Golf agent Rocky Hambric was "charged by his rivals --
specifically Gaylord Sports, the Players Group and Pros,
Inc. -- with 'undermining' the golf management business in
his recruiting of" 21-year-old Charles Howell, according to
GOLF WORLD BUSINESS (see THE DAILY, 7/11). Sources said
that Hambric "enticed" Howell to sign with his group,
Hambric Sports Management, "by offering an unprecedented
package" that included a $1M "annual guarantee, a piece of
[Hambric's] company" and a "job for his father that would
pay him" 10% of his son's endorsement income. Hambric
denied that he gave Howell "up-front money, but confirmed
the other two major components of the deal." Howell, on his
rivals' charges: "It's typical sour grapes. If you don't
get him, then you cry foul, and try to undermine the
person's abilities. It's normal." But GOLF WORLD BUSINESS
wrote, "What's not normal are the numbers being tossed at an
untested professional," as Ping has a $1M "signing bonus on
the table" for Howell, and Callaway is "looking to sign" him
to a club and ball deal that "could reach seven figures."
Meanwhile, Gaylord Sports "got a measure of revenge" this
past weekend when they signed another new pro, David Gossett
(GOLF WORLD BUSINESS, 7/24).
