The Alpha-1 Foundation’s 13th Annual Bettina B. Irvine Golf Invitational returned to Greenwich on May 13th, bringing together supporters, advocates, and community leaders for a meaningful day of golf, philanthropy, and awareness in support of those affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), a rare genetic condition that can cause serious lung and liver disease.
Since its founding in 2014, the invitational has become a cherished tradition, inspired by the legacy of Alpha Bettina B. Irvine, whose passion for advocacy and commitment to the Alpha-1 community continue to shape the Foundation’s mission today. What began as a community driven fundraiser has grown into an annual gathering dedicated to advancing research, supporting patients and families, and increasing awareness of a disease that remains significantly underdiagnosed.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a hereditary condition that is often mistaken for more common respiratory or liver illnesses, leading to delayed diagnosis for many individuals. The Alpha-1 Foundation remains committed to changing that through education, advocacy, patient support, and groundbreaking research initiatives focused on earlier detection and future treatments.
A special thank you goes to Alpha-1 Foundation Board Member Ken Irvine and Billy Irvine, whose dedication and leadership in bringing this event together year after year continue to make a lasting impact. Their passion for honoring Bettina’s legacy and advancing the Foundation’s mission have helped make this tournament a meaningful tradition in the Greenwich community.
A1F was also grateful for the generous support of Citizens Bank and Linden Advisors, whose partnership helped make this year’s event possible and contributed to the day’s success. Also, thank you to the individual sponsors Auman Solutions, Ruth Cadwgan, The Irvine Family, Cassie Richardson MacDonald, and John Raben.
The Bettina B. Irvine Golf Invitational continues to play an important role in helping fuel this mission. Year after year, dedicated supporters from Greenwich, CT and beyond come together to make a tangible impact, proving that community-driven fundraising can make a real difference in the lives of Alpha-1 families.
This year’s tournament featured a spirited day on the course, with golfers competing while raising critical funds for A1F’s mission.
2026 Tournament Winners:
1st Place Gross: Alan Garry, Stephen Carrigg, Joe Marin, and Kevin Hover (64)
1st Place Net: David Moss, Jeff Manke, Dan Chiefallo, and Nick Paolini (55)
2nd Place Net: Anthony Callea, Eden Demar, Nick Marshall, and Thomas McKinneh (56)
Closest to the Pin (Men’s): Scott Engle (Hole #12, 2’7”)
Closest to the Pin (Ladies): Gillian Irvine (Hole #12, blind draw)
Longest Drive (Men’s): Stephen Carrigg (Hole #4)
Longest Drive (Ladies): Sheri Allison (Hole #4)
In addition to the competition, the event served as an opportunity to educate attendees about Alpha-1 and the urgent need for continued awareness and research investment.
For more than a decade, the Bettina B. Irvine Golf Invitational has reflected Bettina’s vision of bringing people together to inspire hope, advance progress, and support those affected by Alpha-1.
As the Alpha-1 Foundation looks toward the future, events like this remain essential in helping accelerate progress toward better treatments and ultimately, a cure.
The Alpha-1 Foundation extends sincere thanks to its Building Friends for a Cure sponsors AlphaNet, CSL, Grifols, and Takeda for their continued partnership and commitment to advancing the mission.
