Rich and famous flock to town for golf competition

HELICOPTER traffic is busier than usual around Waterville these days, with the rich and famous arriving for a unique golfing event.

Almost half of the 85 teams taking part in the 17th annual World Invitational Father and Son Tournament are from overseas, including famous course designer Tom Fazio and son, Logan. So prestigious has the three-day competition become that 27 teams failed to get in this year and there’s a waiting list of 30.

On the 6.30am tee yesterday were JP McManus and his son, John, and Dermot Desmond, with his son, Ross. They played early so they could later attend the funeral of Heather Clarke - golfer Darren Clarke’s wife, Co Antrim.