R.E. Sutton Myrtle Beach Golf Invitational Championship
In 1991, Billy Williams, Clarence Hamlett, Bobby Sutton, and I began playing golf regularly in Durham, North Carolina. Occasionally, other friends from the Fayetteville, NC area would join us. They included Willie Cooper, Calvin Blanton, Bobby Wynn, and William Neal. Having never played together, I invited both groups to a friendly competition to decide which city would have bragging rights. I also saw an opportunity for successful businessmen to network while enjoying new friendships and interest in golf. Later that year, we decided to meet in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for three days of golf.
For the next two years, we continued to go to the Myrtle Beach area, competing in a format that gave all handicappers a fair chance for bragging rights. Each year, friends of friends joined us. Someone suggested that we play for a trophy, prizes and create a name for the event. Thus, the annual competition became known as The R.E. Sutton Myrtle Beach Golf Invitational Championship. In May 2005, we celebrated our 13th annual event.
During the event’s short history, news of the great competition, outstanding golf courses played, and fellowship spread by word of mouth. The annual event has grown from the original nine to over 86 players participating in 2008. There is no advertising, however in 2000 a reporter from the Charlotte News and Observer contacted me about writing an article on the history of the tournament and the experiences of the players.
The R.E. Sutton Myrtle Beach Golf Invitational Championship is by invitation only, and is limited to amateurs and weekend golfers in order to keep it a fair tournament. I will approve all new players, invited only by previous competitors, after undergoing a screening process and handicap verification. Handicaps range from 4 to 38.
Due to the increasing interest and enthusiasm by participants, a club, and a website has been developed. The playing field has also expanded to several states. It is my hope to foster open communication between all players, and continue the friendships and interest in golf created by the Myrtle Beach Championship.