2010 TGA Kickoff Meeting

2010 TGA Kickoff Meeting

The Triad Golf Association recently held our annual kickoff meeting to elect officers, review rules and regulations and ratify a 2010 playing schedule.

First, I would like to thank Dwight Clark for hosting the event at his home and the fourteen members who were able to make time for this meeting which is very important to the structure of the TGA.

I would like to take a moment to outline and discuss topics covered in the meeting. The following items were discussed and applicable changes to each item will be outlined later in this note. Any changes for 2010 will be highlighted in BOLD/RED.

• Election of Officers
• The TGA Fund
• Playing Schedule for 2010
• Course selection for 2010
• Memberships
• Rules and Regulations

Election of Officers

A motion was made by Philip Brookshire and seconded by Wes Crump to maintain the same officers for 2010 (in the same roles). That motion was passed by unanimous vote and officers for 2010 will remain: Dru Broadway (President), Wayne Hunt (Vice-President) and Dwight Clark (Secretary/Treasurer)

The TGA Fund

Dwight Clark presented information on the TGA Fund and showed the balance to be $200+ dollars. Funds were utilized to provide lunch for those in attendance. It was also determined that the additional $1 entry fee for each participant would remain in effect and be included in the TGA Fund. Dwight will begin to provide a monthly balance sheet for peer review which shows current balance, monthly expenditures and receipts. In addition, a motion was made and unanimously voted that the TGA Fund would be used only on special occasions and that the yearly balance would not be depleted at season's end and distributed among players for purchase of TGA hats/shirts/etc.

2010 Playing Schedule

The 2010 playing schedule was approved to continue play on the third Sunday of every month (except for June). Dru will continue to make tee times in advance of each round.

However, it was determined that if you have not previously confirmed your intention to play by 9pm on the Friday evening before a tournament, a spot in the event will not be held for you. If you arrive at an event without previous confirming your spot, you will not be eligible to participate in the tournament. A spot will be made for you, at the golf course's discretion, but your play that day will not count toward points and or money.

In addition, if we play a course that requires a credit card to secure a tee time and you have previously advised you would be playing but are a no show, you will be responsible for paying for that tee time, if the TGA is charged for reserving that spot.

2010 TGA Schedule

• March 21 - President's Classic @ Blair Park Golf Course, High Point
• April 18 - Big Daddy Classic @ Lexington Golf Club, Lexington
• May 16 - TGA Open @ Winding Creek, Thomasville
• June 13 - Links Classic @ Holly Ridge Golf Links, Archdale
• July 18- Winston-Salem Open @ Reynolds Park Golf Course, Winston-Salem
• Aug. 15 - TGA Masters @ Winding Creek, Thomasville
• Sept. 19 - Furniture City Classic @ Oak Hollow Golf Course, High Point
• Oct. 17 - Davie County Invitational @ Pudding Ridge Golf Course, Mocksville
• Nov 20-21 TGA Tour Championship @ Winding Creek, Thomasville

Memberships

In 2009, there were twenty-nine (29) paid memberships, the highest single season total since the inception of the TGA. In 2010 all memberships will cost $25.00 unless a new member joins after July's events. A new member joining after July will be subject to a $15.00 membership for 2010.

Rules & Regulations

1. There is a 1-club length rule that will remain in effect for 2010
2. You can not improve your lie from hazard to fairway, rough to fairway, etc.
3. All players must putt out on every hole
4. Players have the choice of losing stroke or distance (but not both) on lost balls and hazards
5. New members must play 5 rounds (two of which are an official TGA event before they are able to earn a TGA membership. The other 3 rounds must be played with at least 1 official TGA member)
6. Please be observant of your playing partner's putting lines
7. The TGA Rookie of the Year Award will remain as long as a minimum of three qualifying rookies are on tour for 2010
8. Senior members (55 years old or older) have the option of playing from the Senior tees. However, they must declare their intention of playing from the senior or men's tees prior to the beginning of the 2010 season and the tees they choose for their first tournament will be the tees in which they are expected to compete from for the duration of 2010.
9. At least one event (chosen by the TGA Officers Committee) will be played under team rules. Points will still be awarded on an individual basis but prize money will be distributed based on your team's order of finish.
10. The Player of the Year Award will be based on a player's total points earned for their 7 highest finishes (this allows players to miss a maximum of three events without taking a hit in their chances to earn POY honors - however, remember that the season-ending event is a 2-day event and if you were to miss both days, you'd only be able to miss one other event throughout the season in order to get in your 7 qualifying scores)
11. The Player of the Year points structure has been revised to make the order of finish equally important regardless of the number of entrants in the field. The revised points system is as follows:

• 1st - 100 points
• 2nd - 90 points
• 3rd - 85 points
• 4th - 80 points
• 5th - 75 points
• 6th - 70 points
• 7th- 65 points
• 8th- 60 points
• 9th- 55 points
• 10th- 50 points
• 11-15th - 25 points
• 16-20th - 15 points
• 21st-up - 5 points

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming season, please feel free to e-mail or call myself, Dru or Dwight at any time throughout the season.

