Selection #5 Chris "The Cat Man" Morris

Chris Morris- Drafted with the 1st pick of the 3rd round, #5 overall by The Hunt Club

As 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