2011 King Invitational Draft List

After months of speculation and complicated free agent negotiations, the King Invitational has released the draft-eligible player participation list for the 2011 season. So without further adieu, the TGA editorial staff has released the names of the draft-eligible players with preliminary pre-draft evaluations for each player. Over the next several days, draft results will also be reported at this site.

The Senior Class

1. Tony Fritts - Lexington

Consistent, all-around player. Had his coming out party at the 2010 King Invitational and is expected to be a contender for 2011 K.I. Player of the Year award.

2. Wes Crump - Lexington

TGA career has been marked by inconsistency. Up-and-down play makes him a risk-reward type player. Could be steal of the draft or Ryan Leaf-type bust.

3. Ted Prestwood - Thomasville

Grizzled veteran returns after one-year hiatus. Known for his accuracy and clutch putting, career has been hampered by recurring back problems. Draft experts feel he has at least 1 more MVP performance left.

4. Earl Welborn - High Point

King Invitational rookie comes into 2011 amidst lots of fanfare as one of the most heralded newcomers to make the trek to Myrtle Beach in some time. His presence could swing the tide for the team he ends up on.

5. Van Albert - High Point

Has become an internet sensation - the golf version of MMA's Kimbo Slice. Internet clips of his links prowess have been questions by so-called golf experts. The 2011 K.I. will make or break the legend.

6. Tom Dugan - Horneytown

Making transition to senior class should be huge benefit for a player long recognized for accurate tee shots but whose lack of power has made his game suspect at longer venues.

Moving Up the Big Board

1. Brooks Roberts - Greensboro

Had a remarkable late-season run on the TGA Tour after a four-year hiatus from competitive golf. A four-tool player who will bring power, accuracy, solid iron play and an impeccable short game to his new squad. Worldwide playing experience should trump career-long putting woes.

2. Dwight Clark - Winston-Salem

The inaugural TGA Player of the Year comes into the '11 King Invitational as the reigning POY as well after a dominating 2010 TGA season. Handicap has moved into single digits, evidence of an improved all-around game.

Blue Chip Prospects

1. Chad Hedrick - Thomasville

A perennial top three pick. Has struggled off the tee in years past but a solid short game and a well-earned reputation as the TGA Tour's best putter, puts him near the top of every mock draft.

2. Randy Griffin - King

Accurate off the tee with solid iron play and an above average short game. Streaky putter. Tempermental golfer whose off-the-course, extracurricular activities sometimes hamper his effectiveness.

3. Tommy Dugan - Charlotte

Two-time TGA Player of the Year has been a King Invitational MVP in the past. Brings a long ball aspect and much needed youth to his potential team. Has vastly improved since his first King Invitational but still fights the occasional mental lapse, on course.

4. Chris Morris - Thomasville

Cagy veteran who brings steely demeanor and deceptive power to K.I. In certain situations is talkative and demonstrative; qualities that often rattle less confident opponents.

Late Round Sleepers

1. Jay Whitt - Thomasville

Classic seasonal golfer. Plays once every other season. Returns for fourth K.I. trip. Lack of commitment to practice prevents him from being a higher pick. Has occasional power off the tee. Questionable golf etiquette also hampers draft status. Intangibles: wittiness has positive, calming effect on teammates.

2. Ryan Mayo - Charlotte

Raw power off the tee. Another player whose lack of play contributes to inconsistency. Has performed well in team-type King Invitational events. Coupled with right partner, could be strong addition to his team.

3. Gene Glass - Mount Airy

Returns for his sophomore King Invitational season. Was up-and-down performer in rookie campaign. Raw power hampered by inconsistency and iron play struggles. Decent short game allowed him to hang around and win his flight last season. If rookie jitters subside, also has potential to be big late round pick up.

4. Kim Highfill - Myrtle Beach

Local knowledge is always a plus factor for Palmetto State transplant. Has good length off the tee and good iron game. Short game is suspect and putting streaky. Quantity of play usually dictates his quality of play. If game is rounding into form, could move into Blue Chip Prospects category.

Captain's Corner

Broadway's Brigade

Captain - Dru Broadway - Lexington

Two-term TGA President brings indomitable leadership skills to his first King Invitational captaincy. Long ball capability makes him consistently popular teammate. All-around game has improved over the years but inconsistency continues to curb his potential.

Co-Captain - Jackie King - Lexington

King Invitational founder and long-time captain provides Broadway's Bombers with another dependable leader. Has history of strong play in team events although Match Play record is less than stellar. Is a skillful iron player with vastly improved short game and decent putting. Tee shots continue to be detriment.

Turtle's Troop

Captain - Lane Moore - Lexington

As a former TGA GoLo President has demonstrated command ability in the past. Micromanages tasks and expects players to follow a certain order. The last two seasons have been marked by on-course struggles but has a history of big wins and strong play in major events.

Co-Captain - Wayne Hunt - Thomasville

Has captained multiple King Invitational teams and as a co-founder and former TGA President adds leadership depth to Turtle's Troop. Always known as a long hitter has struggled off the tee since a rage-induced equipment change shelved his trusty driver at the 2009 King Invitational. Showed improved iron play during 2010 TGA season but once again struggled with short game.