I will be circulating an e-mail asking for some information from each player this season, so please e-mail me with the information so we can formulate some sort of Contact list in order to distribute amongst the league.

Good luck in 2010,

Wayne

Format & Final teams

The final format for the 2010 King Invitational is considerably different than what players are used to.

Instead of the Ryder Cup style format players have grown accustomed to, we have decided to have an individual play-based event this season.

There will be 4 Flights broken down as:

• Championship Flight - 3 players
• Flight A - 3 players
• Flight B - 4 players
• Flight C - 4 players

Rounds & flights will NOT be based on handicaps. Players will be flighted after the second day of play based a cumulative two-day total. Once the two day total has been tallied and flights have been established, the final day's score ONLY will determine individual flight winners.

Payouts will look like this:

• Flight winners = $60
• 2nd place flight = $30
• 3rd place flight = $25
• 4th place flight = $15

Team play/winners will be determined based on a cumulative three-day total & is based on order of finish. For example, the player with the lowest three day gross total will finish first & receive 14 points for his team.

The team with the most points will be crowned the King Invitational Cup winners and winning team members will receive $50 each.

Gambling money is $60 total for overall (Last year it was $80). Greenies and skins are optional this year and can be decided on the morning of the event.

Final tournament teams are:

The King's Court

• Jackie King
• Dwight Clark
• Chris Morris
• Kim Highfill
• Tom Dugan
• Dru Broadway
• Tony Fritts

The Hunt Club

• Wayne Hunt
• Chad Hedrick
• Randy Griffin
• Tommy Dugan
• Gene Glass
• Lane Moore
• Wes Crump

Deja Vu - Trade Rocks King Invitational

In what has become a recurring theme of upheaval with the 2010 King Invitational, The King's Court and The Hunt Club have pulled off another major trade that is expected to result in major ramifications for both squads.

That latest trade will send the two-time defending TGA champion, Tommy Dugan to The Hunt Club in exchange for Kim Highfill who was just traded from The King's Court to The Hunt Club less than a week ago. Highfill is expected to re-join his new team, which is actually his old team, on Thursday morning after the brief flight from Myrtle Beach, S.C.

In addition to being the newest trade, this deal is one that comes with the most controversy. After trading Highfill to The Hunt Club earlier this off-season, the TGA Associated Press has learned that Highfill has failed his physical with The Hunt Club and was to be returned to the King's Court.

Under Provision 32, Article 16 of The TGA Collective Bargaining Agreement, trades "nullified due to a player's inability to pass minimal physical requirements or failure to successfully complete a banned substance screening" will result in each of the effected players being returned to the team that previously held their negotiating rights and/or contract.

However, Provision 32, Article 16, Section II states, "if in the above scenario" (referencing Provision 32/Article 16) "the player not effected by the failed physical/substance abuse exam has signed a contract extension with their new team of record or if that player exercises an existing no-trade clause which blocks or prohibits his being re-acquired by his former team, the new team must offer compensation in the form of a player carrying a salary equal to or greater than the player rejecting proposed movement."

When interviewed today, Jackie Childs, Legal Analyst for the TGA Golf Channel, explained the fiasco like this: "Apparently Highfill has failed some sort of physical or substance abuse test. Therefore, he was to be sent back to The King's Court for Chris Morris. However, Morris apparently has already signed a contract extension with The King's Court guaranteeing he will be a member of their team for 2011 or he has exercised a no-trade clause from his original contract with The Hunt Club."

A source inside the King Invitational Cup leadership, speaking on the condition of anonymity has told the TGAP that there are two things at work here.

First, it appears that Highfill tested positive for the presence of a substance, believed to be a PED (performance enhancing drug) that was recently placed on the TGA banned substance list. That positive test result would have returned him to The King's Court.

Secondly, the source told the TGAP, Morris, who was extremely bitter about the original trade that sent him to The King's Court, has invoked the no-trade clause, which he had failed to invoke when The Hunt Club originally traded him simply because he was "hurt by the betrayal of the only team he had ever played for."

That scenario left The King's Court scrambling to replace Morris in the deal with another player. They reportedly were set to offer up Dru Broadway for Highfill but were rebuked by league officials who pointed out that the second section of Provision 32, Article 16 requires them to trade away a player with a salary equal to or higher than that of which Morris will receive in 2010. In the end that left Dugan and The King's Court's former top draft pick, Dwight Clark as the only players eligible to be traded.

Dugan comes to The Hunt Club one year after leading The King's Court in points at The King Invitational and will likely fill the number three spot in the rotation for The Hunt Club. Meanwhile, Highfill will return to The King's Court under mounds of scrutiny and a veil of embarrassment.

"While disappointed at the situation in which this trade has occurred, we are extremely proud to welcome Tommy to The Hunt Club," said Wayne Hunt. "We look forward to a successful season and believe he will play an instrumental role in that. By the same token, I hope Kim is able to overcome this unfortunate misstep and can resurrect his career."

