The stakes continue to rise for the 20th Invitational Shootout as two former champions and bitter rivals today announced a most unlikely partnership. Two-time Shootout Champion Ray Shinkle and 2006 Shoootout Champion have announced their intentions to compete as a team on June 1st in the 2013 Invitational Shootout.
Said Howley, “Following numerous inquiries from interested golfers looking to be my partner, I am proud to announce that I wish to give Mr. Ray “the Predator” Shinkle another legitimate opportunity at a Shootout Title. While Ray and myself have been fierce rivals for years, we both understand what it takes to be a Shootout Champion. Mark January, 15, 2013 on your calendars as the day that Team Howley/Shinkle sent shockwaves across the Midwest as the new team to beat in the Shootout.”
These two former Champions will bring considerable firepower to Water’s Edge as teammates this year. As individuals, they’ve won three Shootout titles with three different partners. Despite their incredibly high expectations, some have criticized this unlikely pairing and minimized their chances at success.
“I respect the heck out of these guys as individuals” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “But I really question their ability to play as a team. These two guys are used to having their own way, so what happens when they have to make sacrifices on the course? I just don’t think it will work.”
“It’s laughable to think these two guys will even crack the top five this year at the biggest Shootout ever” said 2009 Champion Dave Neill. “What have either of these guys done since 2006? They forget what The Hammer and I did in 2009. The game has changed and so has The Shootout.”