The Carlton Woods Invitational was established to create a tournament based upon tradition that is rich in quality and detail. We continue to build upon the history, traditions, and philosophy behind the Invitational.
The inaugural Invitational was held in 2006. The Club remains committed to developing the Invitational into one of the most-prestigious events in amateur golf. We expect to give our players a pure, traditional golf experience while paying attention to the smallest of details. The Invitational has attracted an elite national amateur field and represents one of the finest events in the U.S. The format is a three day stroke play competition for Mid-Amateur and Senior-Amateur golfers.
In the first three years, the Invitational was held on our Nicklaus Signature and Tom Fazio golf courses; both of which receive meticulous care and attention. Given the difficulty of the playing conditions, the Tournament Committee decided to hold the tournament on the same course for all three rounds, beginning in 2008. The Invitational was selected as one of Golfweek’s national designated tournaments and at that time, the practice of flying the state flags of each contestant was adopted.
An official tournament logo and winners’ trophies were designed to incorporate an American bald eagle, reminiscent of our national bird and the eagle pair who have made their home in the massive treetop nest on the 4th teebox of our Nicklaus Signature course. The “Eagle Trophy” represents the strength, pride, and tradition we are building into this tournament.
The Club at Carlton Woods has quickly established itself as a preeminent championship venue and has enjoyed hosting USGA events from qualifiers to a national championship. The Club has hosted USGA Open and Mid-Amateur Qualifying, the 2004 Texas State Amateur, the 2007 USGA State Team Championship, the 2008-present AJGA Boys Championship, the 2010 U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier, the 2011 Texas State Mid-Amateur, the 2013 Southern Amateur, and the 2014 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. Both the Nicklaus and Fazio courses have garnered a long list of state and national awards, and we hope players will enjoy the challenge and charm of our events.