Joe Hill

Top Ten Greatest Moments in Shootout History

May 11, 2020 by retlaw17

In the history of The Invitational Shootout, 900+ golfers have hit over 175,000 golf shots and 36 men have been crowned Champion. Here are the ten moments widely considered to be the greatest in Shootout history.

10. Russelberg sinks 55-foot putt on second hole of sudden death playoff to win in 2000.

The 2000 tournament, which was the only event that was rescheduled due to rain, was contested at Prairie Bluff Golf Course in Romeoville. The tournament also featured a sudden death playoff between the teams of Brian Jones and John Russelberg and Walter Lis and Roger Yaffe.

With a large gallery in tow, both teams parred the 413-yard par four opening hole of the playoff. The second hole is a 369-yard dogleg left to a raised green. Lis and Yaffe found the green on their approach and were left with a 25-foot putt for birdie, while Jones and Russelberg faced a 55-foot snake with multiple breaks.

Prairie Bluff – Second Hole

Jones’ attempt missed left, but provided John Russelberg with an easy teach to correctly see the undulations. Russelberg sank the clutch bomb for birdie and neither Lis nor Yaffe were able to answer, leaving Jones and Russelberg to celebrate their incredible sudden death triumph.

9. Pat Walsh drives 300-yard 18th hole for the victory in 2001.

After nearly five hours of back and forth battle, the teams of Pat Walsh and Chris Wolak and Tom Senne and Walter Lis were tied and playing in the same foursome with a single hole left in the 2001 Shootout. Senne and Lis hit first and found the fairway on the 305-yard par four 18th hole at Maple Meadows.

After Wolak hit his tee shot, Pat Walsh pulled a driver from his bag and aimed for a narrow strip of landing area near the front of the green. No previous teams had even attempted to hit the green off the tee that day, but Walsh threw caution to the wind and hit one of the most remarkable drives in Shootout history. His tee shot stopped just short of the green, allowing Walsh and Wolak to convert the birdie and steal the coveted green jackets once again from the four-time runners up, Lis and Senne.

8. Marziani and Murnane become first team to win two titles in 1998.

With the tournament celebrating its fifth anniversary, The Invitational Shootout made its first visit to Maple Meadows Country Club in 1998. The defending champion Maione brothers were unable to return to defend their crown, but the 1996 champions, Mike Marziani and Mark Murnane were on hand to demolish the competition at the event’s new home. With the victory, Marziani and Murnane became the first team to win The Shootout twice, a record that has been tied four times. However, no team has won three titles.

7. Armstrong’s defeat Les/Dallio on first hole of a sudden death playoff to win their first of two titles.

In the the third sudden death playoff in Shootout history, Shootout rookies Bryan and Brett Armstrong outlasted 2007 Champions Dominic Dallio and George Les to capture the 2008 Invitational Shootout at Waters Edge Golf Course. The brothers would win again in 2010, this time defeating Joe Hill and John Eterno by three strokes.

6. Mickey McDonnell overcomes a severe wrist injury to win the 2012 McMouw Cup.

Perhaps no moment in Shootout history was as inspiring as Mickey McDonnell’s determination and incredible pain threshold in 2012. Faced with a severe wrist injury, tournament organizers were shocked to learn that McDonnell would attempt to play. McDonnell had refused to seek medical attention for the wrist for fear that the doctors would not allow him to compete.

After struggling with a bulky wrist sleeve on the practice range, Mick discarded the brace on the first tee and proceeded to play the round of his career, leading his partner Ron Mouw to an improbable McMouw Cup victory over Ryan Mouw and Larry McDonnell.

Mick McDonnell warming up his injured wrist.

5. Joe Hill chips in on second hole of a sudden death playoff to win in 2004.

After losing to Ray Shinkle the previous year in a sudden death playoff, the golf gods smiled on Joe Hill after he learned his long-time partner, John Eterno, would be unavailable for the 2004 Shootout. As luck would have it, 1994 Champion Walter Lis was available and the duo clicked immediately, leading the tournament by four strokes after the first nine holes.

After sinking a 75-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, Lis made another improbable birdie on the 18th to catapult their team into a playoff with Aaron Knight and Mike Kroening. Hill and Lis were no strangers to sudden death playoffs, both losing in their previous attempts. However, their luck would change on the second hole of the sudden death playoff as Joe Hill would sink a 45-foot chip from just off the green for the victory in one of the most thrilling moments in Shootout history.

