N.J. Families Enjoy Father-daughter Invitational In Ireland

Three local familities competed in its 10th annual World Invitational Father & Daughter Tournament, July 24-26, sponosred by Carr Golf, on County Kerry’s acclaimed Waterville Golf Links and three families from New Jersey were represented.

On hand in Ireland were Mike Sullivan and his daughter, Michelle Mandia, of Navesink Country Club, Charlie Deubel and his daughter, Kristen Deubel, of Montclair Golf Club, and Bill Frese and his daughter, Kaitlin Richie, of Montclair Golf Club.

The tournament, which will take place again in 2018, included three rounds of golf at Waterville, deluxe nightly accommodations, reception, full Irish breakfasts each morning, tournament photo, shuttle transportation throughout and a prize ceremony complemented by a BBQ dinner. This past July, Carr Golf hosted 32 teams hailing from the United States, Canada and Ireland at Waterville, widely known as one of the world’s finest seaside courses.

“The interest in this joyous tournament has been off the charts,” said Marty Carr, executive chairman of Carr Golf. “To see fathers and their daughters sharing their love of golf on one of the world’s finest links courses makes this event especially unique and compelling.”

Kristen and Charles Deubel finished second, two strokes shy of the winners, with a total of 95 points.

Added Carr: "It was great to have the New Jersey contingent with us. They certainly seemed to enjoy themselves and we hope they and their friends will join us again next year"

NJSGA vice president Bill Frese played with his daughter Kaitlin Richie, who lives in Pacific Palisades Calif., with her husband and three children.

"Kaitlin and I had an unforgettable few days being together and playing a beautiful golf course. We also had a great time being with old friends and meeting new ones at all of the post-golf festivities," Frese said.

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.

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.

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.

"We had as much fun off the course as on it," Mike Sullivan said.

Visit www.carrgolf.com/travel/ for more information.