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
When first informed of the trade I was a little surprised.I had teamed with some good teammates the last couple years that I believe netted no losses.But Wayne explained the youth movement and my free agency forthcoming.I hold no grudges but will be looking to show the Kings Court I will be ready to contribute in any way Jackie needs me.We now have a family connection with over half of our teammates being related by blood or marriage.So our bond is already tight.
ReplyDeleteBig Tom that's a great attitude to have and just the sort of humility that will benefit The King's Court ... you know if you count Dwight as Ted's fantasy son-in-law, that makes 71% of your team related
ReplyDeleteSeems like a lot of desperation here by The King's Court. Sort of like grasping at straws. It will not matter in the end, The Hunt Club will prevail.
ReplyDeleteShut up Chad!
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