Speaking to a group of local leaders, for the third time in the last four years, two-time Champion George Les once again guaranteed victory in this year’s tournament. Winner of the 2007 Invitational Shootout Championship and the 2011 Invitational Shootout Championship, Les and partner Dominic Dallio are prohibitive favorites to win their third set of plaid jackets, becoming the first golfers to win the Shootout three times.
“Dom and I are very excited and very confident about our chances this year” said George Les. “In fact, I think it would be a real shock if we didn’t win our third crown this year. My short game has never been better and Dominic is hitting the ball father than ever. We’ve been at the top of the Shootout Power Rankings since last year and I don’t think anyone else is really close.”
Dallio and Les won last year’s event by shooting a 63, three strokes better than their nearest competitors. Both the second place (Burke/Burke) and the third place (Groark/Kickert) teams will not be in the field this year. The next closest team from 2011 was Vince Cainkar and Mike Howley, a team that finished a distant five strokes behind Dallio and Les.
“George Les is definitely the favorite” said 2004 Invitational Shootout Champion Joe Hill. “But John Eterno and I aren’t going to lay down for anyone.” Two-time Champion Ray Shinkle agreed “Listen, Dom and George are a great team. But they could bring back Hammer Hyland and we’re still not going just give him the trophy. Let’s see what happens on Shootout Saturday.”