Joe Hill and Walter Lis win their jackets.

Joe Hill reacts to his championship chip.

4. Ace Troy cards the only hole-in-one in Shootout history in 2006.

With one swing of his trusty 9-iron, Mike Troy became the first player in Shootout history to card a hole-in-one, acing the 130-yard 12th hole in 2006. Tournament officials estimate that over 172,000 golf shots have been attempted throughout the 24 year history of The Shootout. In that time, only Mike Troy has been able bag an ace.

Ace Troy holds the hole in one flag.

3. George Les becomes first player to win four titles in 2018.

No player has been as consistent in the history of the tournament as George Les, winner of the 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2018 Invitational Shootouts. King George has finished in the top five in 9 of the 11 events that he’s competed in and even won the 2012 Shootout Wedge Tournament.

His 2018 victory was his fourth triumph. He won two with partner Paul Manolitsis and two with longtime partner Dominic Dallio.

King George Les with Ray Shinkle and Mike Howley

2. Ray Shinkle becomes only man to defend his title in 2003.

Since his first appearance in the Shootout in 2002, Ray Shinkle has earned the reputation as the greatest ball striker in tournament history. The “Predator” won in his first appearance with partner Jeff Fernstrom in 2002 and again in 2003 with partner Brian Donley. Of the 36 men to win the Shootout since 1994, only Shinkle has been able to defend the title. To further cement his Shootout legacy, Shinkle would capture his third crown in 2016, joining King George Les as the only two players to win three Shootout crowns.

Ray Shinkle

1. Hammer Hyland and Dave Neill become the first team to finish double digits under par.

There was great anticipation before the 2009 Invitational Shootout as one of the largest and strongest fields in Shootout history prepared for battle. Although there were 12 current or former champions in the field, it was a previously unknown team that would dominate the event like never before, shaking The Shootout to its core. Kevin “Hammer” Hyland and Dave Neill showed up at Water’s Edge with little fanfare and left with a legacy that has never been matched.

Hammer Hyland and Dave Neill

The two men lapped the field early, making victory a foregone conclusion before the start of the back nine. The only remaining question was answered on the 18th green with their final birdie, allowing the duo to become the first team finish to -10, a mark most felt would never be achieved.

PGA Tour Uses Shootout Format

May 26, 2019 by retlaw17

As the top players on the PGA Tour compete this weekend in the Zurich Classic, fans watching on national TV will be treated to an exciting new format for professional tournament golf. For only the second time since the Walt Disney World National Team Championship in 1981, team play will take place on the PGA Tour. Two-person teams are competing in New Orleans to become Zurich Classic champions.

Although this format will be new to most viewers, fans of The Invitational Shootout have enjoyed the non-stop excitement of two-person teams since the Tournament debuted in 1994. For the past 24 years, The Shootout has been the top two-person golf scramble in the Midwest. Now the PGA Tour is using the same recipe that Shootout fans have become accustomed to since Mike Roach and Walter Lis won the inaugural event at the Links at Carillon in 1994.

“I’ll be honest” said Shootout Competition Committee Chairman and 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “I’m surprised it took the PGA so long to follow our lead and create a tournament that uses the same rules, structure and format that we’ve perfected over the years. The Shootout pioneered this type of event and it’s actually quite flattering to see the PGA Tour is now using everything we created.”

“Make no mistake, the Zurich Classic has a long way to go before it can match The Invitational Shootout” said Lifetime Achievement Award winner Mick McDonnell. “It’s nice to see Patrick Reed and Patrick Cantlay on the same team, but do you think they could compete with our 2016 Champions Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle? I seriously doubt it. A two-person scramble is an entirely different beast and typically takes years for golfers to learn how to excell in this type of format.”

Top teams this week in the Zurich Classic include Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, Patrick Reed and Patrick Cantlay as well as Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar. How would some of these teams measure up to the best teams at The Invitational Shootout?

“Obviously we would be happy to host any of the teams from the Zurich Classic at the Invitational Shootout” said Joe Hill. “However, just because they’re PGA Tour players doesn’t mean they would automatically be wearing wool jackets in the Champions Ring of Honor. I’ll guarantee that a living legend like King George Les wouldn’t be even slightly intimidated by Patrick Reed or Bubba Watson.”