A few feet down the interview table, a visibly shaken Jackie King added, "From a competition standpoint I'm just as comfortable putting Chris and Kim on the course as I was Chris and Tommy. But, as a captain, a player, an event organizer and as a friend I'm equally shocked and disappointed that Kim put himself in this position. I hope we can regroup enough from the off course shenanigans to compete this week."

The anonymous source has told the TGAP that the substance Highfill has tested positive for amphetamines commonly known as speed. Highfill's agent, Jerry Maguire, vehemently denies his client has ever used amphetamines.

However, he released this statement today: "My client has never and will never use illegal or performance enhancing or other recreational drugs. He has a prescription for Adderall and we believe that trace amounts of this drug is what caused him to fail this test. Due to his recreational pursuit as a pilot, his doctor felt Kim, who has long suffered from attention deficit disorder, would benefit from Adderall. We will petition the TGA to get medically-approved usage of this drug removed from the banned substance list."

Adderall is commonly reported to increase alertness, libido, concentration and cognitive performance while decreasing fatigue. A source inside the TGA Tour said players use Adderall to "calm their nerves" and help "increase focus on their grueling matches" where a misread on a crucial putt or an ill-timed errant shot could cost him tens of dollars.

Information for this report was gathered using the TGA Golf Channel, the TGA Associated Press and staff reports and interviews.

Final two entrants in King Invitational revealed

In a joint news conference today, The King's Court and The Hunt Club announced that each club has filled their roster heading into the 2010 King Invitational.



Keeping with a philosophy of trying to retain the services of their existing free agents, The Hunt Club has retained their last remaining unsigned player, Wes Crump. Details of the contract were undisclosed but it is expected that Crump's deal is most likely a one year agreement with a club option for 2011.

Crump, who made his debut as the only rookie in the field at last year's K.I., returns to the same team that made him an eighth round pick in the 2009 King Invitational Draft. Crump has an up-and-down performance during his freshman campaign, losing both team events. However, he came through with a crucial 6-and-5 victory over Jay Whitt in match-play to earn an important point for The Hunt Club.

More importantly, Crump used his stint at the King Invitational to buoy him to the 2009 TGA Rookie of the Year Award. And now, Crump returns to the King Invitational with the hopes of showing his first full season on tour was no abomination.

For The King's Court, as has become customary for 2010, they have gone a non-traditional route in filling their final roster spot for this season by signing unrestricted free agent, Tony Fritts. Fritts, like Crump, was a rookie on the TGA Tour in 2009. He becomes the second free agent signee this season for The King's Court, although they traded Gene Glass, their first free agent, in a sign-and-trade deal with The Hunt Club.

Unlike Glass, Fritts appears to have a solid chance to make the opening day roster for The King's Court and will become the first rookie player to tee it up for captain, Jackie King in the Cup's history.

"Tony showed a lot of heart last year," King said. "He came into the TGA season as an unknown and had to fight for respect. His confidence has never wavered and his attitude - Man, his attitude is refreshing. He brings lots of class and poise to our team and I think he will surprise lots of people."

• This will mark Wes' second appearance at The King Invitational
• Role with The Hunt Club: The Treasure Hunter
• If Wes were Superman, his greatest power would be: He would be the Joker
• If Wes were Superman, his kryptonite would be: Tryptophan, the sleep-inducing amino acid found in holiday turkeys
• Did you know? Wes taught fellow Hunt Club player, Lane "Turtle" Moore how to play golf
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Wes: Sandy Lyle

• This will mark Tony's first appearance at The King Invitational
• Role with The King's Court: Foreign Ambassador
• If Tony were Superman, his greatest power would be: Ability to woo younger women
• If Tony were Superman, his kryptonite would be: Being a Sugar Daddy
• Did you know? Tony's favorite saying is, "I may be the oldest TGA member, but I have the youngest wife."
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Tony: Tommy Armour III

My Posse's on Broadway

Broadway re-signs with The King's Court

With Sir Mix-A-Lot's classic rap anthem, "My Posse's on Broadway" playing in the background, Jackie King strode to the podium at today's King Invitational press conference to announce the return of Dru "The Hammer" Broadway to The King's Court.

Broadway, a sixth round selection in the 2009 King Invitational draft, returns to the King's Court roster for 2010 with a bit of heroism behind him. After blowing a four hole lead in match play versus The Hunt Club's Turtle Moore, Broadway entered last year's final round with confidence that was shuttered - at best.

But, paired with his team's most experienced player (Ted Prestwood), Broadway was able to control his nerves and relax enough to put himself in position to save his team from certain defeat. Heading to the 17th tee in their final round match vs. Chris Morris and Philip Brookshire, the Prestwood-Broadway duo needed to win the hole to guarantee victory in their match and ensure a tie for The King's Court.

With Prestwood's calming influence guiding him, Broadway unloaded a 305-yard drive that landed green side at the 17th, ensuring a par and a 2-up win for his team.

