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.

Also playing are Patrick Guilbaud and his son, Charles and Paschal Taggart and his son, Shane.

Last year’s winners, Aidan and Sam Browne, are back from the US to defend the title.

Entry fees for the Carr Golf-organised tournament start at €1,815 and rise to €3,000 depending on the luxury levels of accommodation booked.

The superb Waterville golf links, rated among the top 20 in the world, is, perhaps, the main attraction.

Since the tournament began, Waterville has become a huge favourite with all those taking part,” tournament director, Marty Carr said: “We’ve had approaches from some of the top links in the UK who would love to have it, but have turned them all down”.

Local hotels are busy catering for their VIP guests and the lively social scene is in keeping with the style to which the participants are accustomed.

A fireworks display illuminated the skies over Waterville last night and there are barbeques, lunches and dinners before a prize-giving dinner.

“It’s a fantastic tournament from a social point of view in that it gives fathers and sons time to compete together and to meet up with old and new friends.”