, search for Skip's ball. Dru proceeds to walk to the green and marks what he thinks is his ball on the green. Once all four players reach greenside, Wayne walks over to the ball that he assumes to be his ball off the back of the green. He confirms Dru has already marked his ball and chips his ball towards the hole. Once he marks his ball on the green, Wayne realizes he has struck the wrong ball. Dru, assuming his ball was on the green and Wayne's had rolled off, inadvertantly marked Wayne's ball. Wayne, assuming the ball off the green was his, played the wrong ball.
The mistake was discovered before either ball reached the hole (i.e. neither player had holed out) and before Dru had made any attempt to strike the ball he had thought was his.
Which of the following rulings, according to the rules of golf, is the correct way to handle this situation?
A. Wayne incurs a ONE stroke penalty for striking the wrong ball and Dru incurs NO penalty for marking the wrong ball as he has yet to actually hit the wrong ball.
B. Wayne incurs a TWO stroke penalty for striking the wrong ball and Dru incurs a ONE stroke penalty for illegally touching a competitor's ball.
C. Wayne incurs a ONE stroke penalty for striking the wrong ball and Dru incurs a ONE stroke penalty for illegally touching a competitor's ball.
D. Wayne incurs a TWO stroke penalty for striking the wrong ball and Dru incurs NO penalty for marking the wrong ball as he has yet to actually hit the wrong ball.
Let's see what you guys think before I provide the answer and explanations of the rule(s) involved in this scenario.
Dru and Wayne are playing in a TGA-sanctioned event at Winding Creek. They are both hitting approach shots into the green. Dru hits first as his ball is not in the fairway. His ball hits on the green and appears to come to rest on the back of the green. Wayne hits second as his drive was longer than Dru's and found the fairway. His approach shot also hits the green but appears to roll off the back of the green.
En route to the green, Wayne stops to help their other playing partners, Ted and Skip, search for Skip's ball. Dru proceeds to walk to the green and marks what he thinks is his ball on the green. Once all four players reach greenside, Wayne walks over to the ball that he assumes to be his ball off the back of the green. He confirms Dru has already marked his ball and chips his ball towards the hole. Once he marks his ball on the green, Wayne realizes he has struck the wrong ball. Dru, assuming his ball was on the green and Wayne's had rolled off, inadvertantly marked Wayne's ball. Wayne, assuming the ball off the green was his, played the wrong ball.
The mistake was discovered before either ball reached the hole (i.e. neither player had holed out) and before Dru had made any attempt to strike the ball he had thought was his.
Which of the following rulings, according to the rules of golf, is the correct way to handle this situation?
A. Wayne incurs a ONE stroke penalty for striking the wrong ball and Dru incurs NO penalty for marking the wrong ball as he has yet to actually hit the wrong ball.
B. Wayne incurs a TWO stroke penalty for striking the wrong ball and Dru incurs a ONE stroke penalty for illegally touching a competitor's ball.
C. Wayne incurs a ONE stroke penalty for striking the wrong ball and Dru incurs a ONE stroke penalty for illegally touching a competitor's ball.
D. Wayne incurs a TWO stroke penalty for striking the wrong ball and Dru incurs NO penalty for marking the wrong ball as he has yet to actually hit the wrong ball.
Let's see what you guys think before I provide the answer and explanations of the rule(s) involved in this scenario.
Monday, June 1, 2009
TGA Summer Update
Tour Events
The TGA has gotten off to a rousing start for the 2009 Tour Season. The spring events saw three different players capture wins and three different players lead the tour in points.
Dru Broadway captured the season's opening event, The 2009 President's Classic at Winding Creek with a net-63 to take home $65.00 and 39 points in the 13-player field. Broadway's victory was an 8-stroke runaway over the 2nd place finisher, Skip Mace who took a scorecard playoff with Jackie King to finish with a net-71 and capture the $39.00 and 36 points that accompanied 2nd place. King finished 3rd and won a greenie to take walk away with $42.00 on the day. Dwight Clark captured the only skin of the day to win a new TGA tour record $80.00 skin. The President's Classic marked the tour debuts for TGA rookies Ken Davis, Tim Hulin, and the father/son duo of Eddie and Lance Branham.
King came back strong to capture the Winding Creek Invitational in April with a net-69 to forge a 2-way tie atop the TGA standings with Mace who finished as the runner-up for the second straight event. King's net-69 edged out Mace (net-70) and Ted Prestwood (net-72) to win $85.00 in the 17-player tournament. Mace took home $51.00 for his finish while Prestwood's $34.00 take gave him an even $50.00 for the season. Eleven players won at least $15.00. Tom Riddle of Charlotte and Scott Gantt of Clemmons made their TGA tour debuts in this event, bringing the total number of new players on tour for 2009 to six.
The third event of the Spring was the season's first major, The TGA Open at Holly Ridge Golf Links. Reigning TGA Player of the Year Tommy Dugan posted a net-68 to score a two stroke victory over Jackie King, who used his third consecutive top-3 finish to move into sole possession of the TGA points lead with 172 points. Wayne Hunt won a scorecard playoff (net-71) over Randy Griffin and Chris Morris to place third. Dugan won $140.00 for capturing the season's first major in a field of 18 players. With one skin to his credit, Dugan totaled $151.00 in winnings on the afternoon. King and Hunt each captured one greenie to total $73.00 and $55.00 respectively.
With the first third of the season now in the books, King has staked himself to a 13-point lead over Dugan (172-159) in an attempt to capture his first career Player of the Year Award. Mace, who stumbled to a 12th-place finish in the TGA Open, sits in third with 137 points followed by Prestwood with 115 points and Hunt, who has totaled 110 points in only two events.
Thomasville's Tim Hulin leads the chase for the Rookie of the Year award over Kernersville's Lance Branham (80-72).
Fifteen players have won money on tour thus far led by King who has won $200.00 and Dugan who has $186.00. Mace has won $90.00 and three other players (Broadway, Clark and Prestwood) have won $80.00 apiece.
Newcomer Tom Riddle leads the tour with 5 birdies in two events. Ted Prestwood's 21 pars lead the series through three events. Rookie Scott Gantt shot a 75 at the Winding Creek Invitational in April which stands as the low-gross score for the season thus far. Broadway's net-63 in the season-opening win is the low net score for Spring 2009.
Memberships
Through May 31, 22 players have paid membership dues for the 2009 season. In addition, two other players have participated but have yet to gain full membership. A goal of 25 paid memberships is well within reach and would represent a new single season TGA record.
TGA off the links
The first ever TGA GOLO event was held at Ted Prestwood's house May 15th. 13 players participated and Dru Broadway beat Lance Branham in the final pairing to win $90.00
The first ever TGA Racing Pool was also assembled in May and Wayne Hunt won $65.00 when his randomly selected pick, Rachel Alexander captured the Preakness on May 16th.
The next TGA GOLO event has been planned for this summer prior to the TGA Masters in August. The date and location will be announced at a later date.
TGA hits the water
A couple of members have offered up their homes/pools as possible locations for a summer cookout. TGA staff will be getting with those folks in the near future to discuss the possibility of a cookout for later in the summer.
TGA and the NFL
The TGA group outing for the November 19th Thursday night game vs. the Miami Dolphins is officially a done deal. I will be getting with those people, individually, who have advised me they will be attending. Remember guys, your significant others/kids/etc are welcome to this event. At this point, 23 people have committed to attend. I am still waiting to hear back from a few other people. But, I will be collecting money this week and sending out payment next week for our group tickets.
Congratulations
To Lance Branham who was married to Debbie Gonzalez in a ceremony on May 23rd in Kernersville
Coming Soon
Beginning tomorrow we will begin a new segment on the TGA blog, called The USGA Rule of the Week. This segment will run every Tuesday thoughout the season.
Also look for the upcoming TGA Profile of the Month. Beginning in June we will profile one TGA player each month. This should be an interesing new addition to the revamped TGA web site.
Remember
If any one has any information you would like posted on the TGA blog, please contact me or Dru via e-mail or phone. We are always interested in what is going on with our TGA friends.
See ya soon,
Wayne
Tour Events
The TGA has gotten off to a rousing start for the 2009 Tour Season. The spring events saw three different players capture wins and three different players lead the tour in points.
Dru Broadway captured the season's opening event, The 2009 President's Classic at Winding Creek with a net-63 to take home $65.00 and 39 points in the 13-player field. Broadway's victory was an 8-stroke runaway over the 2nd place finisher, Skip Mace who took a scorecard playoff with Jackie King to finish with a net-71 and capture the $39.00 and 36 points that accompanied 2nd place. King finished 3rd and won a greenie to take walk away with $42.00 on the day. Dwight Clark captured the only skin of the day to win a new TGA tour record $80.00 skin. The President's Classic marked the tour debuts for TGA rookies Ken Davis, Tim Hulin, and the father/son duo of Eddie and Lance Branham.
King came back strong to capture the Winding Creek Invitational in April with a net-69 to forge a 2-way tie atop the TGA standings with Mace who finished as the runner-up for the second straight event. King's net-69 edged out Mace (net-70) and Ted Prestwood (net-72) to win $85.00 in the 17-player tournament. Mace took home $51.00 for his finish while Prestwood's $34.00 take gave him an even $50.00 for the season. Eleven players won at least $15.00. Tom Riddle of Charlotte and Scott Gantt of Clemmons made their TGA tour debuts in this event, bringing the total number of new players on tour for 2009 to six.
The third event of the Spring was the season's first major, The TGA Open at Holly Ridge Golf Links. Reigning TGA Player of the Year Tommy Dugan posted a net-68 to score a two stroke victory over Jackie King, who used his third consecutive top-3 finish to move into sole possession of the TGA points lead with 172 points. Wayne Hunt won a scorecard playoff (net-71) over Randy Griffin and Chris Morris to place third. Dugan won $140.00 for capturing the season's first major in a field of 18 players. With one skin to his credit, Dugan totaled $151.00 in winnings on the afternoon. King and Hunt each captured one greenie to total $73.00 and $55.00 respectively.
With the first third of the season now in the books, King has staked himself to a 13-point lead over Dugan (172-159) in an attempt to capture his first career Player of the Year Award. Mace, who stumbled to a 12th-place finish in the TGA Open, sits in third with 137 points followed by Prestwood with 115 points and Hunt, who has totaled 110 points in only two events.
Thomasville's Tim Hulin leads the chase for the Rookie of the Year award over Kernersville's Lance Branham (80-72).
Fifteen players have won money on tour thus far led by King who has won $200.00 and Dugan who has $186.00. Mace has won $90.00 and three other players (Broadway, Clark and Prestwood) have won $80.00 apiece.
Newcomer Tom Riddle leads the tour with 5 birdies in two events. Ted Prestwood's 21 pars lead the series through three events. Rookie Scott Gantt shot a 75 at the Winding Creek Invitational in April which stands as the low-gross score for the season thus far. Broadway's net-63 in the season-opening win is the low net score for Spring 2009.
Memberships
Through May 31, 22 players have paid membership dues for the 2009 season. In addition, two other players have participated but have yet to gain full membership. A goal of 25 paid memberships is well within reach and would represent a new single season TGA record.
TGA off the links
The first ever TGA GOLO event was held at Ted Prestwood's house May 15th. 13 players participated and Dru Broadway beat Lance Branham in the final pairing to win $90.00
The first ever TGA Racing Pool was also assembled in May and Wayne Hunt won $65.00 when his randomly selected pick, Rachel Alexander captured the Preakness on May 16th.
The next TGA GOLO event has been planned for this summer prior to the TGA Masters in August. The date and location will be announced at a later date.
TGA hits the water
A couple of members have offered up their homes/pools as possible locations for a summer cookout. TGA staff will be getting with those folks in the near future to discuss the possibility of a cookout for later in the summer.
TGA and the NFL
The TGA group outing for the November 19th Thursday night game vs. the Miami Dolphins is officially a done deal. I will be getting with those people, individually, who have advised me they will be attending. Remember guys, your significant others/kids/etc are welcome to this event. At this point, 23 people have committed to attend. I am still waiting to hear back from a few other people. But, I will be collecting money this week and sending out payment next week for our group tickets.