The King's Court, who had trailed the majority of the weekend, was able to rejoice at the 18th green when it was announced that Broadway's drive had sealed the win for his squad.

"Last year when I chose Dru it was specifically that type of scenario that I had in mind," said King. "His incredible length off the tee and ability to come through when needed most is invaluable."

Off the course, Broadway enjoyed a successful 2009 as the TGA President and has continued to earn the respect of his fellow golfers. Once considered a quiet follower, Broadway has become a leader on tour and is expected to provide The King's Court with some much needed leadership during this season's event."

King went on to say, "with the changes we are having this season with The King's Court, I expect Dru to be someone that provides a relaxing atmosphere for our guys. He has blossomed into a true leader and I expect that to show in his play this year in Charleston."

• This will mark Dru's fourth appearance at The King Invitational
• Role with The King's Court: The Henchman
• If Dru were Superman, his greatest power would be: A swing that is faster than a speeding bullet
• If Dru were Superman, his kryptonite would be:Other people's flatulence
• Did you know? Dru will be getting married in May 2010
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Dru: David Duval
  
  
  

One Moore Time

Lane "Turtle" Moore returns to The Hunt Club

In 2008 Lane "Turtle" Moore was runner-up for the TGA Player of the Year Award. A new found training regimen had produced major results for Moore, both on and off the course. Then came a series of injuries that crippled any momentum that Moore had gained, causing 2009 to be as much of a disaster as 2008 was a success.

The troubles began late in 2008 when a back injury slowed his march toward the TGA Player of the Year Award and were made worse by a pre-King Invitational thumb injury that put in doubt his ability to even participate in last season's K.I.

But, after being selected in the fifth round of the 2009 draft, Moore performed well enough at the King event to win one match outright (a 2-up victory over Dru Broadway) and halve a two-man best ball match with his playing partner, Wayne Hunt against Jackie King and Dru Broadway

However, things would quickly go downhill with the start of the 2009 TGA season. Despite opening the season finishing next to last in each of the first two events, Moore went into the 2009 TGA Open as a favorite but stumbled to a 16th place finish. He followed that with a 17th place finish in June that left him dead last in the TGA standings following four events.

After the June event, it was revealed that Moore had been playing with a severe groin injury that landed him on the 30-day disabled list and eventually kept him out of the 2009 Sandhills Teen Challenge.

Upon his return from injury, Moore was never able to regain the form that had made him one of the hottest commodities on tour the previous season. To make matters worse, Moore, who was embroiled in a bitter scandal prior to last year's King Invitational that resulted in tampering charges being levied against The King's Court, had to endure trade rumors that would have seen him move to The King's Court for 2010.

"Lane had a tough year in 2009. There's no doubt about that and I think it was tough on his psyche," said Hunt who made the decision to bring Moore back into The Hunt Club for 2010 despite multiple trade offers from The King's Court.

Hunt went on to say, "Lane's game is predicated on routine. When the routine doesn't change and he finds his comfort zone, Lane is a very good player. When normalcy is effected like it was with all the injuries, he struggles. He worries about the mental aspect of the game so much that sometime he's his own worst enemy. But, he and I have talked and I'm expecting you'll see a major turn around for him this year, beginning at the King Invitational."

• This will mark Lane's fourth appearance at The King Invitational
• Role on The Hunt Club: Ninja Turtle
• If Lane were Superman, his greatest power would be: Bionic Tossing Back Beers Arm
• If Lane were Superman, his kryptonite would be: traffic jams
• Did you know? Lane is bowling for his third team in four years in The Paul Gammons Men's League
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Lane: Ryan Moore

Another trade sends shockwaves through King Invitational

Sign-and-trade deal sends newly acquired Glass to The Hunt Club for Dugan

Just four days after a major trade sent Chris Morris to The King's Court and saw Kim Highfill move to The Hunt Club, the two teams pulled off another trade that has shocked even the most informed golf media.

In what turned out to be a sign-and-trade deal involving free agent Gene "Hoghead" Glass, The King's Court has shipped their newest acquisition to The Hunt Club in exchange for Tom "Big Dog" Dugan.

Dugan, a fourth round selection in the 2009 King Invitational Draft, will re-join Morris as teammates for a second consecutive year, albeit this time as members of a different team. Like Morris, Dugan brings a wealth of experience over to The King's Court and should help provide a calming influence on a team in the midst of a drastic upheaval.

Perhaps more importantly, Dugan brings a history of success to The King's Court. In 2009, Dugan was a part of two wins (teaming with Randy Griffin on Friday and Chad Hedrick on Sunday) and a tie (in match play vs. his new team captain, Jackie King) which netted The Hunt Club a team-high 3-1/2 points for the weekend.

The Hunt Club has released the following statement about the latest deal:

"It was a big decision. A huge decision even - to trade Big Tom. Obviously he was a major part of our success last year. Any time you move a guy who lead your team in points the previous season, you better have a plan. And clearly our plan is two-fold. First of all, we want to get younger. Adding Kim and Gene for Chris and Tom fits within our comprehensive plan."

