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