Congratulations
To Lance Branham who was married to Debbie Gonzalez in a ceremony on May 23rd in Kernersville
Coming Soon
Beginning tomorrow we will begin a new segment on the TGA blog, called The USGA Rule of the Week. This segment will run every Tuesday thoughout the season.
Also look for the upcoming TGA Profile of the Month. Beginning in June we will profile one TGA player each month. This should be an interesing new addition to the revamped TGA web site.
Remember
If any one has any information you would like posted on the TGA blog, please contact me or Dru via e-mail or phone. We are always interested in what is going on with our TGA friends.
See ya soon,
Wayne
Saturday, May 30, 2009
TGA Outing this Fall
Gentlemen,
Our recent GOLO tournament at Ted's house was such a rousing success that many TGA members have already been talking about another group function. Obviously, we've got additional GOLO tournaments in the works, but I have set out to find a unique opportunity for TGA members. Over the past week, I've been working to nail down the details of what I think should be a very entertaining evening. Earlier today, I was able to finalize the plans and I am now ready to reveal information about this event.
I am pleased to announce the first-ever TGA-NFL partnership. I have secured a group rate for a TGA outing at the November 19th, Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers Thursday Night Game of the Week at Bank of America Stadium in beautiful downtown Charlotte, NC. For you Dolphins and Panthers fans this will be your only opportunity to see this game as the game will be shown only to subscibers to The NFL Network.
Normally, tickets for this game would be $57.00 (prior to taxes/service charges). I have secured a discounted rate of $32.00 for this game. In order to secure the discount I must have a minimum of 20 tickets. They will only hold these seats for approx. 1 week. At that time I will need to make some sort of payment arrangement or they will release our book of seats. So, time is of an essence. If you are interested in going, please call me, e-mail or post your interest on the blog ASAP. Once you have done that I will make arrangements to secure payment from you. They are holding a block of seats for me through June 8th. At that time I will have to release the seats or make some type of payment. If you want to go to the game but are concerned about making a commitment that far in advance, it's best to go ahead and purchase your ticket now. Once game time rolls around if you can't make it, I will have no problem "moving" your ticket for you. As most of you know, I have quite a few connections when it comes to buying/selling tickets and should be able to get you your $32.00 back prior to game time.
I would love to see this potential outing be a success. I have found a heckuva great spot to tailgate at the Panthers home game in a lot convenient to both the stadium and the Interstate. Traffic in/out of this lot headed back home is some of the most favorable you will find anywhere. This, along with what is always a great tailgating atmosphere, will make our evening all the more fun.
If you know of a member that isn't on this e-mail list that may want to go (i.e. Tom Riddle, Mike Hall, Mayo, etc) please pass this information along to them.
Hope to hear from you this weekend,
Wayne
Our recent GOLO tournament at Ted's house was such a rousing success that many TGA members have already been talking about another group function. Obviously, we've got additional GOLO tournaments in the works, but I have set out to find a unique opportunity for TGA members. Over the past week, I've been working to nail down the details of what I think should be a very entertaining evening. Earlier today, I was able to finalize the plans and I am now ready to reveal information about this event.
I am pleased to announce the first-ever TGA-NFL partnership. I have secured a group rate for a TGA outing at the November 19th, Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers Thursday Night Game of the Week at Bank of America Stadium in beautiful downtown Charlotte, NC. For you Dolphins and Panthers fans this will be your only opportunity to see this game as the game will be shown only to subscibers to The NFL Network.
Normally, tickets for this game would be $57.00 (prior to taxes/service charges). I have secured a discounted rate of $32.00 for this game. In order to secure the discount I must have a minimum of 20 tickets. They will only hold these seats for approx. 1 week. At that time I will need to make some sort of payment arrangement or they will release our book of seats. So, time is of an essence. If you are interested in going, please call me, e-mail or post your interest on the blog ASAP. Once you have done that I will make arrangements to secure payment from you. They are holding a block of seats for me through June 8th. At that time I will have to release the seats or make some type of payment. If you want to go to the game but are concerned about making a commitment that far in advance, it's best to go ahead and purchase your ticket now. Once game time rolls around if you can't make it, I will have no problem "moving" your ticket for you. As most of you know, I have quite a few connections when it comes to buying/selling tickets and should be able to get you your $32.00 back prior to game time.
I would love to see this potential outing be a success. I have found a heckuva great spot to tailgate at the Panthers home game in a lot convenient to both the stadium and the Interstate. Traffic in/out of this lot headed back home is some of the most favorable you will find anywhere. This, along with what is always a great tailgating atmosphere, will make our evening all the more fun.
If you know of a member that isn't on this e-mail list that may want to go (i.e. Tom Riddle, Mike Hall, Mayo, etc) please pass this information along to them.
Hope to hear from you this weekend,
Wayne
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TGA Open at Holly Ridge - Results
Finish, Net Score, Points
- Tommy Dugan 68 - 90
- Jackie King 70 - 85
- Wayne Hunt 71 - 80
- Randy Griffin 71 - 75
- Chris Morris 71 - 70
- Tim Hulin 72 - 65
- Lance Branham 72 - 60
- Tom Anderson 74 - 55
- Skip Mace 74 - 50
- Scott Hobson 75 - 45
- Ted Prestwood 75 - 40
- Wes Crump 76 - 35
- Chad Hedrick 77 - 30
- Dwight Clark 79 - 25
- Lane Moore 80 - 20
- Tom Dugan 81 - 15
- Dru Broadway 87 - 10
- Eddie Branham 90 - 5
Money Leaders
- Tommy Dugan $151.00
- Jackie King $73.00
- Wayne Hunt $55.00
- Scott Hobson $41.00
- Ted Prestwood $30.00
- Randy Griffin $22.00
- Tom Anderson $11.00
- Tom Riddle $11.00
Greenies
- Jackie King 1
- Wayne Hunt 1
- Scott Hobson 1
- Ted Prestwood 1
Skins
- Randy Griffin 2
- Scott Hobson 2
- Tommy Dugan 1
- Tom Anderson 1
- Ted Prestwood 1
- Tom Riddle 1
Birdies
- Tom Riddle 2
- Tommy Dugan 1
- Jackie King 1
- Randy Griffin 1
- Scott Hobson 1
- Ted Prestwood 1
- Chad Hedrick 1
- Tom Dugan 1
Pars
- Randy Griffin 8
- Scott Hobson 7
- Chris Morrs 6
- Tommy Dugan 6
- Dwight Clark 5
- Tom Riddle 5
- Wayne Hunt 4
- Tom Anderson 4
- Ted Prestwood 4
- Chad Hedrick 3
- Jackie King 3
- Skip Mace 3
- Tom Dugan 2
- Dru Broadway 1
- Lane Moore 1
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The TGA Fund
There have been numerous e-mails floating back and forth over the past couple of months regarding what to do with the money in the TGA fund. To rehash what the TGA fund is and how we have come about gaining a surplus in the fund, let me explain.
Money is added to the TGA fund by the following means:
1. Membership dues.
2. Entry fees (Full participation in TGA events costs $20. Of that money, $10 goes to the overall pot, $5 goes toward skins and $4 towards greenies. The remaining $1.00 is essentially your entry fee into the event.)
3. Carry overs (If a greenie/skin isn't won, that money is added back into the TGA fund)
Money is subtracted from the TGA fund for the following expenses:
1. Handicap software/service. Currently $29.00 per year.
2. $50 bonus paid to major winners in May (TGA Open) & August (TGA Masters) plus $100 paid out at the TGA Players Championship in November (the Saturday winner and the overall winner each get $50.00).
3. The TGA Player of the Year wins a $100 bonus at season's end.
**
Reminder: The TGA is no longer paying for the web site: tga-golf.com. Our official site, triadgolf.blogspot.com is being managed free of charge for service and content.
*
Essentially, we are paying out $329.00 per year.
*
Originally, the goal of collecting memberships/entry fees was to generate revenue to pay for the player of the year trophy (which Dwight refuses to relenquish), individual tourney trophies and to host an end of the year awards ceremony. As interest waned and the novelty of winning a trophy for each event wore off, we decided to do away with trophies (except for the Player of the Year trophy). In addition, the first year or so we couldn't generate interest in a social committee (who was supposed to plan the end of the year ceremony) so we have never actually held an event like this.
Also there was a provision in which in any year that we had more than 3 new members paying a $50.00 bonus would be paid at season's end to the Rookie of the Year (the newcomer with the most points at the end of the season). This season will definetely be a season in which a rookie of the year will be awarded so that's an extra $50.00 that will be paid out this season in addition to the aforementioned pay outs.
*************************************
Recently, there has been some interest (and not just from Dwight) from members wondering what we should do with any additional money that is in the TGA fund.
*
Please take some time to post your thoughts/feelings/comments about this in the comment section of this blog. It's important that everyone use their real name when they provide their comments so you can be spoken to individually by a TGA official (either myself, Dru or Dwight will contact everyone that posts to this blog to discuss).
*
If you know of a TGA member that doesn't normally access the blog please encourage them to read this post and make their opinions known. Whether you've been in the TGA since its inception or you joined last week, your opinion is valued and will be taken into consideration.
*
Once I feel everyone has had a chance to speak their peace, I will post my thoughts on the situation and I will be asking Dru & Dwight to individually post their thoughts as well (after everyone else has had a chance to share their thoughts).
*
Happy typing!
Wayne
Money is added to the TGA fund by the following means:
1. Membership dues.
2. Entry fees (Full participation in TGA events costs $20. Of that money, $10 goes to the overall pot, $5 goes toward skins and $4 towards greenies. The remaining $1.00 is essentially your entry fee into the event.)
3. Carry overs (If a greenie/skin isn't won, that money is added back into the TGA fund)
Money is subtracted from the TGA fund for the following expenses:
1. Handicap software/service. Currently $29.00 per year.
2. $50 bonus paid to major winners in May (TGA Open) & August (TGA Masters) plus $100 paid out at the TGA Players Championship in November (the Saturday winner and the overall winner each get $50.00).
3. The TGA Player of the Year wins a $100 bonus at season's end.
**
Reminder: The TGA is no longer paying for the web site: tga-golf.com. Our official site, triadgolf.blogspot.com is being managed free of charge for service and content.
*
Essentially, we are paying out $329.00 per year.
*
Originally, the goal of collecting memberships/entry fees was to generate revenue to pay for the player of the year trophy (which Dwight refuses to relenquish), individual tourney trophies and to host an end of the year awards ceremony. As interest waned and the novelty of winning a trophy for each event wore off, we decided to do away with trophies (except for the Player of the Year trophy). In addition, the first year or so we couldn't generate interest in a social committee (who was supposed to plan the end of the year ceremony) so we have never actually held an event like this.
Also there was a provision in which in any year that we had more than 3 new members paying a $50.00 bonus would be paid at season's end to the Rookie of the Year (the newcomer with the most points at the end of the season). This season will definetely be a season in which a rookie of the year will be awarded so that's an extra $50.00 that will be paid out this season in addition to the aforementioned pay outs.
*************************************
Recently, there has been some interest (and not just from Dwight) from members wondering what we should do with any additional money that is in the TGA fund.
*
Please take some time to post your thoughts/feelings/comments about this in the comment section of this blog. It's important that everyone use their real name when they provide their comments so you can be spoken to individually by a TGA official (either myself, Dru or Dwight will contact everyone that posts to this blog to discuss).
*
If you know of a TGA member that doesn't normally access the blog please encourage them to read this post and make their opinions known. Whether you've been in the TGA since its inception or you joined last week, your opinion is valued and will be taken into consideration.
*
Once I feel everyone has had a chance to speak their peace, I will post my thoughts on the situation and I will be asking Dru & Dwight to individually post their thoughts as well (after everyone else has had a chance to share their thoughts).
*
Happy typing!
Wayne
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sunday's event - Weather Update as of Sunday morning
Gentlemen,
We are still playing as of this time Sunday morning.