"Secondly, we want to position ourselves financially to take advantage of the 2011 free agent market. It's widely known that there will be no salary cap next year and rumors are that the field will be expanding. Chris and Tom both have contracts which become vested at the conclusion of the 2010 King Invitational so moving them next year would have been next to impossible. It's strictly business."

While The Hunt Club was talking about the future, The King's Court camp was relishing in the present, clearly trying to put themselves in the best position possible to bring home the 2010 King Invitational Cup.

"We didn't enjoy tying last year," captain Jackie King told reporters today. "We want to win and quite frankly some of our guys didn't know how to close out last year. When the pressure got thick and tensions were rising, we were getting flustered. Big Tom will not get flustered. That's huge for us."

Glass becomes the first player in King Invitational history to be traded before ever competing in an official event.

• This will mark Tom's seventh appearance at The King Invitational
• Role with The King's Court: The Watch Dog
• If Tom were Superman, his greatest power would be: Ability to absorb and manipulate water using super synthetic golf towels
• If Tom were Superman, his kryptonite would be: long, drawn out TGA meetings
• Did you know? Tom will join both his son (Tommy Dugan) and son-in-law (Chris Morris) on The King's Court
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Tom: Guy Boros

Free Agent Signee Added to King's Court roster

Mt. Airy's Gene "Hoghead" Glass added to The King's Court roster

With the loss of Ryan Mayo and Ted Prestwood, stalwarts from their 2009 squad, The King's Court was left scrambling in the off-season to find quality players to fill their 2010 roster.

Their first priority was to address the gaping hole at the top of their roster left by Prestwood's inopportune back surgery. When top free agents such as Pinehurst's Brooks Roberts and Scott Gantt of Clemmons proved to be salary-cap killers too costly to sign, Jackie King moved to the trade route to shore up the top of the rotation, acquiring Chris Morris in a January trade that sent Kim Highfill to The Hunt Club.

That trade allowed The King's Court to focus their sights on the mid-level exception and undrafted free agent markets. Wayne Hunt, the Chief Negotiator for Player Personnel, brought in nearly a dozen players for King to workout during a two-month long recruiting period. Reportedly, that list included Tim Hulin, the a two-time winner on the TGA Tour in 2009 and former K.I. player Bobby "The Bird Man" Hilton.

In the end King narrowed his search to two players, both of whom he was able to sign to one-year deals with club options for the 2011 season, the first season under the new collective bargaining agreement in which the King Invitational will not be strapped by a salary cap. The first free agent inked by The King's Court is Mt. Airy's Gene "Hoghead" Glass.

The forty-five year old Glass comes to the King's Court after a successful career with the White Pines Golf Association where he was crowned the club's Long Drive Champion in 2008. It was the grip it and rip it attitude that first attracted King to Glass, but concerns about his conditioning caused the King's Court captain to hesitate before making his initial offer.

However, Glass showed a renewed dedication to his physical fitness, enrolling in yoga and Zumba classes at the Surry County Women's Club and beginning a training regimen that would totally change his lifestyle. The result: Glass dropped over forty pounds in the off-season and reports that he's the leanest and most flexible he's been in fifteen years.

After being assured that Glass would show up at the 2010 King Invitational rested and healthy, King made an offer that was signed and accepted within 24 hours. King released the following statement today about the signing of Glass:

"Any time you bring in a new player to an environment as competitive and stressful as The King Invitational, you want to make sure that, first and foremost they are physically and mentally capable of handling the grind. Gene tested well with the Wonderlic test and he had an impressive workout at Surry Community College. I look forward to Gene becoming a member of The King's Court and I anticipate him being a great mid-level exception pick-up."

• This will mark Gene's first appearance at The King Invitational
• Role with the King's Court - now with The Hunt Club: Hoghead the Butcher
• If Gene were Superman, his greatest power would be: Ability to toss back shots faster than a speeding bullet
• If Gene were Superman, his kryptonite would be: Krispy Kreme doughnuts
• Did you know? Gene is the shop manager at Mt. Airy Collision Center
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Gene: Duffy Waldorf

Trading Places - King Invitational welcomes first ever player trade

Chris Morris dealt to The King's Court in exchange for Kim Highfill

The relationship between The King's Court and The Hunt Club can be described as tumultuous - at best. In 2009, The Hunt Club filed tampering charges against The King's Court for violation of the collective bargaining agreement in terms of making contact with players already under contract.

Then during the 2009 King Invitational Cup, The King's Court captain, Jackie King accused The Hunt Club of purposefully throwing matches in order to create more favorable matches at the top of the bracket during the final round of play.

Given the history that these two squads share, the golf world was shocked today to learn that The Hunt Club had agreed in principle to trade Chris Morris, their 2009 third round selection, to The King's Court in exchange for Kim Highfill, a fourth round selection in the 2009 King Invitational draft.

