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Qualifiers Fight For Their Shootout Lives

May 17, 2023 by retlaw17

Since their introduction in 1999, Invitational Shootout qualifiers have produced some of the most memorable moments in Tournament history. The stunning 2004 qualifying match between Johnson/Szeszycki versus Sindelar/Gentry that ended in the “lost ball” controversy and the sudden death battle in 2013 between Smith/Wesinski and Davis/Lombard immediately come to mind.

Unfortunately, the 2015 match between newcomers Matt Grant and Tom Jemilo versus Greg DiBona and Tom Lang probably won’t earn a place in Shootout lore. Despite a great deal of public anticipation, veterans DiBona/Lang easily defeated the team of Grant/Jemilo at beautiful Palos Municipal Golf Course in Palos Hills.

After falling behind on the first hole, DiBona/Lang found their groove and cruised to victory behind DiBona’s clutch shotmaking. “Greg really hit some terrific shots today” said partner Tom Lang. “His chip in on the 3rd hole was huge for our confidence. I also think it took some of the wind out Matt and Tom’s sails. They really weren’t the same team after that shot.”

Outside of the first hole, the highlights for Grant/Jemilo were few and far between. Both players struggled to adjust to the fast pace of the competition and challenging course conditions.

“I think Matt and Tommy may have been a little outside their comfort zone today” said two-time Invitational Shootout Champion Ray Shinkle, who served as caddy for Matt Grant. “They were definitely amped up at the opportunity to qualify for The Shootout and to beat a proven powerhouse team like DiBona/Lang on a prestigious track like Palos Municipal. But it seemed like the moment just overwhelmed them a bit.”

“When we started the Shootout Qualifiers, our goal was to give players of all skills levels the opportunity to qualify for the greatest two-person scramble event in the Midwest” said 2004 Invitational Shootout Champion Joe Hill. “We also found that these qualifiers were a great way to expose the younger players to the pressure of The Shootout on a slightly smaller stage. We’ve seen quite a few really good teams struggle in their first attempt to qualify and go on to have great careers in The Shootout. I’m still confident Matt and Tom have a chance to become consistent Shootout performers, but it’s definitely a process.”

Event Photos

Garcia/Les Win 2022 Invitational Shootout

June 10, 2022 by retlaw17

Rob Garcia

It took 1,107 days for Rob Garcia and Billy Les to avenge their bitter defeat at the last Invitational Shootout in 2019, but it was well worth the wait. The 2013 champions won their second title on Friday with a one shot victory at the 2022 Invitational Shootout on a challenging George W. Dunne National Golf Course in Oak Forest.

Walter Lis and Billy Les

Garcia and Les defeated the team of George Les and Paul Manolitsis by one stroke with an 8-under 64. The victorious duo posted an eagle on the par five 14 hole and a birdie on the tough 326-yard par four 16th hole to cement the victory.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way Rob and I competed today” said Billy Les. “We got off to a bit of a slow start and I started to wonder if the Golf Gods might not be on our side. Things started to turn around the 6th hole and we birdied four of our next five holes after that. We just had to be patient and wait for things to come together.”

Garcia and Les are no strangers to adversity. In addition to finishing second in 2019, they lost a crushing sudden death playoff at the 2017 Invitational Shootout at Waters Edge and also finished one stroke behind Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle in 2016.

“We lost two Shootout tournaments to the pandemic (2020 and 2021), so Billy and I were really motivated to get back on the course on prove ourselves this year” said Rob Garcia. “To win at a prolific place like George W. Dunne National Golf Course makes it even more special.”

2022 Shootout Recap

“There is a certain reverence that golfers on the south side have for George W. Dunne National Golf Course” said Mick McDonnell. “This course challenges you in just about every way and over time, it reveals who the best teams are. The teams that finished at the top of the leaderboard in 2022 confirm that.”

“Listen, few teams have suffered as many setbacks in The Shootout as Garcia and Les” said 2004 Invitational Shootout Champion Joe Hill. “Their win today started 36 months ago when they determined that losing was no longer an option.”

Father/Son Win Legends Division

Lis Sr., Lis Jr. and Mike Howley

Walter Lis Jr. and Walter Lis Sr. held off a strong group of competitors for a one stroke victory in the Invitational Shootout Legends Division. Rich Burke and Bob Faxel finished one stroke behind in second place.