Wayne
We are still playing as of this time Sunday morning.
Wayne
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Random Thoughts from the TGA V-P
Danny Sheridan also picked Friesan Fire to win the Kentucky Derby... He finished 19th.
Tarzan's chest beating has prevented him from editing his post. Would it kill him to check his spelling on occasion? Sometimes it's hard to believe that guy is part of a species with opposable thumbs.
I'll admit it's good to see Skippy back in action. But, he's like our league's Grant Hill/Nomar Garciaparra/Dan Morgan... everyone knows he's a contender when healthy. But, no one expects him to still be standing at the end of the season. The DL is always in the back of his mind.
Ace King's quick start & year ago hole-in-one has inflated his ego to epic proportions....but my money's on the lefty to lead the points standings after the first major.
Rumor has it that Turtle's current mental state (i.e lack of confidence in his swing) effectively will render him a non-factor Sunday.
The President's game, although improving, is still erratic. His front nine last month was laughable. His back nine was contender-like.
Tee times are late enough that Randy Big Money Biscuit may rise for this event.
Big Tom's no longer called Big Dog .. his new nickname is Big Watchdog.
Walter is excited about hosting GOLO as the pre-major kickoff event. However, he's afraid Kaye will hide his tequila & he'll have to storm out of the room.
Behind closed doors, it's being said that Tarzan has given up his pursuit of Chad & is privately telling people he doesn't want any more of Otis on the golf course.
Tarzan's chest beating has prevented him from editing his post. Would it kill him to check his spelling on occasion? Sometimes it's hard to believe that guy is part of a species with opposable thumbs.
I'll admit it's good to see Skippy back in action. But, he's like our league's Grant Hill/Nomar Garciaparra/Dan Morgan... everyone knows he's a contender when healthy. But, no one expects him to still be standing at the end of the season. The DL is always in the back of his mind.
Ace King's quick start & year ago hole-in-one has inflated his ego to epic proportions....but my money's on the lefty to lead the points standings after the first major.
Rumor has it that Turtle's current mental state (i.e lack of confidence in his swing) effectively will render him a non-factor Sunday.
The President's game, although improving, is still erratic. His front nine last month was laughable. His back nine was contender-like.
Tee times are late enough that Randy Big Money Biscuit may rise for this event.
Big Tom's no longer called Big Dog .. his new nickname is Big Watchdog.
Walter is excited about hosting GOLO as the pre-major kickoff event. However, he's afraid Kaye will hide his tequila & he'll have to storm out of the room.
Behind closed doors, it's being said that Tarzan has given up his pursuit of Chad & is privately telling people he doesn't want any more of Otis on the golf course.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
GOLO Spring Invitational tournament - Update May 11, 2009
**************** UPDATE 5/11/2009 *******************
What: The Spring Invitational GOLO tournament
When: Friday May 15, 2009 @ 7pm.
Where: Ted Prestwood's house
2356 Old Greensboro Rd in Thomasville (27360 for those GPS-addicts)
Cost: $20.00 (this will cover your entry into the tournament plus food - which will likely
be pizza/wings)
Alcohol: BYOB
Format: 72-hole (4 rounds) tournament style format. Round 2 will begin when each player has completed 18 holes of play. Highest scores will roll first each round (that means the leader will roll last each round). An 18-hole playoff will be held to break all ties within top 3 places.
Courses: Myrtle Beach area courses to be determined by tournament host
Prizes: Payouts for top 3 places. 1st = 50% of prize pool, 2nd = 30%, 3rd = 20%. There will be a $10.00 bonus for lowest 18-hole round (ties broken by scorecard playoff)
Field as of today:
Ted
Skip
Wayne
Turtle
Dru
Jackie
Dwight
Uncle Wes
Wes
Tim
Chris
Winner looks to bring home more than $80.00. Don't miss your chance to be involved in this historic event. Registration begins @ 7pm. The first roll will commence at 7:30. If you think you are still interested, add your name to the list of players by commenting at the end of this post. See you Friday.
***************
****************************************************
The first official TGA GOLO tournament of the season, The GOLO Spring Invitational, will be held Friday, May 15th, 2009 at the home of Ted Prestwood, co-chairman of the TGA Entertainment & GOLO Committee.
Start time for the event will be announced at a later date and tournament format will be presented on the TGA web site by Sunday, May 3rd. Entry fee will be no more than $20.00. Official confirmation will come later this week.
If you plan on attending this event, please post your intentions on the comments section of this post or you may e-mail the Chairman of the Entertainment & GOLO Committee, Lane Moore at majorturtle08@yahoo.com.
What: The Spring Invitational GOLO tournament
When: Friday May 15, 2009 @ 7pm.
Where: Ted Prestwood's house
2356 Old Greensboro Rd in Thomasville (27360 for those GPS-addicts)
Cost: $20.00 (this will cover your entry into the tournament plus food - which will likely
be pizza/wings)
Alcohol: BYOB
Format: 72-hole (4 rounds) tournament style format. Round 2 will begin when each player has completed 18 holes of play. Highest scores will roll first each round (that means the leader will roll last each round). An 18-hole playoff will be held to break all ties within top 3 places.
Courses: Myrtle Beach area courses to be determined by tournament host
Prizes: Payouts for top 3 places. 1st = 50% of prize pool, 2nd = 30%, 3rd = 20%. There will be a $10.00 bonus for lowest 18-hole round (ties broken by scorecard playoff)
Field as of today:
Ted
Skip
Wayne
Turtle
Dru
Jackie
Dwight
Uncle Wes
Wes
Tim
Chris
Winner looks to bring home more than $80.00. Don't miss your chance to be involved in this historic event. Registration begins @ 7pm. The first roll will commence at 7:30. If you think you are still interested, add your name to the list of players by commenting at the end of this post. See you Friday.
***************
****************************************************
The first official TGA GOLO tournament of the season, The GOLO Spring Invitational, will be held Friday, May 15th, 2009 at the home of Ted Prestwood, co-chairman of the TGA Entertainment & GOLO Committee.
Start time for the event will be announced at a later date and tournament format will be presented on the TGA web site by Sunday, May 3rd. Entry fee will be no more than $20.00. Official confirmation will come later this week.
If you plan on attending this event, please post your intentions on the comments section of this post or you may e-mail the Chairman of the Entertainment & GOLO Committee, Lane Moore at majorturtle08@yahoo.com.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
July 2009 Handicaps
Golfer USGA Handicap Index Course (1st #) Handicap for Winding Creek (2nd #)
Chad Hedrick 7.8 8
Scott Ghant 7.8 8
Scott Hobson 8.8 9
Dwight Clark 10.0 10
Randy Griffin 10.9 11
Tom Riddle 10.0 10
Tripp Russell 11.0 11
Chris Morris 15.6 16
Ted Prestwood 15.6 16
Jeff Brown 12.9 13
Tommy Dugan 14.9 15
Tom Anderson 15.6 16
Skip Mace 17.8 18
Wayne Hunt 17.8 18
Mike Hall 18.1 19
Jackie King 21.3 22
Ken Davis 21.3 22
Tom Dugan 23.1 24
Lane Moore 27.1 28
Dru Broadway 28.0 29
Ryan Mayo 29.0 30
Phillip Brookshire 31.4 32
Wes Crump 34.4 35
Eddie Branham 36.4 37
Lance Branham 36.4 37
Tim Hulin 29.2 30
Jeff Steelman 15.6 16
Rodney Nail 13.84 14
Chad Hedrick 7.8 8
Scott Ghant 7.8 8
Scott Hobson 8.8 9
Dwight Clark 10.0 10
Randy Griffin 10.9 11
Tom Riddle 10.0 10
Tripp Russell 11.0 11
Chris Morris 15.6 16
Ted Prestwood 15.6 16
Jeff Brown 12.9 13
Tommy Dugan 14.9 15
Tom Anderson 15.6 16
Skip Mace 17.8 18
Wayne Hunt 17.8 18
Mike Hall 18.1 19
Jackie King 21.3 22
Ken Davis 21.3 22
Tom Dugan 23.1 24
Lane Moore 27.1 28
Dru Broadway 28.0 29
Ryan Mayo 29.0 30
Phillip Brookshire 31.4 32
Wes Crump 34.4 35
Eddie Branham 36.4 37
Lance Branham 36.4 37
Tim Hulin 29.2 30
Jeff Steelman 15.6 16
Rodney Nail 13.84 14
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The President's Classic at Winding Creek - Results
Position Net Score Points
1. Dru Broadway 63 39
2. Skip Mace 71 36
3. Jackie King 71 33
4. Chad Hedrick 74 30
5. Ted Prestwood 75 27
6. Tommy Dugan 75 24
7. Wes Crump 75 21
8. Dwight Clark 76 18
9. Tom Anderson 78 15
10. Tom Dugan 82 12
11. Scott Hobson 85 9
12. Lane Moore 86 6
13. Randy Griffin 89 3
Money Leaders
Dwight Clark $80.00
Dru Broadway $65.00
Jackie King $42.00
Skip Mace $39.00
Tommy Dugan $16.00
Chad Hedrick $16.00
Ted Prestwood $16.00
Greenies
Chad Hedrick - 1
Tommy Dugan - 1
Jackie King - 1
Ted Prestwood -1
Skins
Dwight Clark - 1
Birdies
Tommy Dugan - 3
Dwight Clark - 2
Randy Griffin - 1
Chad Hedrick - 1
Jackie King - 1
Pars
Chad Hedrick - 9
Dwight Clark - 6
Skip Mace - 6
Tom Anderson - 5
Dru Broadway - 5
Ted Prestwood - 5
Jackie King - 4
Tommy Dugan - 3
Randy Griffin - 3
Scott Hobson - 3
Lane Moore - 2
Tom Dugan - 1
1. Dru Broadway 63 39
2. Skip Mace 71 36
3. Jackie King 71 33
4. Chad Hedrick 74 30
5. Ted Prestwood 75 27
6. Tommy Dugan 75 24
7. Wes Crump 75 21
8. Dwight Clark 76 18
9. Tom Anderson 78 15
10. Tom Dugan 82 12
11. Scott Hobson 85 9
12. Lane Moore 86 6
13. Randy Griffin 89 3
Money Leaders
Dwight Clark $80.00
Dru Broadway $65.00
Jackie King $42.00
Skip Mace $39.00
Tommy Dugan $16.00
Chad Hedrick $16.00
Ted Prestwood $16.00
Greenies
Chad Hedrick - 1
Tommy Dugan - 1
Jackie King - 1
Ted Prestwood -1
Skins
Dwight Clark - 1
Birdies
Tommy Dugan - 3
Dwight Clark - 2
Randy Griffin - 1
Chad Hedrick - 1
Jackie King - 1
Pars
Chad Hedrick - 9
Dwight Clark - 6
Skip Mace - 6
Tom Anderson - 5
Dru Broadway - 5
Ted Prestwood - 5
Jackie King - 4
Tommy Dugan - 3
Randy Griffin - 3
Scott Hobson - 3
Lane Moore - 2
Tom Dugan - 1
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The President's Classic @ Winding Crek
The opening event for the 2009 TGA season, The President's Classic at Winding Creek is set to take place Sunday March 15th.
A field of 23 players is expected to battle the wet conditions in their quest for the first victory of the 2009 season.
A field of 23 players is expected to battle the wet conditions in their quest for the first victory of the 2009 season.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The President's Message
Gentlemen,
For those that don’t yet know I, Dru Broadway, have been elected as TGA President for 2009. Wayne Hunt is going to be my Vice-President while Dwight Clark will remain secretary/treasurer.
I think this will be an exciting year for the TGA. Like, the federal government, we are planning a year for change. Due to some low tournament turnouts and a tighter economy, we have decided to make some changes that we hope will have a positive impact on the continued success of the TGA.
As voted on at the King Invitational, we have made some changes to the membership fees for the 2009 season. Membership fees for previous members will be $20.00 for the upcoming season, down from $30.00 for the past two years. However, members who seek first-time membership will still pay $30.00. All membership fees will be due before the first tournament a member plays in.