Whether the two-person format at the 2018 Zurich Classic will continue be popular is still unknown. What we do know is the Invitational Shootout will continue to break new ground this year and in the future as the premier two-person scramble golf tournament in the Midwest.

Your Favorite Shootout Moments

April 6, 2018 by retlaw17

Recently we interviewed some of the Shootout greats to collect their favorite moments from the past 23 years. Although their experiences vary, they all share a passion and love for the most respected two-person golf scramble in the Midwest.

Joe Hill – Although winning the Shootout in 2004 with Walter Lis was amazing, I think my favorite Shootout moment was the previous year when John Eterno and I faced Ray Shinkle and Brian Donley in a playoff. Although we lost, John and I had a great time playing in front of the huge crowd that watched us compete on the 18th hole at Maple Meadows. Obviously our downfall was when we both lost our tee balls in the woods to the right. However, we still were able to chase a shot onto the green, forcing Ray to hit a clutch putt for the victory.

Shane Hennessy-York – People always ask me what it was like to win the 2015 Invitational Shootout. I tell them it was obviously a dream come true and something that I will always be grateful for. However, I think my favorite moment was actually competing for the first time in 2014 with my partner that year, Joe Schley. I had heard so much discussion around the office in the months leading up to the Invitational Shootout that I really didn’t know what to expect. We played well that year, but I’m sure the pressure of the moment certainly kept us from achieving our full potential that year.

Tom Jemilo – My favorite Shootout moment was receiving the invite to actually play in the event for the first time in 2015. Matt Grant and I played against Greg DiBona and Tom Lang in a Shootout qualifier that year. We took a quick lead, but eventually the experience of the DiBona and Lang was just too much for Matt and I. As we sat dejectedly the parking lot after the round pondering our future, I questioned whether we would every get the opportunity to play in the most respected two-person scramble in the Midwest. When I heard the news that we received an exemption and would be allowed to compete in the 2015 Invitational Shootout after all, I was filled with joy. That was one of the best moments of my life.

Mick McDonnell – My favorite Shootout moment was definitely winning the first McMouw Cup in 2011. When Ron and I beat Larry and Ryan back then, there basically were no rules. The competition was in its infancy, which meant we could do just about anything to try and throw off the competition. Over the years we used all sorts of noise makers and projectiles, including fireworks to gain an advantage. Ryan and Larry also turned the tables on us plenty of times, so I have no regrets whatsoever.

George Les – After winning in 2007 and 2011 with Dominic Dallio, I was incredibly proud to win in 2014 with Paul Manolitsis. I became the first three-time Invitational Shootout champion and I proved I could do with different partners. Although Dom and Paul are both great players, they’re also very different. Sometimes it’s difficult to find the right balance with a partner, so I’m usually pretty patient at the outset. When Paul and I started to “click” in 2014, it felt very similar to what I’ve felt previously. I almost knew we were going to win once the connection started to work.

Hammer Hyland – Although Dave and I have only played in one event so far, the 2009 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge was a blast. Dave and I could both hit the ball a country mile at that point in our careers, so we decided to play super aggressive and challenge every green and every pin possible. We reached all the Par 5’s in two that day and basically overpowered the golf course. We had so much fun testing ourselves in such a highly respected event.

Tom Senne – Certainly playing with my dad has been great and winning the Legends Division multiple times is something I’m really proud of. But I think my favorite memory was competing in the first Invitational Shootout back in 1994. I don’t think anyone had an idea of how big this event would eventually become when we all met at The Links at Carillon before the start of the first Shootout. Competing as a two-person team was a hit right away, and I loved the feeling of fighting for the first title as we reached the 18th hole. Although Mike Howley and I came up a bit short, it was definitely an amazing experience.

Aaron Knight Warns: “Don’t Poke The Bear”

April 1, 2018 by retlaw17

After watching his father Tom Knight reach the pinnacle of success winning the 2013 and 2014 Invitational Shootout Legends Division championships, perennial contender Aaron Knight recently announced his return to The Shootout for the first time since 2014. Long considered the best player to have never won The Shootout, Aaron will return for another shot at glory for the historic 25th edition of the top two-person scramble golf event in the Midwest.

Aaron Knight teamed up with his brother Seth in 2014 and in 2012 when they finished T4 behind Champions Dan Cerny and Kyle Kickert. Long-hitting Seth Knight won the 2012 long drive title, but the brothers struggled to play as teammates. Aaron hopes to find his groove in 2018.

