ROCKY HAMBRIC is leaving Cornerstone Sports, the
management firm he founded 18 years ago, "because of
conflicts with the company that bought the agency last
year," according to Charles Ornstein of the DALLAS MORNING
NEWS. Hambric managed such athletes as golfers PHIL
MICKELSON, LARRY NELSON and COREY PAVIN, and in '98, he sold
the company to Gaylord Entertainment Co. but remained
Cornerstone's president. With Gaylord, Hambric hoped to
develop exclusive golf outings and other promotions that
could be sold to major U.S. corporations, but he said
Gaylord "did not move forward with the concept." Hambric:
"I just felt like I had to be able to control my own destiny
again, and I know I can make it happen myself." Gaylord
said in a statement that the company was sorry to see
Hambric leave. Hambric said he will retain management
contracts with four of the 30 golfers represented by
Cornerstone: Nelson, Pavin, BOB TWAY and rookie BRIAN WATTS.
He said he also has the option to "pursue" four other
players, including Cornerstone client HANK KUEHNE.
Cornerstone also retains Mickelson, MARK BROOKS, PAUL
STANKOWSKI and HARRISON FRAZAR (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/11).