New members will be required to pay the full membership price if they join any time prior to the first five events. A member joining after five official events have been played will pay a reduced membership rate of $15.00.
New members will still have to play at least three rounds with a TGA member before establishing a handicap and being eligible to play in official events. We are looking for new members that can join to grow the TGA so if any one knows of someone interested in joining you can contact me or Wayne.
Another change for the 2009 season will be a reduction in the number of different courses we will play. We have decided instead of playing so many courses with high greens fees, we will play three courses for 2009. Winding Creek in Thomasville will be our “home course” for this year. Besides two mid-year majors that will be played at Lexington Golf Club (TGA Open) and Holly Ridge Golf Links (TGA Masters), Winding Creek will host every tournament. The last major will still be at Winding Creek as a two-day event.
All majors will still be double points and will pay an extra $50.00 to the winner. Events will still be played on the third Sunday of the month unless it falls on a holiday. If that happens, we will plan around it. A schedule will be released in the next week or so.
This year the TGA fund will be used to buy our own proximity markers as well as to fund the handicap service and software, Player of the Year award and major tournament purses.
We will also do away with our old web site www.tga-golf.com and will use this site, www.triadgolf.blogspot.com since it is free and has been such a hit in the last few weeks.
With all this said, I hope we have a great year of golf!
Yours truly,
Dru “The Hammer” Broadway
For those that don’t yet know I, Dru Broadway, have been elected as TGA President for 2009. Wayne Hunt is going to be my Vice-President while Dwight Clark will remain secretary/treasurer.
I think this will be an exciting year for the TGA. Like, the federal government, we are planning a year for change. Due to some low tournament turnouts and a tighter economy, we have decided to make some changes that we hope will have a positive impact on the continued success of the TGA.
As voted on at the King Invitational, we have made some changes to the membership fees for the 2009 season. Membership fees for previous members will be $20.00 for the upcoming season, down from $30.00 for the past two years. However, members who seek first-time membership will still pay $30.00. All membership fees will be due before the first tournament a member plays in.
New members will be required to pay the full membership price if they join any time prior to the first five events. A member joining after five official events have been played will pay a reduced membership rate of $15.00.
New members will still have to play at least three rounds with a TGA member before establishing a handicap and being eligible to play in official events. We are looking for new members that can join to grow the TGA so if any one knows of someone interested in joining you can contact me or Wayne.
Another change for the 2009 season will be a reduction in the number of different courses we will play. We have decided instead of playing so many courses with high greens fees, we will play three courses for 2009. Winding Creek in Thomasville will be our “home course” for this year. Besides two mid-year majors that will be played at Lexington Golf Club (TGA Open) and Holly Ridge Golf Links (TGA Masters), Winding Creek will host every tournament. The last major will still be at Winding Creek as a two-day event.
All majors will still be double points and will pay an extra $50.00 to the winner. Events will still be played on the third Sunday of the month unless it falls on a holiday. If that happens, we will plan around it. A schedule will be released in the next week or so.
This year the TGA fund will be used to buy our own proximity markers as well as to fund the handicap service and software, Player of the Year award and major tournament purses.
We will also do away with our old web site www.tga-golf.com and will use this site, www.triadgolf.blogspot.com since it is free and has been such a hit in the last few weeks.
With all this said, I hope we have a great year of golf!
Yours truly,
Dru “The Hammer” Broadway
Sunday, February 1, 2009
King Invitational ends in stalemate
The final day of the King Invitational featured another day of back-and-forth action that ended the same way the 54-hole event started: with both teams tied.
The day began with Kim Highfill and Jay Whitt taking on Randy Griffin and Wayne Hunt, paired together on the final day for the second consecutive season. The match was a rout early on for The Hunt Club as Griffin and Hunt won the first three holes of the match outright and never looked back. The King's Court eventually cut the lead to two holes following a birdie-par-par finish heading to the turn.
But, after halving the tenth hole, Griffin and Hunt won two straight holes and headed into the fourteenth with a chance to guarantee at least a dormie match. A win at the fifteenth closed out Highfill and Whitt as The Hunt Club captured the win, propelling their team to an 8-6 lead over The King's Court.
The King's Court would even the match up again with a 4-and-3 victory by Tommy Dugan and Ryan Mayo over Lane Moore and Wes Crump. Dugan and Mayo, the youngest two-man team in King Invitational history, struggled early on but settled down to take a two-hole lead after nine holes. They then used a mistake-prone tenth hole by Moore and Crump to push the lead to three and cruised to victory with an array of awe-inspiring tee shots, as Dugan and Mayo played a game of long drive one-upmanship in beating their Hunt Club opponents.
In a unique turn of events, the fourth match of the day would actually be the third match to post a finish as Chad Hedrick and Tom Dugan, representing The Hunt Club routed their King's Court foes, Dwight Clark and Jackie King 5-and-3. After seeing the match go dormie on the 14th hole, Hedrick and Dugan then used a win on the 15th hole to close out their match and stake The Hunt Club to a 10-8 lead.
Clark and King struggled all day long and were extremely disappointed with their showing. Hedrick and Dugan had pitfalls of their own which opened the door for Clark and King but their inability to get anything going off the tee doomed their chances to win. "We couldn't hit the fairway and when we did, we couldn't reach the green," lamented Jackie King after the match, adding "we could have won this match with a better showing."
While Clark and Dugan were closing out their match, the third match of the day suddenly became the decisive one. The Hunt Club led by three holes early on as Chris Morris and Phillip Brookshire, playing together for the second time in three days, tried to win their second two-man match of the event. But, The King's Court team of Ted Prestwood and Dru Broadway battled back and headed to the 16th with a one stroke lead. Morris and Brookshire seemed poised to halve the hole with a bogey when Prestwood chipped in for par to push his team to a 2-hole lead with two to play.
With The Hunt Club up 10-8, Prestwood and Broadway couldn't take a chance of halving their match. Needing to ensure a win, Broadway came through with a 305-yard drive that fell just short of the green and his team parred the hole to finish their match 2-up and grab the final two points of the King Invitational.
With the two teams tied with ten points apiece, all sixteen players were assured an even split of the purse, netting each player $50.00 in prize money.
Day 3 results:
The day began with Kim Highfill and Jay Whitt taking on Randy Griffin and Wayne Hunt, paired together on the final day for the second consecutive season. The match was a rout early on for The Hunt Club as Griffin and Hunt won the first three holes of the match outright and never looked back. The King's Court eventually cut the lead to two holes following a birdie-par-par finish heading to the turn.
But, after halving the tenth hole, Griffin and Hunt won two straight holes and headed into the fourteenth with a chance to guarantee at least a dormie match. A win at the fifteenth closed out Highfill and Whitt as The Hunt Club captured the win, propelling their team to an 8-6 lead over The King's Court.
The King's Court would even the match up again with a 4-and-3 victory by Tommy Dugan and Ryan Mayo over Lane Moore and Wes Crump. Dugan and Mayo, the youngest two-man team in King Invitational history, struggled early on but settled down to take a two-hole lead after nine holes. They then used a mistake-prone tenth hole by Moore and Crump to push the lead to three and cruised to victory with an array of awe-inspiring tee shots, as Dugan and Mayo played a game of long drive one-upmanship in beating their Hunt Club opponents.
In a unique turn of events, the fourth match of the day would actually be the third match to post a finish as Chad Hedrick and Tom Dugan, representing The Hunt Club routed their King's Court foes, Dwight Clark and Jackie King 5-and-3. After seeing the match go dormie on the 14th hole, Hedrick and Dugan then used a win on the 15th hole to close out their match and stake The Hunt Club to a 10-8 lead.
Clark and King struggled all day long and were extremely disappointed with their showing. Hedrick and Dugan had pitfalls of their own which opened the door for Clark and King but their inability to get anything going off the tee doomed their chances to win. "We couldn't hit the fairway and when we did, we couldn't reach the green," lamented Jackie King after the match, adding "we could have won this match with a better showing."
While Clark and Dugan were closing out their match, the third match of the day suddenly became the decisive one. The Hunt Club led by three holes early on as Chris Morris and Phillip Brookshire, playing together for the second time in three days, tried to win their second two-man match of the event. But, The King's Court team of Ted Prestwood and Dru Broadway battled back and headed to the 16th with a one stroke lead. Morris and Brookshire seemed poised to halve the hole with a bogey when Prestwood chipped in for par to push his team to a 2-hole lead with two to play.
With The Hunt Club up 10-8, Prestwood and Broadway couldn't take a chance of halving their match. Needing to ensure a win, Broadway came through with a 305-yard drive that fell just short of the green and his team parred the hole to finish their match 2-up and grab the final two points of the King Invitational.
With the two teams tied with ten points apiece, all sixteen players were assured an even split of the purse, netting each player $50.00 in prize money.
Day 3 results:
- Randy Griffin & Wayne Hunt d. Kim Highfill and Jay Whitt 5-and-3
- Tommy Dugan & Ryan Mayo d. Wes Crump and Lane Moore 4-and-3
- Ted Prestwood & Dru Broadway d. Chris Morris and Phillip Brookshire 2-and-1
- Chad Hedrick & Tom Dugan d. Dwight Clark and Jackie King 5-and-3
Day 3 Greenies:
- Ted Prestwood
- Kim Highfill
- Jackie King
Final Individual point totals:
- Tommy Dugan 4
- Tom Dugan 3-1/2
- Chad Hedrick 3
- Randy Griffin 3
- Ted Prestwood 3
- Ryan Mayo 3
- Wayne Hunt 2-1/2
- Dru Broadway 2-1/2
- Lane Moore 1-1/2
- Kim Highfill 1
- Jackie King 1
- Dwight Clark 1
- Phillip Brookshire 1
- Wes Crump 1
- Chris Morris 1
- Jay Whitt 0
Final 3 day Greenie Totals:
- Tommy Dugan - 2
- Phillip Brookshire - 1
- Dwight Clark - 1
- Tom Dugan - 1
- Randy Griffin - 1
- Kim Highfill - 1
- Wayne Hunt - 1
- Jackie King - 1
- Ryan Mayo - 1
- Ted Prestwood - 1
Final 3 day Skins Totals:
- Dwight Clark - 4
- Randy Griffin - 3
- Tommy Dugan - 2
- Jackie King - 1
- Kim Highfill - 1
Final Money Totals:
- Dwight Clark $150
- Randy Griffin $150
- Tommy Dugan $140
- Kim Highfill $92
- Tom Dugan $82
- Ryan Mayo $82
- Phillip Brookshire $66
- Ted Prestwood $66
- Jackie King $57
- Chad Hedrick $50
- Chris Morris $50
- Dru Broadway $50
- Lane Moore $50
- Wes Crump $50
- Wayne Hunt $41
Saturday, January 31, 2009
King's Court rallies to tie King Invitational heading into final round
Buoyed by five outright wins during the match play portion of the 2009 King Invitational, The King's Court has battled back to even the overall points total heading into Sunday's final round. The Hunt Club entered the day with a 1 point lead and maintained that lead after the first pairing entered the clubhouse.
Chad Hedrick defeated Kim Highfill giving The Hunt Club a victory in the opening match but that point was negated when Ted Prestwood staved off a furious rally by Randy Griffin to win their match on the last hole.
The day's second pairing pitted TKC captain Jackie King and Tom Dugan. Dugan's win on the 18th hole, allowed him to halve the match and THC to hold onto their one-point cushion. But, TKC tied the overall score when King's playing partner, Ryan Mayo routed Phillip Brookshire 3-and-2, giving The King's Court the point they needed to give them a 4-4 tie.
Each of the next two foursomes split points between the two teams with Tommy Dugan (The King's Court) and Lane Moore (The Hunt Club) rallying from four holes down to win their matches.
With the two teams tied 5-5, the day's event came down to the final pairing, where Wes Crump secured a point for The Hunt Club by beating Jay Whitt 6-and-5 and Dwight Clark bested Chris Morris 2-and-1.
Day 2 results:
Chad Hedrick defeated Kim Highfill giving The Hunt Club a victory in the opening match but that point was negated when Ted Prestwood staved off a furious rally by Randy Griffin to win their match on the last hole.