“Seeing Dad make history twice made a huge impact on both Seth and I” said Aaron Knight. “We’ve always felt that the Knight family would win multiple Shootout titles, but I’ll be the first to admit that I expected to be the first to win. I’m expecting to play really well this year. I’m practicing harder than ever before to accomplish my goal of winning The Shootout.”

Aaron Knight is no stranger to close calls in the Shootout, losing the 2004 Championship in a sudden death playoff to Joe Hill and Walter Lis. Many players felt that the 2004 defeat left an enduring scar on the psyche of one of the Tournament’s top performers.

“I’m not sure we’ve seen the same Aaron Knight since he lost in 2004” said Joe Hill. “He still shoots consistently in low 70s by himself, but for some reason he’s struggled putting it together on Shootout Saturday. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him return to form this year at such an historic event.”

“There’s a saying in Pennsylvania that a wise man knows better than to poke the bear” said Aaron Knight. “I feel like I’ve been poked for too long and this year the Bear is ready to tear apart the competition on Saturday at The Shootout.”

Could Hammer Hyland Be Preparing a Comeback in 2018?

March 16, 2018 by retlaw17

After the record-breaking performance in 2016 by the team of Shane Hennessy-York and Greg Smith, it was a forgone conclusion that the Shootout’s best teams would be gunning for the champions. But few expected an Invitational Shootout legend would resurface after a nine-year hibernation.

Speaking through his Twitter account, former Champion Kevin “Hammer” Hyland mentioned a possible return to the Invitational Shootout for the first time since his 2009 triumph with partner Dave Neill. Universally recognized as the most dominant Champion in tournament history, Hyland has competed only once in the Invitational Shootout.

In 2015, Hennessy-York and Smith finished 11 under par to win by three strokes over Derek Cook and Steve Jandernoa. The winning score of 61 broke the previous record of 62, set by Hyland and Neill in 2009.

“I’ll be honest, I really don’t know what to think.” said Shane Hennessy-York. “If The Hammer plays this year, great. As far as I’m concerned, he’s making a big mistake by trying to capture his glory days. The Shootout has changed because the quality of player has gone up exponentially since Hammer’s day.”

HAMMER HYLAND

Not surprisingly, most long-time players don’t share Hennessy-York’s bravado. “Make no mistake, Hammer Hyland is a game-changer” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “He could literally smash Hennessy-York and use him as a tee. The Hammer should be respected, not challenged.”

“Do I think Hammer Hyland could come back and destroy the field like he did in 2009? Absolutely.” said Mick McDonnell. “Look, nine years away from competition is a long time for most of us… but not The Hammer. He’s a freak of nature who can overpower any golf course at any time.”

“Hammer’s Instagram account is loaded with his feats of strength swinging a golf club” said Tom Senne. “If you’re playing in the Shootout, you better take note because he’s still an incredibly dominant player. I’m not afraid of The Hammer, but I certainly respect the man.”

The George Les Dynasty

March 12, 2018 by retlaw17

It’s hard to believe that George Les first participated in The Invitational Shootout in 2007. Since that time, he has become the tournament’s greatest player and most dominant champion, becoming the first and only person to win three plaid jackets in the history of the event. His 2014 victory with partner Paul Manolitsis cemented George’s place in the record books as the best individual golfer in Shootout history.

His triumph in 2014 was over his son, 2013 Shootout Champion Billy Les. “I’ll be honest, winning last year’s event with Paul was an awesome experience” said George Les. “However, it was a bittersweet because as a father, you always want the best for your son. But as I told Billy after the tournament, you’ll have many more chances to try and match my accomplishments at The Shootout.”

After winning the 2007 Invitational Shootout in his first tournament appearance with Dominic Dallio, George Les won again with Dallio in 2011. With his most recent victory with Paul Manolitsis, George Les joined Walter Lis and Ray Shinkle as the only players to win The Shootout twice with different partners.

“What impresses me the most about George Les is his willingness to do whatever it takes to get the win” said 2014 Champion Joe Hill. “Most guys will have a tendency to be happy with their accomplishments and take their foot off the accelerator. Not George Les. That guy was built to be a champion and he’s proved it with a remarkable record under the bright lights of the biggest two-person scramble in the Midwest.”

