The Carlton Woods Invitational has taken off in just three years, becoming more prominent each year among amateur golf tournaments in the United States.

The Carlton Woods Invitational has taken off in just three years, becoming more prominent each year among amateur golf tournaments in the United States. In 2006, three states were represented in the field. Last year, that figure grew to eight. At Last week's event at the Club at Carlton Woods, players representing 16 states were on the course.

The championship of the Carlton Woods Invitational was Jamie Held's for the taking. That was before he made triple bogey on the par-3 No. 17, opening the door for Andy Cooper and Robby McWilliams, who both birdied No. 18.

The championship of the Carlton Woods Invitational was Jamie Held's for the taking. That was before he made triple bogey on the par-3 No. 17, opening the door for Andy Cooper and Robby McWilliams, who both birdied No. 18.

An even-par round was what Robby McWilliams was shooting for because the Fazio Course at The Club of Carlton Woods yields few low scores. McWilliams reached his objective Wednesday, matching his opening-round 72 and taking a three-shot lead at 144 in the Mid-Amateur division of the third annual Carlton Woods Invitational.

Private courses in the Houston area range in age from an established course like BraeBurn Country Club to the Club at Carlton Woods, which opened the first of its two courses in The Woodlands in 2001. Some are in residential areas. For others, there's not a home within a John Daly tee shot.