The day's second pairing pitted TKC captain Jackie King and Tom Dugan. Dugan's win on the 18th hole, allowed him to halve the match and THC to hold onto their one-point cushion. But, TKC tied the overall score when King's playing partner, Ryan Mayo routed Phillip Brookshire 3-and-2, giving The King's Court the point they needed to give them a 4-4 tie.
Each of the next two foursomes split points between the two teams with Tommy Dugan (The King's Court) and Lane Moore (The Hunt Club) rallying from four holes down to win their matches.
With the two teams tied 5-5, the day's event came down to the final pairing, where Wes Crump secured a point for The Hunt Club by beating Jay Whitt 6-and-5 and Dwight Clark bested Chris Morris 2-and-1.
Day 2 results:
- Chad Hedrick d. Kim Highfill 4-and-3
- Ted Prestwood d. Randy Griffin 1-up
- Jackie King halved with Tom Dugan
- Ryan Mayo d. Phillip Brookshire 3-and-2
- Tommy Dugan d. Wayne Hunt 2-up
- Lane Moore d. Dru Broadway 2-up
- Dwight Clark d. Chris Morris 2-up
- Wes Crump d. Jay Whitt 6-and-5
Individual Points after Day 2
- Tommy Dugan 2
- Tom Dugan 1-1/2
- Lane Moore 1-1/2
- Chad Hedrick 1
- Randy Griffin 1
- Kim Highfill 1
- Ted Prestwood 1
- Jackie King 1
- Ryan Mayo 1
- Phillip Brookshire 1
- Wes Crump 1
- Chris Morris 1
- Dwight Clark 1
- Dru Broadway 1/2
- Wayne Hunt 1/2
- Jay Whitt 0
Day 2 Skins:
- Dwight Clark - 2
- Randy Griffin - 2
- Kim Highfill -1
- Tommy Dugan - 1
Day 2 Greenies:
- Randy Griffin
- Tom Dugan
- Ryan Mayo
- Tommy Dugan
Day 2 Money Totals:
- Randy Griffin $84
- Tommy Dugan $58
- Dwight Clark $52
- Ryan Mayo $32
- Tom Dugan $32
- Kim Highfill $16
Dugan-Griffin duo spark The Hunt Club to King Invitational lead
After a scintillating first day of King Invitational action, The Hunt Club has taken a one-point lead over The King's Court as the teams head into second round action.
The day started with Tommy Dugan and Kim Highfill staking The King's Court to a one-point lead with a resounding victory over Chad Hedrick and Wes Crump. The Dugan-Highfill team's 78 outdistanced Hedrick and Crump's 8-over par 72.
In the second match of the day, Chris Morris and Phillip Brookshire evened the overall count at one-point apiece by blasting The King's Court duo of Ted Prestwood and Ryan Mayo by eight strokes.
With the match tied 1-1, The Hunt Club's Wayne Hunt and Lane Moore used a par on the 199-yard par-3 18th to eke out and 83 and a tie with The King's Court's Jackie King and Dru Broadway.
In the last match of the day, Randy Griffin and Tom Dugan used a 5-over par 77 to beat Dwight Clark and Jay Whitt who came in with a 11-over par 83.
Day 1 point totals:
The day started with Tommy Dugan and Kim Highfill staking The King's Court to a one-point lead with a resounding victory over Chad Hedrick and Wes Crump. The Dugan-Highfill team's 78 outdistanced Hedrick and Crump's 8-over par 72.
In the second match of the day, Chris Morris and Phillip Brookshire evened the overall count at one-point apiece by blasting The King's Court duo of Ted Prestwood and Ryan Mayo by eight strokes.
With the match tied 1-1, The Hunt Club's Wayne Hunt and Lane Moore used a par on the 199-yard par-3 18th to eke out and 83 and a tie with The King's Court's Jackie King and Dru Broadway.
In the last match of the day, Randy Griffin and Tom Dugan used a 5-over par 77 to beat Dwight Clark and Jay Whitt who came in with a 11-over par 83.
Day 1 point totals:
- Tommy Dugan 1
- Kim Highfill 1
- Chris Morris 1
- Phillip Brookshire 1
- Randy Griffin 1
- Tom Dugan 1
- Wayne Hunt 1/2
- Lane Moore 1/2
- Jackie King 1/2
- Dru Broadway 1/2
Day 1 Greenies:
- Tommy Dugan
- Dwight Clark
- Wayne Hunt
- Phillip Brookshire
Day 1 Skins:
- Dwight Clark - 2
- Tommy Dugan - 1
- Jackie King - 1
- Randy Griffin - 1
Day 1 Money Totals:
- Dwight Clark $48
- Tommy Dugan $32
- Jackie King $16
- Wayne Hunt $16
- Phillip Brookshire $16
- Randy Griffin $16
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sights & Sounds from the King Invitational - Day 2
Myrtle Beach, SC - Heading into the first day of the King Invitational, talk is no longer relevant. Everything to be said has been said. From this point forth, it's put up or shut up.
Predictions for the 2008 King Invitational include:
Predictions for the 2008 King Invitational include:
- Jackie King - I predict an even-split. But, I can't say who from my team wins and who loses
- Turtle Moore - I predict a Hunt Club sweep
- Dwight Clark - I predict a King's Court sweep
- Wayne Hunt - I predict the Hunt Club will be up 3-1 after the first day
King Invitational Did you know?
- Phillip Brookshire is the first ever official Go-Lo Champion
- Ted Prestwood officially didnt make it to bed even close to 9pm
- Turtle Moore is still not smoking
- Dwight Clark smoked Chad's ass today - but it didnt' count
- Ted Prestwood is the unofficial Go-Lo winner
- Bets are that Jay Whitt will become the first person to ever kick his playing partners ass
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sights & Sounds from the King Invitational - Day 1
Take It to the ATM :
- Jackie King will mention his recent hole-in-one at least 10 times during the weekend.
- Dwight Clark will refer to himself as Tarzan at least a dozen times before Sunday
- Ted Prestwood will set a record for most times peeing on a golf course in a three-day tournament
No one wants to be the Last Man Standing:
- Tom Dugan made the trip to the King Invitational alone today, reportedly arriving by 2pm to ensure he didn't get stuck in the towers by himself.
Best Friends Forever:
- Chad Hedrick and Chris Morris made their annual trek to the K.I. earlier today to get a "little bit of alone time"
- Dru Broadway is upset that he was left alone by himself at the bowling alley last night while his team captain stayed home prepping for the K.I.
Lies, Lies, Lies:
- Dwight Clark insisting that he is not the most arrogant, egocentric member of the TGA Tour
- Ted Prestwood insisting that he'll be in bed my 9:00 every night
- Randy Griffin insisting that he won't get drunk all weekend
Let's do some Don Julio Silver Shots for:
- The first King's Court captain, the newly-inaugurated 44th President of the United States and the 25th head coach of the Detroit Lions. Each new leader faces his own series of perilous tasks and takes over a following that is begging for a fresh start.
This week's proof that Tar Heel Nation is the center of the universe:
- Larry Brown's Bobcats led by Raymond Felton beat the L.A. Lakers in Double OT to take their fifth win over the Show Stoppers in six tries, including their third straight triumph at the Staples Center. Felton (UNC 2003-05) was one assist shy of a triple-double. The Lakers had won four straight and their 35-8 record is an NBA-best. Led by Brown (UNC 1959-1963), the Bobcats have now won more games (19) through Jan. 28th than at any time during team history.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Day 1 - Match 4 Pairings
Jackie King (4) and Dru Broadway (7) vs. Wayne Hunt (4) and Lane Moore (6)
The final Day 1 match-up at the 2009 King Invitational features this year's two team captains along with the two official team spokesmen in what is sure to be a no-holds-barred grudge match. The Lexington duo of Jackie King and Dru Broadway will take on two of the TGA Tour's most prolific winners, Wayne Hunt and Lane Moore.
King and Broadway each enter the King Invitational with their highest seeds ever as The King's Court's #4 and #7 seeds. King who is notorious for struggling with his tee shots will look to the long-hitting Broadway to position their team within short-iron range in this Two-Man Best Ball, Superball event.
Meanwhile, they will face The Hunt Club's 4th and 6th seeded players in Hunt and Moore. Hunt ranks as one of the longest hitters to ever play on the TGA Tour and will count on his partner, Moore to find enough of the fairway to allow him to open up his full throttle swing. A good day off the tee for this team could spell trouble for their opponents.
Co-Captain's take on pick:
Dwight Clark: I believe that Dru "The Hammer" Broadway can match Wayne for his length even though he's not quite as consistent. If finds his runge, they can be very tough on their opponents. Jackie has a sold short game and is a good puter and will benefit from Dru tees shots. Plus, you never know when he may pull ott a hole-in-one. That is his ace-in-the-hole, his trump card. I think this is a mismatch. Tarzan says, ""oooaoaaoooaoooaooaoooao"
Randy Griffin: This team has a proven track record for stepping up in prime-time events. Wayne has never lost to Jackie in a match at the King Invitational and that's a huge edge mentally. Between them they have seven TGA Tour victories including four majors. That tells me this team won't be rattled under the pressures of this event. Jackie's lone accomplishment in two years was a alleged wind-aided hole-in-one. I contacted the club pro at Winding Creek to verify the validity of his hole-in-one and was told they have no record of this ever occurring.
The final Day 1 match-up at the 2009 King Invitational features this year's two team captains along with the two official team spokesmen in what is sure to be a no-holds-barred grudge match. The Lexington duo of Jackie King and Dru Broadway will take on two of the TGA Tour's most prolific winners, Wayne Hunt and Lane Moore.
King and Broadway each enter the King Invitational with their highest seeds ever as The King's Court's #4 and #7 seeds. King who is notorious for struggling with his tee shots will look to the long-hitting Broadway to position their team within short-iron range in this Two-Man Best Ball, Superball event.
Meanwhile, they will face The Hunt Club's 4th and 6th seeded players in Hunt and Moore. Hunt ranks as one of the longest hitters to ever play on the TGA Tour and will count on his partner, Moore to find enough of the fairway to allow him to open up his full throttle swing. A good day off the tee for this team could spell trouble for their opponents.
Co-Captain's take on pick:
Dwight Clark: I believe that Dru "The Hammer" Broadway can match Wayne for his length even though he's not quite as consistent. If finds his runge, they can be very tough on their opponents. Jackie has a sold short game and is a good puter and will benefit from Dru tees shots. Plus, you never know when he may pull ott a hole-in-one. That is his ace-in-the-hole, his trump card. I think this is a mismatch. Tarzan says, ""oooaoaaoooaoooaooaoooao"
Randy Griffin: This team has a proven track record for stepping up in prime-time events. Wayne has never lost to Jackie in a match at the King Invitational and that's a huge edge mentally. Between them they have seven TGA Tour victories including four majors. That tells me this team won't be rattled under the pressures of this event. Jackie's lone accomplishment in two years was a alleged wind-aided hole-in-one. I contacted the club pro at Winding Creek to verify the validity of his hole-in-one and was told they have no record of this ever occurring.
Day 1 - Match 3 Pairings
Dwight Clark (1) and Jay Whitt (8) vs. Randy Griffin (2) and Tom Dugan (5)
The third match-up on opening day of the 2009 King Invitational features the second and third overall picks in a foursome loaded with K.I. experience. Dwight Clark, the 2006 TGA Tour Champion, teams up with Thomasville's Jay Whitt to challenge Randy Griffin, the winner of the first ever TGA Tour event, and Horneytown's Tom Dugan, himself a former TGA Tour winner.
Clark is the #1 overall seed for The King's Court and is paired with his squad's #8 seed, Whitt. TKC is hoping that Clark's tee shots are long and straight and can compensate from Whitt's occasional bout of inconsistency. Neither player is considered a strong putter but Whitt has proven in the past to have a decent short iron game.
