April 27, 2009

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — The Carl Spackler Open Championship is a 54-hole amateur golf tournament with an annual field of players reaching 84 in its 9th year. One of its household names is Trent Cooper of Virginia Beach. What was thought as impossible is no longer. Trent has agreed on a 5-year deal with Nike, Inc.

The Captains Club made the announcement on Sunday before closing their office doors for the day. "The rumors are true. Cooper has signed an apparel and equipment contract with Nike," said Jason Watson of Houston, TX. "Its a no-brainer that the world's greatest figure would move towards a successful marketing relationship. The international company will supply Cooper with hat, shirt, and slacks along with balls, gloves, towels, golf bag, and clubs."

Nike Golf does not disclose terms of their athlete deals, but the Captains Club guesses that the company signed Cooper for at least 5 years at $40,000 ($8,000 per year). "If they really wanted to lock him up for the long term, maybe they signed him to a 10-year, $80,000 deal," says Watson. "That would definitely make sense as Cooper, if healthy, will be playing golf and drawing huge crowds for at least 10 more years."

Cooper has been seen practicing diligently for his 5th straight championship. The senior member will play in his first Virginia based major this June. He comes into the event as the current Webb Award holder and lots of pressure to perform in his home state.

"He makes me want to wear Nike," exclaimed Mike Davis of Warren, PA. "There isn't a much better investment on the athlete endorser market than him. You have to wonder if Coop will make salmon his signature color and wear salmon during his final rounds."

Trent was caught practicing for hours on Monday at Kempsville Greens inside the Virginia Beach city limits. He dawned a puke green neatly pressed Nike shirt with white cap to match. The swing looked smooth and confidence never looked better.

Cooper was asked to comment on his new Nike deal. "I have no comment on my private business relationships," said Cooper. "Lets, instead, talk about my wonderful game."

Another out-of-state reporter asked, "Mr. Cooper: It is amazing how much you resemble Steven Ames. Do you know Steven?"

Cooper replied, "Of course I know of Ames, but do not know him personally. I think he lives up in Alberta, Canada."

The reporter replies, "You could be mistaken for his cousin or maybe even his brother." Cooper says, "You are crazy. Steven would never be able to wear salmon with so much flair. I mean, look at me. I'm gorgeous."

[Cooper drops his camel cigarette and hops up to the 15th tee box.]

He drives his ball down the fairway, hits the green in regulation, and two putts for par.

"The game is easy," says Cooper as he exits the 15th green. "I am getting myself a jacket in 7 weeks."

Trent Cooper, a.k.a. Steven, will arrive for the annual practice round at Poplar Grove Golf Club on June 10. The Welcome Party begins at 8:30PM at Big Lick Tropical Bar in Lynchburg, VA. Steven will be signing autographs in a booth in the back with live music outside on the deck.