Facing historically challenging conditions, the rookie team of Arthur Bidwill and Tyler Troha outlasted 2016 Champions Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle as well as the veteran team of Bill Przybylski and Mark Laudadio to win the 2024 Invitational Shootout. Bidwill/Troha shot 71 (-1) for a single shot victory at George W Dunne National Golf Course in south suburban Oak Forest.

With a 142 slope, George W Dunne National is widely recognized as one of the most difficult golf courses in the Chicagoland area. The assignment at the 2024 Shootout became even more demanding with blustery conditions that featured wind gusts up to 40 mph as well two raucous broods of cicadas that emerged simultaneously for the first time in 221 years.

The winning score of one under par was the highest score to par for a winning team since the 2002 event at Maple Meadows Country Club won by Jeff Fernstrom and Ray Shinkle. This was also the first time in Shootout history that only one team finished under par, underscoring the severity of the task.

“I have a healthy respect and admiration for all of God’s creatures” said Tyler Troha. “But cicadas are my least favorite insect. In fact, I can’t stand them. However, I knew I had to block out their distraction between the ropes if we wanted to win.”

“Tyler doesn’t like bugs” said Arthur Bidwill. “Everyone who knows Tyler is aware of that. I suggested we use David Goggins’ advice from his a New York Times Best Selling book Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds. So instead of looking at the cicadas as a hinderance, we made a conscious decision to embrace their energy and use it to our benefit. I’m thrilled that it worked and we are Invitational Shootout Champions.”

“Make no mistake, the tournament this year was a gut check. More than anything, this event has a tendency to chew up rookies and spit them out” said Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Mick McDonnell. “You can play other local or regional events, but it’s not the same. We’re talking Ryder Cup intensity that often shuts down the limbic system, which is a group of interconnected brain structures that help regulate your emotions and behavior. I’ve seen guys wilt under Shootout pressure like nowhere else. If you can survive – good for you. If you’re a rookie and you’re able to win The Shootout, that’s generational talent and resilience.”

In addition to his tournament victory, Arthur Bidwill also won the prestigious 2024 long drive championship. Winners of the closest to the pin contests were Cameron Muirhead on hole #3 and Al Vodicka on hole #17.

Greg Adams and Danny Hanigan held off two-time defending champions Walter Lis Jr. and Walter Lis Sr. to win the Invitational Shootout Legends Division title. Adams/Hanigan shot 73 (+1) and finished T4 overall.

Longtime Shootout regular Dale Gurtowski was named the most recent winner of Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement Award. Gurtowski first appeared in the Shootout in 2009 and becomes the 11th person to win the honor, joining his good friend Phil Valela, who received the award in 2022.