In addition to trading Highfill , The King's Court has also agreed to send cash considerations to The Hunt Club for the rights to acquire Morris who will join his brother-in-law, Tommy Dugan and Dwight Clark to form a solid threesome at the top of The King's Court.

In 2009, Morris began the King Invitational by teaming with Philip Brookshire to defeat the team of Ted Prestwood and Ryan Mayo. But, the weekend brought about a disheartening turn of events for Morris who was beaten by a score of 2-up by Dwight Clark in Match Play on Saturday.

What appeared to be a final nail in the coffin for Morris' relationship with The Hunt Club occurred on Sunday. After staking his team to an early lead against Ted Prestwood and Dru Broadway, Morris (who was again paired with Philip Brookshire) began to stumble on the back nine. Losing their lead, Morris could only watch as Ted Prestwood chipped in for par on the 16th hole to give his team a two-shot lead. A par on the next hole would seal the tie for The King's Court as they snatched the Cup away from The Hunt Club.

But, the lasting impression from that round was Ted Prestwood's Hawaiian-style Degeneration X crotch chop from the 18th fairway and Morris walking to the 18th green looking not only defeated but dejected.

"I knew right then," said Wayne Hunt, The Hunt Club captain, "that Morris would never be the same - at least not without a fresh start. I've seen him lose before. But, I had never seen that look of shame and disgrace that he had. I'm not sure if his psyche will ever recover. And I don't have time to see if it does. Brad Lidge rebounded from his post-season meltdowns with the Astros to become a World Series champ. Who knows? Maybe this will be the change Chris needs."

As for Highfill, he will make his first ever back-to-back appearance at The King Invitational and will be counted on to move from a four seed to a three seed with his new squad. Highfill comes in with 2009 results very similar to those of Morris. A first round winner last year, Highfill was handily defeated in Match Play and then routed alongside partner Jay Whitt during the final round.

Hunt said this about his new acquisition: "Kim and Chris both struggled last year. But, they were both asked to play the other squad's top player on Match Play day and were both asked to carry their two-man teams the final day. Kim was presented with near insurmountable odds to win with his partner (Jay Whitt) but the way he prepared for the match and the way he carried himself in defeat were defining moments for me. I feel confident Kim will thrive with The Hunt Club."

Rumors abound as to the nature of the talks that sent Morris to The King's Court and reportedly both squads turned down multi-player trades with these two players as the centerpiece of each deal. However, in the end, King offered up cash considerations (which will be disclosed at the conclusion of the 2010 player acquisition deadline) to ensure they would receive Morris, a player they reportedly coveted during the 2009 draft.

The King's Court's Jackie King added this about today's events: "I wish Kim the best of luck. His contributions were greatly appreciated and I'm sure he will be an asset to his new team. But, I had the opportunity to add a true number three player to my squad and I feel good about doing so. With Ted out of the picture this year, I needed some more veteran leadership and that's exactly what Chris brings to the table."

The trade is final, pending the results of physicals and drug tests which are being administered for the first time in 2010 under new TGA rules that also effect the King Invitational player pool.

• This will mark Chris' seventh appearance at The King Invitational
• Role with The King's Court: Secret Service
• If Chris were Superman, his greatest power would be: Ability to read lips from nearly 50 yards away
• If Chris were Superman, his kryptonite would be: head-to-head bouts with Ted Prestwood
• Did you know? Chris has a degree in Criminal Justice from UNC-Charlotte
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Chris: JB Holmes

• This will mark Kim's third appearance at The King Invitational
• Role with The Hunt Club: Armed Forces Commander
• If Kim were Superman, his greatest power would be: Super-Ego
• If Kim were Superman, his kryptonite would be: Weight Gain 5000 - once you start - you can't stop
• Did you know? Kim spent a week at Boundary Waters Wilderness Area last year trying to "find himself again"
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Kim: Greg Kraft

The Hunt Club retains Griffin for 2010

For second straight year King, NC native will be #2 seed for The Hunt Club

With an impressive showing at the 2009 King Invitational, Randy Griffin lived up to his nickname. "Big Money Biscuit" Griffin took top honors, winning $150.00 last year to leave the King Invitational as the money leader for the third time in his five appearances at the event.

Griffin was able to make his way to the top of the list by winning $84.00 by bagging two greenies and two skins during a Match Play loss to Ted Prestwood. Coupled with his $16.00 skin on the first day, Griffin entered the final day with $100.00 in winnings.

On Sunday he teamed up with The Hunt Club captain, Wayne Hunt to destroy the team of Kim Highfill and Jay Whitt and stake their squad to an early lead on the third and final day of the King Invitational Cup. Although neither squad was able to capture the outright title, Griffin's play on Sunday stood out for his team captain:

"Randy proved on Sunday last year what a resilient player he really is. He lost to Ted in Match Play - again. Yet, he played well enough to grab nearly $100 that day in winnings and I knew on the first tee on Sunday that he wouldn't allow us to lose," Hunt said.

