Our story.

Kiawah Island - The Ocean Course

You are cordially invited!

Thanks to our wonderful friends and family, the inaugural Jay Barton Invitational was a huge success. Not only did we raise a large sum of money for Not One More Alabama….we had a great time. So much fun, that we are doing it again…..but this time on the east coast at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island March 14-17, 2024.

The Ocean Course is ranked number 3 on Golf Digest’s best courses you can play…..Pebble Beach is number one. We decided it would be best to do the east coast so that most of our guests can drive to the Charleston SC area relatively easily.

There is a variety of accommodation options available at Kiawah Island. Their 5 Diamond resort hotel, The Sanctuary is truly spectacular. Every room has a view of the ocean and nothing is spared for your comfort. There are also 1 – 2 – 3 bedroom villas available for rent as well.

Of course, we will all play the famous Ocean Course, where the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship has been played. We will also play Osprey Point, recently renovated and in spectacular condition. There will be an opening cocktail reception with light appetizers. There will also be a closing cocktail party followed by a spectacular dinner and of course, the auction.

We sincerely hope you can join us on March 14-17, 2024 at this luxurious resort and once again help us raise money for a worthy cause. As Jim Nantz said, “Golf does this, it brings people together to do good things”. We look forward to hearing from you and confirming your reservation!

With appreciation and humble hearts,

Sally and Lee

Why was the first invitational at Pebble Beach?

In 1967, the Barton family moved to California. God blessed us when we moved next door to the Ferrari family. Bob and Helen Ferrari became our parents’ (Jerry and Pat) best friends. That friendship led to Pebble Beach when Bob initially took them to the Monterey Peninsula. They immediately fell in love with this area (which doesn’t seem hard to do!).

Bob’s introduction to Pebble Beach caused our dad to immediately vow to own a home there one day…

So, this beautiful meeting of land and sea has been important to us ever since. Dad took the older boys to see the Bing Crosby Invitational when we could barely swing a club. A wonderful journey that eventually led to having that dream house just off of the 13th hole sitting on the 17 Mile Drive.

Our parents were always well known for their hospitality and brought a little southern charm to Pebble Beach. Some of the staff at the Lodge, the Beach Club and in the pro shop still talk about Mom and Dad with a big smile on their faces. There are even some shop owners in Carmel we are able to visit and hug on our trips to the West Coast. We all became friends with RJ Harper and his right hand, Margo Daniels - a friendship we were able to recognize at the dinner during the first invitational.

All of the Barton boys and their families have enjoyed this special place over the years. That’s why this seemed like the perfect place to honor Jay. We are so thankful he had the chance to play here.

You know, we were able to host many of you at the weddings of our daughters, Sarah and Tricia, so we were using this event as the wedding Jay was never able to have.. boy did it surpass our expectations.

We appreciate everyone who was able to participate, even from afar. This event truly blew us away and we are grateful to be able to plan The Second Jay Barton Invitational for 2024 in South Carolina.