Reigning OBI Champion, Brett Erwin has announced he’s leaving the O.B.I. for the controversial new Rival Tour, and will be participating in the Rivals Bandon dunes trip this summer.
In his first public comments since his controversial move to WIV Golf (work incentivized vacation for Golf), Brett Erwin outlined the main reasons why he is leaving behind the OBI – and why it involved more than just a reported 7 figure (in yen) subsidized golf trip.
Speaking to reporters outside a Boston Market, site of his family Dinner, Erwin signed with the rival Trip because he believes it is the “future of golf” and acknowledged that the limited schedule will buy him more husband points with his wife.
“I think this is the future of golf. I love how it is out here. It’s a little more laidback, less karaoke, less beer chugging, less drinking games, less blacking out. I love that stuff. I just can’t wait to be a part of this." - BE
Erwin's decision to join WIV Golf was a surprising one. The top ranked golfer at the OBI was first announced to leave the OBI less than four months after he announced that he was "fully committed to the Old Bros” What led Erwin to change his mind? The 40-year-old was adamant that he had chosen what is best for his family.
"At that time, I was committed to playing the OBI,” Erwin said of his initial statement. "I'm very thankful for the OBI and everything it's done for me. I did pretty well out there for the last year. But this is something that was best for me and my family. It's something exciting and something new."
When asked about the rival tour Erwin noted
“Also the rival golf league is really helping to grow the game, which I want to be part of.”
Reporters Grilled Erwin about the morality of the event, leaving a Bros Drinking Binge weekend … for “ a work event”
Tamanda Callionis asked “ Would you play in another outing if it was sponsored by say Hitler and Satan?”
After a glazed over look Erwin replied
“I dont have to answer that.” -BE
Unlike other players who have bolted for a rival golf outing, Erwin is exempt into the OBI for at least the next five years after his win in Southern Pines A few months ago, Erwin had the opportunity to be the first repeat champion at this years special Bandon OBI event, but his OBI ranking will soon take a hit with rival events not currently offering OBI ranking points.
Erwin also holds out hope that he will be a part of next year’s Natives Rado Cup team, even though OBI defector players are currently ineligible to compete at the storied team event. The Native team has been decimated by defections, with the likes of Hurd, Gaydosh, Crowder all either having moved or seemingly lost Commissioner Cruz’s phone number.
“I have spoken to Nick Ward, and Geno Tavella (longtime Native team stalwarts) and Dave Crowder has as well – we are still willing to compete in that. I hope we can,” Erwin said. “Nick has become a really good friend of mine over the last year, him being a founding team member out there. But I hope we can get to represent them and the state of Colorado with pride.”
Commissioner Cruz was asked about Erwin's defection.
“Anyone can go play a rival golf outing if the money looks right, thats their choice. We at the OBI stand on a proud long legacy of Bro-ing out, Overpaying for 30 racks of Busch light, and sneaking Rumplemintz on the course on Saturday afternoon. If you dont want to be a part of that you are welcome to move on.” -CC
When asked about what punishments will be give out, Commissioner Cruz replied “ Erwin has a champions exemption in the next 5 years which can only be revoked if someone super cool comes this year and replaces him and we run out of spots, lucky for him.. he’s a pretty cool cat.”