"It's that type of quiet, unassuming leadership that he brings to this squad, making him so important to our team. Re-signing Randy was one of my biggest off-season goals. For a time, it looked as if he was contemplating retirement but I have spent countless hours over the last year talking to him about coming back. I was a little disappointed I couldn't get him to agree to a long-term deal but I'm happy he's back for at least one more year."

• This will mark Randy's sixth appearance at The King Invitational.
• Role in The Hunt Club: Big Game Hunter
• If Randy were Superman, his greatest power would be: a postcard perfect swing tempo
• If Randy were Superman, his kryptonite would be: Beer-induced comas
• Did you know? Randy is the only player in K.I. history to miss an entire round due to a hangover
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Randy: Boo Weekley

Despite trade rumors, Dugan remains a member of The King's Court

• Queen City resident assumes #2 role for his squad
  
  

Tommy Dugan, the reigning two-time TGA Tour Champion, is no stranger to the media limelight. After going wire-to-wire to capture the 2008 TGA Player of the Year Award, Dugan vaulted into the upper echelon of King Invitational players after being selected with the 6th overall pick of the 2009 K.I. draft.

To prove his mettle, all Dugan did was go out and win each of his matches, including a scintillating Match Play win on the second day of the King Invitational Cup, rallying from four holes down to defeat The Hunt Club captain, Wayne Hunt.

As an encore to his stellar February performance, Dugan rallied from an early season funk to capture his second straight TGA Tour Player of the Year Award, the first person to ever capture two tour titles.

So, as the current hottest commodity heading into the 2010 King Invitational, it's not surprising to hear Dugan's name mentioned as a possible trade target. The King's Court captain, Jackie King, confirms that he was approached in the off-season by The Hunt Club about trading Dugan.

"As I've said in the past, I'll do whatever I can to make my team stronger. But trading Tommy didn't meet those qualifications," King told reporters when asked about trade rumors involving Dugan.

As such, Dugan will return to The King's Court in 2010, this time as the #2 seed replacing his uncle, Ted Prestwood who will spend 2010 on the PUP (physically unable to play) list.

• This will mark Tommy's sixth appearance at The King Invitational
• Role on The King's Court: First Knight
• If Tommy were Superman, his greatest power would be: His driver on a good day
• If Tommy were Superman, his kryptonite would be: His driver on a bad day
• Did you know? Tommy hasn't lost a match at the King Invitational since 2007
• PGA golfer who most resembles Tommy: Dustin Johnson
  

Clark inks extension with The King's Court

Clark returns as #1 seed for second straight year

Jackie King released a statement to the media today advising that The King's Court has re-signed Dwight Clark to a one-year contract extension, a move that will ensure Clark's return to the same team he led to a share of the King Invitational Cup title in 2009.

Clark, a native of Walnut Cove, NC, was the 2nd overall pick in last year's King Invitational draft and the first player selected to represent The King's Court. Clark lost his opening round two-man best ball match with partner Jay Whitt in 2009, despite two skins and a greenie that netted him $48.00 and a lead for the overall money title.

A 2-up victory over Chris Morris in match play on Saturday produced two more skins for Clark and netted him a total of $100.00 after two days, leaving him poised for a big final round with partner and team captain, Jackie King. However, Clark's driver went awry and his iron play soured in a 5-and-3 loss to Chad Hedrick and Tom Dugan and The King's Court watched as the outright win slipped from their grasp.

Said King in today's press release: "I'm not worried about Dwight's Sunday meltdown. A lot of people have been comparing it to Delhomme's playoff game vs. the Cardinals (in 2008) and point to the fact that it was a precursor to worse things to come in 2009. But, I don't see it having an effect on Dwight. He's pretty thick-skinned. Hell, of his 130 pounds, he's 100 pounds of skin. No worries for this season."

King indicated that a strong showing in 2010 could lead to Clark's being named The King's Court's franchise player proceeding the 2011 event.

• This will mark Dwight's sixth appearance at The King Invitational
• Role on The King's Court: The Trumpeter
• If Dwight were Superman, his greatest power would be: Could be heard tooting his own horn from another galaxy
• If Dwight were Superman, his kryptonite would be: Junior Benfield
• Did you know? Dwight tied for the money lead at last season's King Invitational, winning $150.00
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Dwight: Paul Stankowski

Hedrick returns to lead The Hunt Club

Former #1 pick re-signs with original team



The Hunt Club announced today that they have retained the services of Chad Hedrick, the #1 overall pick in the 2009 King Invitational draft. Hedrick, the 2006 TGA Player of the Year, was reportedly a heavy target in the off-season for The King's Court but will return to his spot as the #1 seeded player for The Hunt Club during the 2010 King Invitational.

Under King Invitational rules, players are returned to their previous year's squad unless they are traded or released by their team's captain. In the instance of Hedrick, Hunt Club captain Wayne Hunt released a statement outlining his decision to retain last year's top draft choice.