Howley and Shinkle Capture 2016 Invitational Shootout

June 5, 2016 by retlaw17

The team of Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle proved there’s no substitute for experience on Saturday while posting seven birdies and overcoming the largest, most talented field in Tournament history to win the 2016 Invitational Shootout. 68 teams and 136 golfers were part of a record-setting turnout in support of the Ruddy Children Fund at Water’s Edge Golf Club on a mostly overcast afternoon in Worth, IL.

2016 Invitational Shootout Complete Summary

With nine current or former Champions in the field, Howley and Shinkle used a white-hot start to grab a quick lead which they ultimately never relinquished. The duo birdied their first hole, the 178-yard par three 7th, on the strength of a majestic 7-iron from Ray Shinkle that landed 12 feet from the cup.

Howley and Shinkle finished at seven under 65 to outlast two teams of former Champions by a single stroke – George Les/Paul Maolitsis and Rob Garcia/Billy Les. 2016 Champion Shane Hennessey-York finished two strokes behind the Champions.

Howley and Shinkle tallied five birdies in their first nine holes, for a score of 31, the second best front nine in Shootout history trailing only Hammer Hyland and Dave Neill‘s 30 in 2009. Mike and Ray would add two more birdies and seven pars on the back nine to post a seven under par 65.

“Getting off to a solid start on hole number seven, which many consider to be the toughest on the course, was huge for our confidence” said Ray Shinkle. “I had new clubs in the bag this week and hitting that tee shot to within 12 feet definitely set the tone. I really want to thank the guys at Titleist for providing me with some amazing technology.”

“The plan today was to start fast and see if we could run away from the field” said Mike Howley. “We new the competition level out there today would be a huge challenge, so our goal was to push the pace and rely our experience in the heat of the battle over the final few holes. Thankfully our plan worked and I couldn’t be happier with our performance.”

The victory was the second for Howley, who also won the first Invitational Shootout contested at Water’s Edge in 2006. With the win, he becomes only the seventh player with multiple Shootout titles.

Capturing the 23rd edition of The Invitational Shootout was even more important for Ray Shinkle, who won the event in 2002 and 2003 at Maple Meadows Country Club. He now joins George Les as the only players in tournament history with three victories.

“Hats off to Ray for winning again after 13 years” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “Especially after losing the playoff in 2013, I think many people questioned whether he could do it again. To overcome a stacked field like this is truly indicative of what a great champion Ray has become.”

“For the past 10 years, the knock on Ray was that, unlike at Maple Meadows, he never could figure out how to score at Water’s Edge” said Mick McDonnell. “This victory proved that he could tame this challenging beast of a golf course under the bright lights of the biggest two-person scramble in the Midwest.”

“Here’s the thing about Mike and Ray… they know how to win” said John Eterno. “There are a lot of teams that come to The Shootout with incredible resumes including victories in college, amateur and even some professional tournaments. But they fall apart under the intense pressure of The Shootout. Howley and Shinkle use their experience better than just about any team out there to overcome everyone and everything they face.”

Hennessy-York and Smith Drop The Hammer

June 8, 2015 by retlaw17

2015 Champions Throughout the history of the Invitational Shootout, every great team has been compared to the gold standard performance, which occurred in 2009 when Hammer Hyland and Dave Neill destroyed the field and rewrote the record books with what many consider the most dominating performance in Shootout history. That comparison will no longer be necessary as a new gold standard was set at the 2015 Invitational Shootout by a team many consider to be the heir apparent to The Les Dynasty.

On a beautiful, sunny day at Water’s Edge Golf Club, the team of Shane Hennessy-York and Greg Smith finished 11 under par to win the 22nd Annual Invitational Shootout by three strokes over Derek Cook and Steve Jandernoa. The winning score of 61 broke the previous record of 62, set by the legendary team of Kevin “Hammer” Hyland and Dave Neill in 2009.

The Hennessy-York and Smith scorecard featured one eagle and 10 birdies along with a single bogey. After posting a four under par 32 on the front nine, Shane and Greg turned up the heat with a sizzling 29 on the final nine.

Their lone eagle occurred on the par 5, 15th hole, which ironically provided a bit of disappointment for the powerful duo. “We probably should have had at least one more eagle out there today” said Shane Hennessy-York. “We both just missed another eagle putt and had decent chances on a couple other holes.”

The Champions followed their eagle on the 15th with a birdie on the difficult 150-yard par 3 16th hole on the strength of a spectacular shot by Greg Smith that would earn the young superstar the closest to the pin award. Smith’s incredible shot finished just a few feet from the hole. The duo would go on to birdie the 17th hole, capping a stretch of four consecutive holes which they handled in five under par.

