Father and Son Invitational set for Waterville

The 20th World Invitational Father & Son Golf Tournament will be held  from 12th to 16th August 2009 at Waterville Links.

The celebrity event, which is one of the most prestigious Father & Son golf events in the world, is fully subscribed and has already received 90 applications from nine countries, including India and China. 

The four day event, which has been featured internationally on the Golf Channel, Setanta Sports, TV3 and Continental Airlines, has attracted a number of famous sports and political personalities.  These include Hall of Fame recipients; Footballer Dan Marino and Ice Hockey player Bobby Orr;  World Snooker Champion Denis Taylor; Golf Architect Tom Fazio; Former Vice President of the US Dan Quayle; EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, as well as a number of the world’s top businessmen.

Following a visit to Asia in late 2008 by Marty Carr, CEO of the promoters Carr Golf Travel, it was announced that there will be an Asian Qualifying event held there this year. 

Carr said: “The details are being finalised with our partners Impact Golf Management in Hong Kong, and we are also working closely with Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and some of the other Irish brands in China, which geographically, is a key focus. The Asian event will be managed and promoted by the Carr Group and Impact Golf Management and will be held in April or May 2009 with the winners participating in the Waterville event in 2009. We are expecting to host a US Qualifier in Late 2009 for the 2010 Event."

The Carr Group have also indicated that they are close to finalising a deal with a Luxury Brand sponsor.   

“The reach and the quality of the 700 International teams that have played in this event over the years is impressive and very attractive to a sponsor. This sponsorship will enable us to lift the quality of the event to even higher levels and expand the international reach, especially in Asia," Carr added. 

The 2nd Annual World Invitational Father & Daughter Golf Tournament will be held again at the Doonbeg Golf Resort in Co. Clare from 26th to 29th July, 2009. The 2008  event was won by Jim and Katie Layden from Bel Air Golf Club in Los Angeles. The 2009 edition will include two tournament rounds at the magnificent Greg Norman Links and one round at the famous Ballybunion Golf Club Links along with functions and entertainment. Many activities for families and non golfers are also arranged.  The 2008 Father & Daughter Event attracted 30 teams primarily from US and Ireland. US teams occupied the first eight places in the standings. The field is expected to reach 50 teams in 2009.