They will face The Hunt Club duo of Randy Griffin, who is seeded #2 for THC, and the resurgent Dugan, a #5 seed who is coming off back-to-back match play victories at the King Invitational. Griffin and Dugan both rely on their ability to consistently find the fairway and with the elder Dugan playing from the senior tees, this team is an early favorite for medalist honors for the low round of the day.
Captain's take on pick:
Jackie King: Knowing that Jay hasn't been playing as much as he'd like, I chose to pair him with my most consistent player. Plus, Dwight has guaranteed me a win on all three days regardless of playing partner of opponent.
Wayne Hunt: I believe that this team is the strongest Day 1 pairing for either team. Tom and Randy are two of the more gentlemanly players on tour. Their respect for the game and their opponents should prove a common thread that will provide instant rapport. I expect Tom's extra help from playing the senior tees to be a huge asset for their team. With both of these guys hitting short to mid-irons into the greens, they should be tough to beat.
The third match-up on opening day of the 2009 King Invitational features the second and third overall picks in a foursome loaded with K.I. experience. Dwight Clark, the 2006 TGA Tour Champion, teams up with Thomasville's Jay Whitt to challenge Randy Griffin, the winner of the first ever TGA Tour event, and Horneytown's Tom Dugan, himself a former TGA Tour winner.
Clark is the #1 overall seed for The King's Court and is paired with his squad's #8 seed, Whitt. TKC is hoping that Clark's tee shots are long and straight and can compensate from Whitt's occasional bout of inconsistency. Neither player is considered a strong putter but Whitt has proven in the past to have a decent short iron game.
They will face The Hunt Club duo of Randy Griffin, who is seeded #2 for THC, and the resurgent Dugan, a #5 seed who is coming off back-to-back match play victories at the King Invitational. Griffin and Dugan both rely on their ability to consistently find the fairway and with the elder Dugan playing from the senior tees, this team is an early favorite for medalist honors for the low round of the day.
Captain's take on pick:
Jackie King: Knowing that Jay hasn't been playing as much as he'd like, I chose to pair him with my most consistent player. Plus, Dwight has guaranteed me a win on all three days regardless of playing partner of opponent.
Wayne Hunt: I believe that this team is the strongest Day 1 pairing for either team. Tom and Randy are two of the more gentlemanly players on tour. Their respect for the game and their opponents should prove a common thread that will provide instant rapport. I expect Tom's extra help from playing the senior tees to be a huge asset for their team. With both of these guys hitting short to mid-irons into the greens, they should be tough to beat.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Day 1 - Match 2 Pairings
Ted Prestwood (2) and Ryan Mayo (6) vs. Chris Morris (3) and Phillip Brookshire (7)
The second match-up on Day 1 of the 2009 King Invitational pits two long-time nemeses each paired with a relative TGA newcomer in what has match-of-the-day potential. Thomasville's Ted Prestwood, one of the all-time points leaders on the TGA Tour, teams up with Charlotte's Ryan Mayo to challenge Big Daddy Classic Hall-of-Famer Chris Morris and K.I. rookie, Phillip "The Kid" Brookshire.
Prestwood and Mayo enter the fracas as The King's Court's #2 and #6 seeds, respectively. Prestwood is the lone senior representing TKC and his strong short game should benefit from the presence of Mayo and his ability to hit the long ball.
Their opponents include Morris, seeded #3 for The Hunt Club, and Brookshire, a #7 seed making his invitational debut. This match-up features two of the longest hitters on THC and each player is expected to feed off each other's drive in this Superball format.
Captain's take on pick:
Jackie King: I believe this is potentially the day's best match. Ted's ability to consistently find the fairway, combined with the luxury of hitting from the senior tees, should provide Mayo a great opportunity to just bomb away. Plus, Ted's recent history against Chris in singles play should add confidence to our team.
Wayne Hunt: These guys have the ability to considerably reduce the course's length. I have confidence that they will consistently put themselves in good enough position off the tee to set up plenty of scoring opportunities. Chris has proven that he's not easily rattled and I expect him to hold his own and I think Phillip will be one of the true surprises in this entire event.
The second match-up on Day 1 of the 2009 King Invitational pits two long-time nemeses each paired with a relative TGA newcomer in what has match-of-the-day potential. Thomasville's Ted Prestwood, one of the all-time points leaders on the TGA Tour, teams up with Charlotte's Ryan Mayo to challenge Big Daddy Classic Hall-of-Famer Chris Morris and K.I. rookie, Phillip "The Kid" Brookshire.
Prestwood and Mayo enter the fracas as The King's Court's #2 and #6 seeds, respectively. Prestwood is the lone senior representing TKC and his strong short game should benefit from the presence of Mayo and his ability to hit the long ball.
Their opponents include Morris, seeded #3 for The Hunt Club, and Brookshire, a #7 seed making his invitational debut. This match-up features two of the longest hitters on THC and each player is expected to feed off each other's drive in this Superball format.
Captain's take on pick:
Jackie King: I believe this is potentially the day's best match. Ted's ability to consistently find the fairway, combined with the luxury of hitting from the senior tees, should provide Mayo a great opportunity to just bomb away. Plus, Ted's recent history against Chris in singles play should add confidence to our team.
Wayne Hunt: These guys have the ability to considerably reduce the course's length. I have confidence that they will consistently put themselves in good enough position off the tee to set up plenty of scoring opportunities. Chris has proven that he's not easily rattled and I expect him to hold his own and I think Phillip will be one of the true surprises in this entire event.
Monday, January 19, 2009
TGA News Release Subject: K.I. Tampering Charges
Today, official tampering charges were filed against The King's Court in regards to allegations that their captain, Jackie King had made improper contact to members of The Hunt Club, merely days from the start of the 2009 King Invitational.
The TGA prides itself on being a players organization and thus seeks player input in regards to these allegations. A ruling on the matter will occur after poll results tomorrow evening are posted. We encourage members of the TGA as well as King Invitational invitees to participate in the decision-making process. A public interest poll is being released at this time and a ruling will occur at the conclusion of the tallying of poll results.
The TGA has decided to release the contents of the written charges filed by THC captain, Wayne Hunt in their entirety:
The TGA prides itself on being a players organization and thus seeks player input in regards to these allegations. A ruling on the matter will occur after poll results tomorrow evening are posted. We encourage members of the TGA as well as King Invitational invitees to participate in the decision-making process. A public interest poll is being released at this time and a ruling will occur at the conclusion of the tallying of poll results.
The TGA has decided to release the contents of the written charges filed by THC captain, Wayne Hunt in their entirety:
To Whom It May Concern:
It has been brought to the attention of The Hunt Club staff that executive officials, primarily Jackie King, with The King's Court have made what we believe to be inappropriate and possibly illegal contact with contracted members of The Hunt Club.
As you are well aware, the TGA collective bargaining agreement indicates that for purposes of each individual tournament, players are essentially independent contractors, able to negotiate playing arrangements and endorsements with any reputable entity of which they see fit.
However, we believe that Section V: Article 18.2 of the CBA specifically refers to players in team and invitational-type events to be contractually obligated to the team, organization, captain, et. al. that has legally acquired said player through draft, free agency or other means agreed upon by the said event's chartered rules/bylaws. As such, those players are deemed the temporary property of the acquiring entity and protected from having any contact and/or discussion both written, orally or through electronic means of communication.
We have gathered information that would indicate that The King's Court is in direct violation of Section V: Article 18.2 due to the content of conversations with Lane Moore on the evening of January 15, 2009 and Randy Griffin in the afternoon of January 19, 2009. Specifically, the language in question refers to Mr. King's questioning of Mr. Moore and Mr. Griffin as to their potential interest in participating in the 2009 K.I. as members of The King's Court on the assumption that a deal could be made to acquire them via the trade route.
The Hunt Club considers this matter to be both serious and urgent in nature and hereby request an immediate ruling into the potential punishment of Mr. King and The King's Court due to these infractions.
Day 1 - Match 1 Pairings
Tommy Dugan (3) and Kim Highfill (5) vs. Chad Hedrick (1) and Wes Crump (8)
The first match-up on Day 1 of the 2009 King Invitational features the last two TGA Players of the Year. Reigning champion Tommy Dugan will team up with Myrtle Beach's Kim Highfill to take on the 2007 POY Chad Hedrick and K.I. rookie Wes Crump.
Dugan and Highfill, representing The King's Court, were chosen with back-to-back picks in this year's draft. Dugan is the #3 seed for The King's Court while Highfill is seeded #5.
Their opponents feature Hedrick, the first player taken in the draft and who is seeded #1 for The Hunt Club. His playing partner for the day will be Crump, the #8 seed for THC.
Captain's take on pick:
Jackie King: I like their length off the tee. It should keep them out of trouble. Even if they are sporadic, they hit the ball far enough that their mistakes won't hurt them like some of the shorter hitters.
Wayne Hunt: Chad is solid all-around. But, it's no secret that the one place he can struggle is off the tee. With Wes playing from the Seniors, that extra yardage should help Chad focus on hitting it straight. This team will score for the simple fact that Chad is playing. But I expect Wes to make major contributions on short par 4's and the par 3's
The first match-up on Day 1 of the 2009 King Invitational features the last two TGA Players of the Year. Reigning champion Tommy Dugan will team up with Myrtle Beach's Kim Highfill to take on the 2007 POY Chad Hedrick and K.I. rookie Wes Crump.
Dugan and Highfill, representing The King's Court, were chosen with back-to-back picks in this year's draft. Dugan is the #3 seed for The King's Court while Highfill is seeded #5.
Their opponents feature Hedrick, the first player taken in the draft and who is seeded #1 for The Hunt Club. His playing partner for the day will be Crump, the #8 seed for THC.
Captain's take on pick:
Jackie King: I like their length off the tee. It should keep them out of trouble. Even if they are sporadic, they hit the ball far enough that their mistakes won't hurt them like some of the shorter hitters.
Wayne Hunt: Chad is solid all-around. But, it's no secret that the one place he can struggle is off the tee. With Wes playing from the Seniors, that extra yardage should help Chad focus on hitting it straight. This team will score for the simple fact that Chad is playing. But I expect Wes to make major contributions on short par 4's and the par 3's
Breaking News - Tampering Charges to be levied against The King's Court
Lexington, NC - TGA Today has learned that The Hunt Club will file formal tampering charges today against The King's Court for alleged misconduct in player personnel matters. A source close to the situation told TGA Today's Snoops McGowan that Hunt Club management has received information they believe will prove that The King's Court has been illegally targeting and recruiting certain Hunt Club team members. They plan to file their complaint with the Triad Golf Association this afternoon. TGA Today will provide more information as details become available.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Captain - Jackie King
The King's Court Captain - Jackie KingOnce in a while a visionary comes around that sees things in a different light than those of us who are just watching. For an idealist, the ability to see through obstacles that block others is what turns ambition into reality. For a Utopia to come to fruition, a prophetic dreamer has to turn his radical idea into a reality that only he can deliver.
From the mind of one man came the King Invitational, the imaginative conclusion of a vision that would turn a few average weekend golfers into not just an association but a family. Beginning an annual pilgrimage such as the King Invitational from scratch requires more behind-the-scenes maneuvering than most people ever realize.
For most participants you merely just pay your money and show up. Everything else is incidental. For the K.I. founder, Jackie King nothing is incidental. Nothing is ever left to chance. Every detail is mapped out. Each nugget of information is digested. For every scenario, an answer exists. It's all part of the vision that makes the King Invitational one of the most talked about and anticipated annual events on the Triad golf radar.
This year, founder Jackie King caps off his vision by returning as not just the backbone behind the King Invitational but as the captain of The King's Court, the opponent for the other eight-man squad, The Hunt Club.
With a chance to lead his charges into battle, King feels rejuvenated for 2009. A lesser man might have concerns about taking on too many responsibilities but it's a role that King relishes. Today, he spoke with TGA staff about The King's Court and the 2009 King Invitational.
"I am very excited about this year. One of the few problems we've ever had with this event has been determining the right balance of players, in terms of numbers. We believe that sixteen is the ideal number of players in this event and this year I decided we'd make a return to that number."
