Bomar Out; Balsley in for 2009

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Team 1998 Searching for a Tougher Pose

Team 1998 Turns to Todd Balsley While Bomar Serves Suspension

March 30, 2009
Faced with the desperate situation of replacing bombastic team member Stirling Bomar who inexplicably decided to risk banishment from the Phi Alpha Cup by skipping the 2009 event, Team 1998 turned to one of the most popular scab players on tour, Todd Balsley. The move, which seems based more on toughening the Team’s image rather than improving the overall skill level of the team, came after the decision by the PAC Executive Committee to offer Bomar a temporary suspension and fine rather than permanent expulsion from the Spring Classic.

“This is an attitude adjustment more than anything else,” commented Team 1998’s Captain David Johnson on the decision. “When you start to put things like family ahead of the Cup, then surely big changes need to be made. The Cup is bigger than one person.”

Johnson also seemed annoyed by the disturbing Internet photos of Bomar that surfaced this winter. (view photos)

“Obviously the publicity that occurred as a result of these photos getting out is not the sort of publicity you want. We’re just trying to move forward as a team as best we can and hope the reputation of the Phi Alpha Cup wasn’t damaged beyond repair. You never want offseason distractions, but I don’t think anyone could have imagined something as humuliating as this getting out there in the public domain. It’s embarrassing for everyone involved.”

Bomar holds the PAC records for the three worst Singles match defeats and longest Singles winless streak.

One exciting aspect of Balsley’s entry into the PAC fray is his long running rivalry with Team 1997 member Steve Burr. Back and forths in the press, on the course confrontations and wild accusations of inaccurate scorekeeping have riddled this exhibition series which Burr leads unofficially 13-12.

“I welcome Todd Balsley into the Phi Alpha Cup,” Burr said through a released statement. “Over the years I have enjoyed the competition we have provided the public, and I look forward to extending my series lead over him if he is fortunate enough to get matched against me in Sunday’s Singles Matches.”

Burr holds the PAC record for longest overall winless streak which extended from the Cup’s inception until 2007.

As for Balsley, the undecorated golfer seems eager to make his mark on PAC history.

“Team 1998 seemed to be looking to rid themselves of their soft, sensitive image,” Balsey said of his selection. “They wanted someone to bring the noise, as they say. And that is what I intend to do. I might also pack a duck hook and a banana slice.”

Todd Balsley at a Glance:

Residence: Atlanta, GA
Height: 5’11”
Weight: Fluctuating
Shoe Size: 14
Nickname(s): Cocky B; Tight Lies
Home Course: Wolf Creek Country Club and Driving Range; Reidsville, NC
Equipment: “Whatever’s in the Garage”