"Chad had a rather inauspicious start last year, losing his first round match (with partner Wes Crump). But, he rebounded to dominate his opponent (Kim Highfill) in match play and he and Tom (Dugan) blistered their opponents (Dwight Clark & Jackie King) on the final day last year. That's the kind of performance I expected from him. Nothing rattles him. He can turn his back to a bad day better than any player I know. I know there have been rumors about re-doing the draft pool but when you have a player of Chad's quality on your squad, you do everything you can to ensure that doesn't happen."

Speaking of rumors, several unnamed sources have indicated that an off-season trade that would have sent Hedrick to The King's Court for Ted Prestwood never materialized because of issues with Prestwood's health.

Hunt had this to say about those rumors: "I can tell you that we never had Ted in for a physical in response to any trade, let alone one that would have resulted in me trading away my top player."

• This will mark Chad's seventh appearance at The King Invitational
• Role in The Hunt Club: Range Instructor
• If Chad were Superman, his greatest power would be: Ability to make putts over lunar craters
• If Chad were Superman, his kryptonite would be: a titanium driver
• Did you know? Chad is the all-time leader in skins and greenies on the TGA Tour
• PGA Golfer who most resembles Chad: Kevin Stadler

2010 King Invitational

The King Invitational, energized by a first-ever locale change, is fast approaching and organizers are excited about ushering in a new era. The 2010 version of the King Invitational heads deeper into the Palmetto State, venturing into historic Charleston, South Carolina where once again members of the Triad Golf Association will compete in one of the finest weekend golf events in the Carolinas.

This past week, founder Jackie King and Wayne Hunt, the Chief Negotiator for Player Personnel, finalized plans for the 2010 event and are excited to combine a challenging new format with a tried and true version to create what will be a whole new King Invitational experience.

Over the course of the next two weeks, we will reveal the participants and format of the 2010 King Invitational. The revelations begin tonight with the unveiling of the 2010 team captains and information regarding the latest versions of their team:

Jackie King - Lexington, NC
The founder and host of The King Invitational returns to lead The King's Court, hoping that the second version of his squad will be strong enough to capture the King Invitational Cup which ended in a tie last year. "Last year was disappointing in that we didn't win. But, we were consoled by the fact we didn't lose either. Even though we went into the final day tied, I still expected that we'd come out on top. I expected Dwight (Clark) and myself to have a better showing on Sunday last year and thought that'd put us on top. But, it didn't work out that way," King said during today's King Invitational press conference. King went on to mention the fact that the 2010 version of his squad will look a lot different than the one he debuted in 2009. "The King's Court will have a bold new look this year. But, I am making a promise that the changes that I've made are for the good."

Wayne Hunt - Lexington, NC
The King Invitational's Chief Negotiator for Player Personnel put together a solid squad in 2009 and, like his adversary, was disappointed in a tie. "I know a lot of people were OK with the fact that we tied. I wasn't one of those people. I was pissed. I hate losing. I hate tying just as bad. The 2010 Hunt Club looks different. There are some changes. Some people will be happy. Some people won't. If we don't win this year, we'll make more changes," said Hunt, addressing reporters at the K.I. press conference.

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The 2010 King Invitational features 14 players, two of whom have been introduced here tonight. Twelve other players will be revealed here at the internet home of The Triad Golf Association, leading up to February's King Invitational.

In years past, the King Invitational has focused on expansion. This year, with an economy that continues to struggle, organizers were faced with obstacles that many professional and amateur sports leagues are facing, including how to remain a viable option when recreational funds are dwindling for American families. While other leagues are cutting events and teams, the King Invitational decided that player attrition was merely the best way to handle financial burdens.

Four participants in the 2009 King Invitational will not return in 2010 and organizers decided to only fill two of the four open roster spots. Hunt, in his player personnel role, was able to sign two quality free agents who will be introduced at a later date. Here's a rundown of the players who won't return for 2010.

Ted Prestwood - After re-signing Prestwood to a second consecutive one-year deal this past fall, plans were for the 2010 King Invitational to be part of Walter's Retirement Tour 2010. However, a degenerative back injury, that will result in surgery later this month, has shelved Prestwood for this season. He was placed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list about two weeks ago and his return to the TGA Tour and the King Invitational is uncertain.

Philip Brookshire - Another late scratch from the 2010 event, Brookshire was placed on waivers last week after asking to be released from his K.I. contract to attend to undisclosed "personal matters." Since no other organization claimed him, he remains on the King Invitational roster and will be eligible to return in 2011.

Ryan Mayo - Attempts to re-sign Mayo for 2010 proved futile and the Charlottean will not return for a third appearance at the King Invitational. Organizers made contact with his agent and inquired about a contract extension but the agent advised Mayo had qualms about returning for 2010 due to a relationship that had grown "uncomfortable" with a fellow King Invitational attendee.

Jay Whitt - Following his decision to leave the course prior to the conclusion of the final round of the 2009 King Invitational, Whitt was given his unconditional release last February. King Invitational organizers acted forcefully and swiftly in imposing a lifetime ban for Whitt, sealing his fate as the second invitee to be given the so-called "King Invitational death penalty."