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."