World Invitational Father & Daughter Invites N.J. Families

New Jersey golf families should note the Eighth World Invitational Father & Daughter Tournament which this July takes place at world famous Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland, a course redesigned by Tom Fazio.

The Father & Daughter Tournament is the brainchild of Marty Carr of Carr Golf Travel. Carr is the son of Joe Carr, “the Bobby Jones of European golf,”who won three British Amateurs, 40 tournaments, and was the first Irish player in the World Golf Hall of Fame as well as the first Irish president of the R&A in 270 years.

Some 26 years ago, Marty Carr put together the first World Invitational Father & Son Tournament. It is a sellout year after year.

Now, the World Invitational Father-Daughter (July 23-26, 2015) continues to thrive, but New Jersey families have an opportunity to take part in the event. Last year, 24 families from five different countries took part with an Italian Father & Daughter winning the championship.

But the tournament is much more than golf. It includes three nights stay at Butler Arms Hotel, full Irish breakfast each morning, a reception, barbecue, awards and prizes dinner, sing-alongs, pub nights and wonderful bonding experiences for families.

“The fun is unbelievable. People need to see it and experience it,” Carr stated. “It’s a labor of love. We really don’t make money out of it. And part of the money goes towards the Focus Ireland charity for the homeless.”

Jim Layden, a long-time member of Rock Spring Club, has taken all three of his daughters to the event and will be participating for the eighth consecutive year. Layden’s daughters are Katie, 27, Mary, 24,, and Annie, 19.

“I’m sold on it. Marty Carr has become a close personal friend. I know Marty from when I played in the Father & Son with my dad in the early 1990s,” Layden said. “For me, the Father & Daughter is the highlight of my year.

“I had always had a hard time getting my daughters on the golf course, I tried to bribe them. But once I told them they could join me for a golf tournament in Ireland, everything changed,” Layden added.

“When we started going to this tournament, it was more about spending time with one of my daughters. It’s a unique opportunity for girls to see their fathers in his natural environment. They get a huge kick out of it. It’s a magical thing.

“This golf tournament is so unique. You don’t have to force it on them. It’s really a special thing, so special that my oldest daughter pays her own way because she wants to be there,” Layden recalled.

Layden enjoys it so much, he tells of his experiences in the event on a blog. READ JIM LAYDEN'S BLOG

Another Rock Spring member, Charlie Deubel, has participated as has Tim Baxter, a Bergen County resident, with their daughters.

Ages of daughters ranges from teenagers to those in their 30s and 40s. A lucky winner of a qualifying event at Annika Sorenstam’s Academy in Lake Nona, Fla., will win a free trip to the Father & Daughter this year.

The historic Waterville House & Golf Links overlooks the Atlantic from its location along the Ring of Kerry. The 40-acre estate includes the 18th-century manor house and a renowned championship links course that has been host.

Golf on the club's sand dune-covered landscape dates back to 1889. Gorse and native grasses blanket the golf course, coming into play along the firm fairways. Treacherous sod-faced bunkers are strategically placed throughout the course and present major challenges.

Waterville is known for being a fishing destination. The waters off of its coast are home to Ireland's most famous sea trout and salmon fishery.

Joe Carr’s induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame was exemplified by the presence of a true American icon, Jack Nicklaus, giving the introductory address. The Bear spoke for seven minutes about a man he described as a great friend and one of the greatest amateur champions the game has seen.

Marty’s brothers, John and Roddy, played in the Walker Cup, making the Carrs – along with father Joe – the first family with three Walker Cup members.

Further information and registration is available on the website HERE.