2023 Tournament, August 25th - 27th
Old Edwards Club and GlenCove
Cashiers, NC
The 7th annual Al Invitational was held under clear skies August 26-27th, 2023. The weekend started off strong with a trip to the Whiteside Brewing Company and the second running of Friday Night Lights at GlenCove. The prelim to the putting competition also was completed with 5 competitors advancing to the finals. Day 1 of the Al had perfect, fast greens and hot temps for the competitors to master. With the first major format change in Al Invitational history, players were limited to 60% handicaps and a double bogey max score. Former Al Champion Andrew Williams started slow and was 3 over through 3, but rallied after that point to post the best score of the day at net +1. Perennial favorite Keith Guest also started slow, but leaned on multiple eagles to post Day 1 low gross of 70. New Al competitor Steven “Snakes” Arnall had the highlight of the day, with the second hole in one in Al history with a perfect 8 iron from 180 yards on the downhill 11th. Team Al jumped to a 1 point lead after the Fourball competition, but that was not to last through the day. Team Jason stormed back with a strong Foursomes showing at GlenCove, evening the Al Cup score to 6-6 after Day 1. Chairman Copeland added to the hole in one count, with an ace on the 108 yard second hole.
After the Champions dinner, the finals of the putting competition was held between Former Al Champion Arthur Williams IV, Wade Schueneman, Beau Terrell, Joe Heath and Keith Guest. Excellent performance but Mr. Williams and Mr. Terrell saw them go head-to-head for the championship, with Mr. Williams outlasting Mr. Terrell as the light was fading on the day.
Day 2 of the Al Cup looked in the balance when two Team Al members had to withdraw, forcing multiple Team Al players to play two matches. Heroic efforts from Ryan Hammock going opened up a lead, and inspired the rest of team Al to a dominant singles performance and claim the Al Cup with ease at final count of Team Al 15 ½ to Team Jason 8 ½.
Competing for the Red Jacket, the final group showed strong play from Keith Guest, Andrew Williams, and Field Asbury while Chairman Copeland quickly faded. Mr. Asbury played strong, posting a final round 73 (Net 72) with his steady draw working all day long to post a Net +10. Mr. Guest was not to be denied though, as he showed his strength with a dominant final round 67 to finish at Net +3 for the tournament and win his first Red Jacket.