"Once we had all of the details in place, I was pumped about my expanded role as a team captain. I haven't done it for a couple of years now and wanted to get back involved with that aspect. The interaction with the players is what led me to develop this event in the first place. Now, I not only get to play host but get to be the one calling the shots and taking the heat. I live for that kind of thing."
"The King's Court is so balanced. We are strong from top to bottom. I look at what our guys bring to the table and I see an enormous amount of continuity. My pairings possibilities are endless. When developing my potential draft list, the thing our staff scouted most was length off the tee."
"I know that the long ball is not my game but I've surrounded myself with guys who feed off that. Dwight, Tommy, Mayo, Dru. Those guys can bomb it. Ted playing from the senior tees will eat the Big Dog and Uncle Wes for lunch with his drives. Even Kim and Jay can stroke it. With the pairings I have in store, I truly believe we are the favored team."
"Much has been made about the fact we've got some guys who didn't fare well last year. But, I did. And I think that's one of the things that I will impress upon my guys. You can't win if you don't play the game. And I promise you, we plan on playing."
King would also like to express his gratitude to all of those playing in the 2009 King Invitational.
- Role on The King's Court: Captain
- School: East Davidson High School
- Personal: Wife, Becky. Sons, Colby and Brady
- Other notable player/owners: Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux
- Hobbies: Camping, bowling, fishing
- Favorite teams: UNC Tar Heels, Charlotte Bobcats, Houston Astros, Carolina Panthers
- Did you know? Jackie is the only known TGA player to ever record an official hole-in-one
- Who would play Jackie in the sports movie version of the King Invitational: WWE-Superstar and actor "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Captain - Wayne Hunt
The Hunt Club Captain - Wayne Hunt
The Big Daddy Classic. The Triad Golf Association. The King Invitational. Each of these events and organizations has its own unique place as a Triad golf tradition. Despite each event having the ability to stand on its own, they are each also intertwined with the others. Together they have helped create a niche among local golfers that is difficult to duplicate.
One of the common denominators for the BDC, the TGA & the K.I. is the participation of Wayne Hunt in the development of each entity. An early player in the Big Daddy Classic, Hunt also organized and caddied in numerous events before the tournament was disbanded in the late 90's. As a co-founder of the TGA, one of Hunt's first objectives was to bring back the Big Daddy Classic. In doing so, he not only re-launched the annual event at Lexington Golf Club but he helped fuel an entire monthly tour of local courses.
Just as the rebirth of the Big Daddy Classic was a byproduct of the creation of the TGA, the TGA's history is squarely rooted in the development and success of the King Invitational. Hunt was formerly the assistant director of the King Invitational. In his current position as Chief Negotiator for Player Personnel, Hunt is relishing his role in player recruitment and acquisition for the King Invitational.
With direct participation in gathering a balanced draft pool for the sixth edition of the K.I., it seems only fitting that Hunt would be named one of the two captains for 2009. Today, Hunt met with TGA staff and discussed his role in the K.I. and the team he has drafted, aptly named The Hunt Club.
"I have always had a behind the scenes hand in the King Invitational. Years ago when this event was merely a concept, Jackie approached me and inquired about my interest in assisting him with getting this thing off the ground. I was honored to have helped and would have never imagined that it would be as strong as ever six years later."
"In the past I've helped recruit some very influential players to this event. Jackie has recognized that and this year named me to the post of Chief Negotiator of Player Personnel. I couldn't be more excited about my expanded role and specifically the honor of being named a team captain."
"When assembling my potential draft list, I knew that I would be after players who know how to win. If you look down our roster from the captain all the way to our fourth round pick, we all have one thing in common. We were all a part of Team Hedrick that walked away from the 2008 event $100 richer. It's not every year you get a chance to keep five players from the winning squad together. But my staff and I have managed to do that with The Hunt Club."
"Chad and Tom clinched the win for our team last year on the last day. Both of those guys were unbeaten for the weekend. Chris and I both won twice last year. Randy and Turtle each won once. Turtle putting his team on the back of his shell and carrying them on the last day in '08 was one of the reasons I drafted him. I expect similar results this year for all of our guys and I believe that with the addition of Uncle Wes and "The Kid", we've established the best array of talent from top to bottom that the King Invitational has ever seen."
Hunt has appeared in every King Invitational.
- Role on The Hunt Club: Captain
- School: East Davidson High School, UNC-Greensboro
- Personal: Daughter, Chloe. Girlfriend, Teresa
- Other notable player/managers: Hall-of-Famers Bill Russell, Ty Cobb, Joe Torre and all-time baseball hits leader, Pete Rose
- Hobbies: Writing, bowling
- Favorite teams: UNC Tar Heels, Philadelphia Phillies, Carolina Panthers
- Did you know? Wayne has never lost in match play at the King Invitational and owns three match play victories over the King's Court captain, Jackie King
- Who would play Wayne in the sports movie version of the King Invitational: WWE-Superstar and actor, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Friday, January 16, 2009
Selection #1 Chad "Otis" Hedrick
Chad Hedrick- Selected with the #1 overall pick by The Hunt ClubNames like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, the TPC and Augusta are all synonymous with golf. When those words are spoken, the vision of lush fairways, expensive resorts and white collar clubhouses come to mind. They are storied and revered in golf lore. Golfers dream of someday walking through Amen Corner or sending one across the water at the Sawgrass seventeen.
Despite the glamour and tradition associated with such golf sanctuaries, its the tracks that rarely get any mention beyond the locals where most golfers learn the game. For Triad golfers, names like Lexington, Hemlock, Twin Cedars and Blair Park ring more familiar. For one TGA member, learning to play the game was secondary to learning about the game. And one such course, Colonial Country Club, served as an excellent teacher.
From his early clubhouse days working the carts at Colonial to his stint as an assistant pro at Pine Knolls Golf Course, Chad Hedrick has a lifetime of golf experiences that have helped mold him into the first overall draft pick for the 2009 King Invitational.
For the casual observer, Hedrick's laser-like short game and deft putting touch are the pillars from which he's built a strong, tactical all-around game. But for those close to the TGA Tour, there are other aspects of Hedrick's playing style that define his golf career. As a long-time student of the game, Hedrick's fondness for the tradition and integrity of the storied sport are what separates him from most players. His ability to use golf as a conduit for friendships and camaraderie are unmistakable.
Explaining what sold him on Hedrick as the #1 overall pick, The Hunt Club captain Wayne Hunt had this to say. "Obviously, Chad's on-course talents are unmatched on Tour. For no other reason than that, Chad's a prime candidate for the first pick year in and year out. It's the intangibles though, that make Chad an undeniable top pick."
"No other player is more of a student of golf than Chad. Beyond that, though, no one else is more of a teacher. He's very approachable and willing to help others improve their game. I believe his sense of golf history and tradition are what fuels his desire to improve not only his own game but to help elevate those around him. Who wouldn't want that from a teammate?"
"He's a former player of the year, has a putting stroke that most guys will give an organ for, and is someone that has faced every possible situation on the course. For all of those reasons, I'm proud to announce The Hunt Club has selected Chad with the top pick in this year's draft."
Hedrick continues his streak of never missing a King Invitational event.
- Role in The Hunt Club: Range Instructor
- School: East Davidson High School, High Point University
- Personal: Wife, Michelle. Son, Zachary
- Other notable athletes drafted #1 overall: Future Hall-of-Famers Shaquille O'Neal (Orlando Magic, 1992) Ken Griffey, Jr. (Cincinnati Reds, 1987)
- Hobbies: Watching NASCAR, attending Zachary's ball games
- Favorite teams: Duke Blue Devils, Washington Redskins
- Did you know? Chad is the only person in history to have both caddied on the PGA Tour and played on the TGA Tour
- Who would play Chad in the sports movie version of the King Invitational: Country music star and actor Vince Gill
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Selection #2 - Dwight "Slim's Gravy Train" Clark
Dwight Clark - Selected with the 2nd pick of the 1st round, #2 overall by The King's CourtThe average modern day athlete is far removed from the humility and graciousness of the players that came before. Athletes like Joe Dimaggio, Arnold Palmer and Bob Cousy transcended their respective sports. Their performances on the field and their character off the field left indelible marks on the trails they blazed.
Many of today's athletes are characterized by a "me first" attitude that puts their careers in the limelight. They seem to put their place on Madison Avenue ahead of their teams' quest for Super Bowl titles. The sports world is laced with Prima Donnas like Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson (aka Ocho Cinco) and Stephon Marbury.
Unfortunately, the TGA Tour hasn't been immune to the self-absorbed actions of players that consistently rate their own agendas ahead of those of the tour itself. Since the inception of the TGA Tour, no player has been more about pounding his own chest than Dwight Clark, the second overall pick of the 2009 King Invitational.
Last year's K.I. was marred by Clark's misrepresentation of the duties of a team captain. After having the honor of captainship bestowed upon him, Clark went out and made a mockery of the entire selection process, fueling anger amongst his own team and fellow competitors.
Once play began, Clark's leadership skills were called into action. Before long it became apparent that he was more interested in creating matches to ensure points for himself instead of looking out for the greater good of his team. Soon, a revolt among his players began and his team, primarily his #1 overall pick Scott Hobson, came unraveled.
With dissension at all-time high, Clark paired himself with Lane Moore in Sunday's captain's choice event, hoping to lead Team Clark to a rousing comeback win. However, it was Turtle Moore who shocked the world with a grinding effort to lead his team's victory over the team of Chris Morris & Jackie King. Afterwards, a defiant Clark reportedly failed to credit Moore for his efforts and refused to speak with reporters after Team Hedrick sealed their King Invitational victory.
One TGA player, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, "Dwight is as talented player as there has ever been on tour. The problem is that if he was as good as he thinks he is, he'd at least be a Nationwide Tour player. The cockiness just rubs some guys the wrong way."
After a sparkling 2007 TGA season that saw him capture the first ever TGA Player of the Year award, Clark's star has dimmed on tour. He continues to fight speculation that he avoids tournaments at courses that don't suit his game and it's believed that his refusal to commit to a full season on tour is what keeps him from making another serious run at the Player of the Year crown.
The King's Court captain, Jackie King dismissed the negative talk and had this to say about the second overall draft pick: "T.O., Randy Moss, Ocho Cinco... all of those guys get pummeled by the media but every team in the league wants to have a player with that kind of talent. I knew, without a doubt, that we would grab Dwight with the second pick if he was still on the board."
"Our advance scouts rave about his swing, claiming that it's as good as it's ever been. Our staff believes that he has worked out the small chinks in his putting armor. And the golf world knows that when it comes to match play, he will pose a huge problem for anyone out there. Remember Junior Benfield? He was a five-to-one favorite against Dwight a few seasons ago. After the Gravy Train battled him at every turn, he never came back."
Clark will make his fifth straight appearance at the King Invitational.
- Role on The King's Court: The Trumpeter
- School: South Stokes High School, Appalachian State University
- Personal: Wife, Cindy. Son, Chaffin. Daughter, Chelsea
- Other notable athletes drafted #2 overall: NFL HAll-of-Famer Randy White (Dallas Cowboys, 1975), NBA Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas (Detroit Pistons, 1981)
- Hobbies: Coaching baseball, playing in & hosting poker tournaments
- Favorite teams: San Fransisco 49ers, Appalachian St. Mountaineers,
- Did you know? Dwight is a frequent visitor to Atlantic City, traveling there at least twice a year
- Who would play Dwight in the sports movie version of the King Invitational? NASCAR driver, Kyle Busch
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Selection # 3 Ted Prestwood
Ted Prestwood - Selected with the 1st pick of the 2nd round, #3 overall by The King's Court
When transplants move to North Carolina they talk about how great it is to live in a place that has four seasons. For the Triad Golf Association and organizers of the King Invitational, the Ted Prestwood Saga has seen more seasonal changes than a Doppler-radar. First, in true Brett Favre-fashion, there was the whole "this is my last trip" to the King Invitational speech that Prestwood gives as a rite of passage following each season's Sunday K.I. finale.