“This type of performance not only re-wrote the record books, I think it really changed the future of the Tournament” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “Shane and Greg winning the Shootout is obviously impressive, but to destroy a field that had nine former Champions including the GOAT, George Les, is amazing. But to beat the records set by The Hammer, that’s insane.”

“I’m not sure we’ll ever see a performance like this again” said Mick McDonnell. “These two guys came in here and destroyed a field that was stacked with killers. I think we all felt the Hammer’s performance would never be eclipsed, at least in our lifetimes. This changes everything.”

Shootout Introduces Super Legends Division

May 30, 2015 by retlaw17

The Invitational Shootout competition committee is introducing the Super Legends Division, which will be open to teams with a minimum combined age of 120. The new division will be contested for the first time this year at the 2015 Invitational Shootout.

With this announcement, there will now be three different divisions open for qualifying competitors at The Shootout – the Super Legends Division, the Legends Division and the Full Field. Teams that qualify for the Super Legends or Legends Division are still eligible to win the Full Field Championship.

This new division is the first such change from the Competition Committee since 2006, when the Legends Division was first introduced. The Tournament moved to Water’s Edge Golf Club that year and the first Legends winners were Bill Stanley and Victor Tocwish.

In 2007, the team of Bob Barasa and John Groark shot a five under par 67 to win the Legends Division title. They finished just one stroke behind the overall Tournament winners, an almost unthinkable feat until that year.

“The Competition Committee unanimously voted to introduce the Super Legends Division primarily because so many great teams are now in that age range” said 2004 Shootout Champion Joe Hill. “We’ve worked very hard over the years to attract and cultivate some of the top players who are 60+, so it only makes sense to create an entirely new division that showcases their talents.”

“I think there will definitely be some crossover between divisions because a lot of these teams that are 120+ can really play” said Competition Committee member Mick McDonnell. “I think something like Barasa and Groark in 2007 could occur again, especially since the top level teams have become so strong.”

All teams will be required to submit a total age at the scorers table before the start of the tournament. Teams with a combined age between 110-119 will qualify for The Legends Division and the Full Field title. Teams with a minimum combined age of 120 will qualify for all three Shootout divisions.

Probationary Qualifying Exemptions Announced

May 21, 2015 by retlaw17

The Invitational Shootout Competition Committee recently announced four special probationary qualifying exemptions into the field for the 2015 event. Both teams that were awarded exemptions did not qualify initially, but were given special status based on appeal.

The two teams that have received 2015 Shootout invitations are Ken Dorsey/David Lesinger and Matt Grant/Tom Jemilo. Dorsey/Lesinger lost their qualifying match at Flagg Creek Golf Course and Grant/Jemilo came up short at Palos Municipal Golf Course.

Special probationary exemptions have been granted annually to teams the Competition Committee classifies as “solid candidates” for improvement. Notable teams to receive qualifying exemptions include Jutkins/Ellis in 2004, Slinkman/Slinkman in 2008 and the 2012 Champions Dan Cerny & Kyle Kickert.

“Every year we see a lot of really good teams fail to qualify for The Shootout” said Competition Committee member Joe Hill. “Many of these teams are good enough to compete in the big tournament, but they either have a bad day during qualifying or they just make too many mistakes under pressure.”

“We’re always looking to improve the quality of the field, so we typically try to identify a couple teams each year that show enough potential to eventually become cornerstone teams at the top of the leaderboard. It’s really quite an honor to get picked. We often see these exempted teams perform really well because they practice their butts off to prove they belong in the best two-person golf scramble in the Midwest.”

Although Dorsey/Lesinger and Grant/Jemilo will now be in the field for the 2015 Invitational Shootout, they will have to earn their way back to Waters Edge in 2016 by posting a lower score than the previous year’s McMouw Cup Champions. The 2014 McMouw Cup winners were Mick McDonnell and Ron Mouw, who posted an 81 last year to win the Cup.

“Dave and I couldn’t be happier to finally accomplish our dream of playing in the Invitational Shootout” said probationary qualifier Ken Dorsey. “I grew up idolizing the legends of this event like Hammer Hyland and George Les. I guarantee you no one will be working harder over these next two weeks to be ready for the tournament. On June 6, we’re definitely going to beat Mick and Ron and earn our invitation for many Shootouts to come.”