July 28, 2017
Fathers and their daughters journeyed from around the globe to Southwest Ireland to compete in the 10th annual “World Invitational Father & Daughter Golf Tournament” this week. The prestigious event was hosted at County Kerry’s Waterville Golf Links for the third consecutive year. Once again, it was a resounding success!
The Waterville Mascot was seen taking in the action
In addition to playing one of the world’s finest links-style courses, participants also enjoyed traditional Irish food and local music. Nightly dinners and entertainment provided fun opportunities for golfers to form friendships to last a lifetime.
Participants began to arrive on Sunday, just in time to watch Jordan Spieth’s exhilarating win at The Open. They gathered in the newly renovated Waterville Clubhouse to mix and mingle. Practice rounds at Waterville Golf Links commenced on Monday in perfect weather. Check out our Perfect Pairing on Waterville Golf Links to learn more about this brilliant course.
Special mention to Wendy Foster and Michael Bowe – of Bellport Country Club and Tramore Golf Club, respectively – who carded a 65 to best the practice round field.
Following the practice round, participants congregated at the Waterville House – an iconic 18th century Georgian Manor – to pose for the traditional group photo on the bridge and enjoy a beverage reception. The night wrapped up at the Butler Arms Hotel with great entertainment including traditional Irish music.
Tuesday began with lovely weather, but the occasional shower forced the field to break out their raingear. Despite having to battle the elements (What do you expect from links golf?), the participants scored well. Michael and Stephanie Dolik, representing Oakland Hills Country Club, recorded 49 points to earn a spot atop the leaderboard. Competition was fierce as Annie and Jim Layden of Bel Air Country Club sat just one point behind Team Dolik at the end of the round.
Jim Layden – a two-time winner in 2008 and 2016 – aimed to become the first Father & Daughter participant to win the event three times and, perhaps more impressively, to win with three different playing partners.
Michael and Stephanie Sullivan of Garden City Golf Club led the Gross category, with Steven and Kaitlyn Lee of Westchester Country Club just two shots behind. Dooley’s restaurant then hosted the players for a night of delicious food and dazzling entertainment.
Our best dressed winners were Team Haines with matching Father & Daughter outfits all week.
While all participants had their eyes on the title, prizes weren’t just limited to on-course play. Congratulations to Carly and Jared Haines of Wykagyl Country Club, who won the award for “Best Dressed,” and Klea Armstrong of Kingsbury National Golf Club, who won “Best Social Media Post.”
Klea Armstrong (left) is seen collecting her winners prize for best social media post. If you’re not doing so already, follow her @klea1213.
Wednesday was picture-perfect for the final round. With numerous teams still in contention, the day was highlighted by competitive, exciting links golf. Clare and Larry Foley, from the Country Club of Fairfield (CT), added 50 points to their 47 from the first round to finish with an impressive 97 points, good enough to capture the title. Congratulations, Team Foley!
Net category winners: Team Foley collect their trophy from the Laydens
“Clare and I had a wonderful time this week,” said Larry. “We’re thrilled to take home the trophy as the field was quite strong, but more importantly we appreciated the opportunity to play on a team together.”
Kristen and Charles Deubel of Montclair Golf Club finished second, two strokes shy of the winners, with a total of 95 points. Team Layden took third as Jim continued his streak of impressive finishes in the Father & Daughter. Team Sullivan maintained their lead to win the Gross category with Team Lee finishing second.
Gross category winners: Team Sullivan collecting their award from Jim Layden.
“Thank you to Carr Golf for hosting such a phenomenal event,” said Michael Sullivan. “We had as much fun off the course as on it!”
The event joyously concluded with drinks, dinner and an awards ceremony at The Sea Lodge Hotel.
“It’s hard to believe we’ve already been hosting the Father & Daughter for 10 years,” says Marty Carr, Executive Chairman. “This event has quickly become one of our favorites as the competition and camaraderie is unsurpassed.”
Registration for next year’s event is already open. For more information, or to register, click here.