It took a new partner for the man widely regarded as the greatest competitor in tournament history, George Les, to win his record-setting third Invitational Shootout championship. “King” George partnered with newcomer Paul Manolitsis to defeat the defending champions, Rob Garcia and Billy Les, by a single shot in the 2014 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge Golf Club in Worth.
A winner in 2007 and 2011 with Dominic Dallio, George Les recruited long-hitting Manolitsis to replace the injured Dallio for this year’s event. Manolitsis proved more than capable of stepping into Dallio’s prestigious shoes, using his prodigious length to supplement George Les’ artistry around the greens.
However, it took back-to-back birdies by King George himself on the final two holes to overcome his son and partner Garcia. With the victory, George became the only player in Shootout history with three victories.
“Manolitsis is the real deal” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “Our group was right behind theirs and we saw that guy hit some amazing shots. I know Dom was a special player, but I think Paul has him beat. He was definitely the most dominant player on the entire golf course today.”
“I drained about a 20-foot putt on 17 to tie the score and then I drained a similar length putt on the final hole for the win” said George Les. “I’m not sure if Rob and Billy knew what hit them, but I’ve done this before.”