The Robert M. Clinger III Invitational was established with a simple but deliberate goal: to create a competitive event worthy of both the setting and the players who gather here each year. From its beginning, it was intended to be challenging, thoughtful, and rooted in respect—for the game, for one another, and for the traditions that endure when they are carefully preserved.

The Invitational has remained intentionally small and personal. While the field of players has evolved, the principles that define the event—integrity, camaraderie, perseverance, and respect for the game—have remained unchanged. The 20th Annual Robert M. Clinger III Invitational marks not only a celebration of what has come before, but a renewed commitment to carrying this tradition forward.

That commitment finds its natural home at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club. Long regarded as a steward of the game’s enduring values, The Dunes Golf & Beach Club offers a setting where golf is played as it was intended—thoughtfully, respectfully, and steeped in tradition. Its history reflects a broader dedication to preservation, excellence, and continuity. These values align seamlessly with the spirit of The Invitational and are central to why this tournament has found a permanent place here.

The Dunes Golf & Beach Club’s dedication to maintaining both its course and its culture ensures that tradition is not merely remembered but actively lived. Year after year, players are tested not only by the demands of the course but by conditions that have become part of The Invitational’s character. These elements are not incidental; they are part of what has shaped the event’s identity and the shared experience of those who have chosen to compete.

Equally essential are the professionals of The Dunes Golf & Beach Club whose dedication, preparation, and quiet excellence make this event possible year after year. Their stewardship—often unseen, always indispensable—ensures that the standards of The Dunes Golf & Beach Club and the character of The Invitational are upheld in every detail.

As we celebrate this milestone year, we do so with gratitude—for the freedoms we enjoy, for the traditions that bring us together, and for the staff and membership of The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, whose care and commitment ensure that what was built with purpose continues to endure with meaning.