Page 3 - The National Invitational Championship V2

The National Invitational Championship

The National Invitational Championship was held in Kingsport, TN –

hosted by Dan and Marcia Estes. Dan and Marcia are known to be
generous hosts, and this year they outdid themselves. The 90 plus
players that frequented the course June 1 – 5 were treated to special
lunches, snacks, continuous access to water, and hospitality beyond

expectations. The Kingsport course, itself, is considered one of the
more challenging courses due to the original style holes that routinely
punish a player’s inaccuracy – but also reward a player for patience and
consistency. Local favorite and past National Champion, Sid Davis, was
rewarded for his consistency – but it sure took a lot of patience.

The National Invitational Championship was played on June 4 & 5.
Players started converging unto the course as early as Wednesday to try
to gain an advantage over the local favorites. The Kingsport local

players include one of the hottest players in the game (Sid Davis) and
another local who is one of
the few men to win 3
National Championships
(Alan Quinnelly).

Additionally, the Kingsport
venue has been the host of
several major and regional
tournaments in the past, so

most of the players were
familiar with the layout of
the course and the roll of
the carpets.

The morning of Day 1 of the National Invitational was wonderfully cool
with a slight breeze. The players had practiced for days perfecting their
shots to gain at least a one stroke advantage per round, of which would