Then came the announcement in the spring that Prestwood, feeling squirrely after early season successes on the TGA Tour, was uncertain as to what the future may hold for his golf game and more specifically a potential return to the 2009 King Invitational.
With the blistering summer heat came news that Prestwood had officially retired from King Invitational competition. He routinely told other tour players, officials, and even close friends and family that he would no longer be making the annual trek to Myrtle Beach for the King Invitational. He even held an impromptu news conference at Wallburg's Meadowlands Golf Course where he told gatherers, including media representing the TGA, that "you have seen the last of Ted Prestwood at the King Invitational."
By the time summer's green leaves had turned into luscious fall gold and then faded to dormant brown, rumors began to swirl that Prestwood was growing restless. One TGA Tour official, who asked to remain anonymous for this story, had this to say of an incident that took place at Prestwood's High Rock Lake vacation home. "Several TGA players were at Ted's lake retreat and after a day of heavy drinking, he began to press them about who would be at the '09 event and throwing his name out as a potential candidate."
Each of the players rumored to have been present at this event (Wayne Hunt, Jackie King, Turtle Moore and Dru Broadway) all refused to provide any details and no one would confirm nor deny this meeting.
Regardless of reasons, though, it soon became apparent that Prestwood's queries about the 2009 event were more than just a passing interest. Prestwood repeatedly denied that his indecisiveness had anything to do with money. At one point, negotiations between King and Prestwood hit such a snag that King employed former TGA President Hunt to become the Chief Negotiator for Player Personnel and his primary free-agent target immediately became Prestwood.
"I received a voicemail from Big Jack on a Sunday and he basically said he was through. He mentioned that he thought Ted was playing unfair and that he didn't see any way of bringing him into the fold for '09," Hunt said.
"I had heard that at one point Ted was very close to signing with the Jones Group for 2009. There was even talk about him becoming a Player/Manager for the Jones Group and a head-to-head Jones Group vs. King Court match taking place at this year's King Invitational. At that point, I knew that losing Ted wasn't an option," continued Hunt.
"I had seen the Brett Favre saga play out in Green Bay. There are some fans in Green Bay that will never forgive the club for Brett becoming a Jet and there are some cheeseheads that have turned there back on #4 forever. I couldn't let that happen here. I knew Ted becoming a Jones Groupie would leave some of our faithful disappointed at us for not getting a deal done to keep him here. But, I also knew that some of our turtleheads would never look at him the same."
Hunt refused to go into any specifics about the details in Prestwood's contract other than to say that he is playing 2009 on a one-season deal with a mutual option for 2010. He did say that K.I. officials are looking at this as Prestwood's swan song with the organization and wanted an opportunity to be able to send him out in grand style.
Prestwood's 6th straight King Invitational appearance looks to be his final K.I. event although he pledges to remain a member of the TGA Tour.
- Role on The King's Court: Elder Statesman
- School: Chattanooga High School
- Personal: Wife, Kaye. Sons, Butch and Tony, Daughter, Becky.
- Other notable athletes drafted #3 overall: NBA Hall-of-Famer Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls, 1984) NFL Hall-of-Famer Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions, 1989)
- Hobbies: Camping, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren: Heather, Addison, Colby & Brady
- Favorite teams: Miami Dolphins and Duke Blue Devils
- Did you know? Every golf-playing member of Ted's family has a hole-on-one except him. This includes his father, sister, brother, brother-in-law, nephew and most recently, his son-in-law
- Who would play Ted in the sports movie version of the King Invitational? Grumpy Old Men star Walter Matthau
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Selection # 4 Randy "Big Money Biscuit" Griffin
Randy Griffin - Selected with the 2nd pick of the 2nd round, #4 overall by The Hunt ClubEverybody knows someone with that certain sense of invincibility. Those people tend to have a knack of overcoming scenarios that would fell most people. They can rifle through the trash and come out smelling like roses. Even in the stickiest situations they come out feeling silky smooth. With every sidestep and wrong turn they seem to pick up more admirers and followers.
"The Teflon Don" John Gotti had that appeal. "Slick Willy" Bill Clinton was also like that. Even the sports world has their own versions - Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant come to mind. For the TGA Tour, "Big Money Biscuit" Randy Griffin reflects the same sort of iconic virtuosity.
Despite his own George "No Show" Jones impersonation at the 2007 King Invitational, Griffin rebounded to be elected TGA President at the 2008 event. Merely hours after being voted the second president in TGA history, Griffin was seen pounding back by shots at Myrtle Beach's Broadway at the Beach. Rumors of a wild night of same-sex dancing with fellow TGA member Turtle Moore were never proven. However, Griffin's performance and actions at the next day's Match Play Championships at The Heritage Club seemed to add credibility to the speculation.
Eventually though even the most indomitable figures come tumbling down. Recently, we've seen the charisma of folks like John Daly and Charles Barkley fail to keep them from hitting rock bottom. After allegedly passing out on the final hole in his match play loss to Ted Prestwood last year, one year removed from the infamous No Show Saturday, Griffin seemingly had hit bottom.
However, it would soon come to fruition that the barrel looked more bottomless than ever. The 2006 and 2007 TGA seasons proved that Griffin was a contender that everyone on tour had to take serious. He won three times in those seasons and finished in the top three in the Player of the Year race both times. Then came 2008. Armed with new pressures as TGA President, Griffin failed to even muster one top-5 finish, finally ending the season with a four-event hiatus that left outsiders wondering if Griffin's career was done for good.
What the outside world didn't know was that Griffin has been undergoing a period of rejuvenation marked by aromapuncture (a new aromatherapy-based acupuncture), yoga and his new love - The Church of Scientology.
"I've experienced Randy's new found philosophy. I've witnessed a re-birth. He's always been sort of an old soul. Now he's more like the Travoltas and Cruises of the world. His enthusiasm is unbridled," said The Hunt Club captain, Wayne Hunt.
"I think a lot of it has to do with his becoming more in tune with nature through his hunting adventures. He seems so at peace and eager to share that feeling with those he meets. With Randy the mental aspect of golf has always been the predominant factor. At this year's event, you'll see that his mental approach will be infectious to our team. I wouldn't be surprised if he walks away as the event's Most Outstanding Player."
This will mark Griffin's fifth straight appearance in the King Invitational.
- Role in The Hunt Club: Big Game Hunter
- School: South Stokes High School, Appalachian State University
- Personal: Wife, Leann
- Other notable athletes drafted #4 overall: Former U.S. Olympic Team Captain Sam Perkins (Dallas Mavericks, 1984), NFL Hall-of-Famer Walter Payton (Chicago Bears, 1975)
- Hobbies: Hunting, fishing
- Favorite teams: Dallas Cowboys, New York Mets, UNC Tar Heels
- Did you know? Randy won the first-ever official TGA Tour event at Holly Ridge Golf Links
- Who would play Randy in the sports movie version of the King Invitational? Former ER star Anthony Edwards
Monday, January 12, 2009
Selection #5 Chris "The Cat Man" Morris
Chris Morris- Drafted with the 1st pick of the 3rd round, #5 overall by The Hunt ClubAs co-founder of the Big Daddy Classic, Chris Morris was a major part of the early grassroots history of the Triad Golf Association. In the early 90's, Morris was a frequent contender for the Big Daddy Classic when head-to-head matches determined who walked away with the crown. There were no team events, no carts and certainly no titanium drivers or rescue clubs to be found.
Back then the Classic was a no-frills event that meant more about pride and bragging rights than Player of the Year trophies and points systems. Morris weathered many battles and although he sometimes finished on the losing end, the experiences gained in those early events have proven invaluable for a solid, TGA career.
Even more importantly, involvement in the Big Daddy events meant learning to play under some of the most stressful situations possible. The Big Daddy Classic was one of the first events to ever feature the putter-cam. But, despite having the putter-cam the Classic's shoestring budget didn't allow for professional cameramen. Instead, when a player was addressing his putt, it was his playing opponent operating the putter-cam. The trash talk was often times humorous and sometimes mean and nasty. But it was always pressure-packed.
According to The Hunt Club captain, Wayne Hunt it was the experiences gained from those early events that led to his selection of Chris Morris with the 5th overall pick in the 2009 King Invitational Draft. "Chris has played through pressures that would make a lot of TGA golfers cringe. When you have to buy the winner's lunch and you've only got four dollars to your name, you know losing means your ass don't eat," Hunt said.
"That kind of pressure is unknown to a lot of guys. But, Chris has been there. The guy's got ice in his veins. He is unflinching at every angle. He's been through the wars and I drafted him knowing that he will bring a toughness to the squad that is unmatched. I wouldn't want to be the guy that plays him in match play."
Morris has participated in every King Invitational.
- Role in The Hunt Club: Tracker
- School: East Davidson High School, Davidson County Community College, UNC-Charlotte
- Personal: Wife, Aimee. Daughter, Emily
- Other notable athletes drafted #5 overall: Current NBA All-Stars Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves, 1995) and Vince Carter (Golden State Warriors, 1998)
- Hobbies: Camping, Following NASCAR
- Favorite teams: Kansas Jayhawks, Miami Hurricanes
- Did you know? Chris is a former police officer with the Thomasville Police Department
- Who would play Chris in the sports movie version of the King Invitational: Former Cheers actor and movie star Woody Harrelson
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Selection # 6 Tommy Dugan
Tommy Dugan - Drafted with the 2nd pick of the 3rd round, #6 overall by The King's Court When you are the reigning TGA Player of the Year, some things are a forgone conclusion. First, you are assured that there's a big fat target on your back from the first drive in March until the last putt rattles the cup in November. Second, every move you make is under scrutiny on and off the course. With throngs of media scrutinizing every tee shot on the course and every tequila shot off-course, the pressures of being the best player on tour are immeasurable. Finally, you know you will be counted on by your teammates to make a big contribution at the King Invitational.
For Tommy Dugan who was crowned the youngest TGA Tour Champion in November, the pressures, scrutiny and accountability begins in earnest in just a few short weeks. This time last year, Dugan was looked at as being a four or five seed on a six man squad at last year's K.I. This year, despite increased depth and the re-expansion back to a 16-man field, Dugan sits solidly as a number three-seed following his selection as the sixth overall draft choice by The King's Court captain Jackie King.
"Tommy's rise began here last year," King said. "He and I halved our match last year at The Heritage Club. It was a match he should have won handily. In the past, giving away that match would have spelled doom for him. But, he came back on Sunday and well.... we all know what happened then."
What happened then was one of the biggest shots in King Invitational history at one of the most pivotal points. Dugan and his Team Clark partner Ted Prestwood had just chipped in for birdie on the par-4 4th hole at Diamondback Golf Club to stake themselves to a one-hole lead over the Team Hedrick squad of Randy Griffin and Wayne Hunt when they came to the par-5 5th hole.
After answering Hunt's booming tee shot with one of his own, Dugan watched Prestwood land his second attempt safely across a marsh 75 yards right of the green. With some prodding from Prestwood to just go for it, Dugan smashed a 245-yard 3-wood pin high seven feet left of the stick. After rolling in an unlikely eagle putt and watching the Hunt/Griffin team make a shocking three-putt bogey, a one stroke lead had ballooned into a four shot cushion.
"After that match, Tommy seemed destined for good things. And by good things, I mean a dominating performance on tour from start to finish. I fully expect that he will come out this month with that same fire and make things happen for our squad," King added in his daily news conference.
The 2009 King Invitational will mark Tommy's fifth straight King Invitational appearance.
- Role on The King's Court: First Knight
- School: High Point Central High School
- Personal: Wife, Lauren
- Other notable athletes drafted #6 overall: Future Hall-of-Fame SS Derek Jeter (NY Yankees, 1992) NFL troublemaker Adam "Pacman" Jones (Tennessee Titans, 2005)
- Hobbies: sports, movies and video games
- Favorite teams: Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Florida St. Seminoles and Duke Blue Devils
- Did you know? Tommy went to school with and is friends with former Survivor contestant Austin Carty
- Who would play Tommy in the sports movie version of the King Invitational: Former Bevery Hills 90210 star Brian Austin Green
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