Two Awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards

John Moirano and Phil Valela became only the 11th and 12th competitors to receive The Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement award as selected by the tournament competition committee. The Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement award honors individuals who make an extraordinary commitment to the event and the cause of the Invitational Shootout.

Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award:

Mike Fahey – 2007
John Boyle – 2010
Tom Senne – 2011
John Groark – 2011
Ron Mouw – 2013
Mick McDonnell – 2013
Len Piersialla – 2014
Dan Ricci – 2014
Walter Lis Sr. – 2014
George Les – 2018

Hennessy-York/Schley Win Shootout on Dramatic Chip-In

June 3, 2019 by retlaw17

It came down to the final shot on the final hole for the team of Shane Hennessy-York and Joe Schley to win the 2019 Invitational Shootout. Facing a short chip near the front right bunker on the 18th hole, Hennessy-York drained the shocking birdie attempt to defeat Billy Les and Rob Garcia by a single stroke. Hennessy-York and Joe Schley also defeated Les and Garcia in a sudden death playoff at the 2017 Invitational Shootout.

The win was the third for Shane Hennessey-York, who also won the 2015 Invitational Shootout with Greg Smith. In addition to their 2017 triumph, Joe Schley finished T6 in 2014 in his first Shootout appearance with Hennessey-York.

See the 2019 Invitational Final Results

“I couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishment today” said Shane Hennessey-York. “Joe and I really didn’t think we did enough to earn a shot at the win. That’s why we were surprised and elated when we found out the birdie was enough. It’s been a long time since I chipped in. I’ve certainly never chipped in like this with so much on the line.”

“After starting out with a bogey on our first hole, we knew we had to get aggressive” said Joe Schley. “That attitude helped us post a couple quick birdies and then we eagled 6, which was huge. When we eagled the 10th hole it started to feel a lot like 2017. We had a great time playing with Hal and Ken today. They’re terrific competitors and great guys.”

With the win, Hennessey-York joined Ray Shinkle with three career Shootout titles. Both players trail George Les, who is the only player with four Shootout victories on his resume.

The 2019 Invitational Shootout was the first contested at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont. The Pete Dye layout proved to be a tough, but fair test of golf for the Shootout competitors.

“I never take winning for granted” said Hennessy-York. “And I love this tournament so much that sometimes I think I try to hard. Joe is a perfect partner for me because he’s really easy going. Winning this tournament and joining a legend like Ray Shinkle with three wins is like a dream come true.”

George Les Wins His Fourth Shootout

June 3, 2018 by retlaw17

It was only fitting that the greatest player in tournament history would birdie the final hole to win the 25th edition of the Invitational Shootout. The putt George Les sank on the par five 4th hole, his 18th, elevated he and his partner, Paul Manolitsis, to a one-stroke victory at the 2018 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge Golf Club.

Heading to the 18th, Les and Manolitsis were tied with their playing partners, Tom Bonick and Rob Garcia, as well as 2016 Champions Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle. As tournament officials started to prepare for a sudden death playoff, Les calmly drained a 20-foot putt to end the tournament.

2018 Invitational Shootout Recap

“I don’t have a great record in playoffs, so I knew we needed a birdie on the final hole” said George Les. “It feels great to birdie three of the final four holes to get this win in such an historic event. Paul hit some quality iron shots down the stretch to help us get some good looks at birdie. I’m very proud to become the first person to win the Shootout four times.”

“You’ve got to hand it to George” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “He finds a way to win when most guys are looking for a reason to lose. There’s a reason why he’s called “King George” and is the greatest player in the history of The Shootout. Nobody does it better.”

Les and Manolitsis shot 31 on the back nine to erase a four-stroke deficit heading to their 10th hole. The champions finished with a final score 8 under par, 64, which is the same score they posted in 2017.

“In my opinion, what makes George truly remarkable is his consistency” said Mick McDonnell. “Every year he either wins or finishes in the top five. He’s done it with Dominic Dallio and he’s doing it with Paul. No matter the situation, he competes and posts a great score. All hail King George!”

In addition to his tournament victory, Les also received the Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement Award. He became only the eighth man to receive the honor, which goes to individuals who have contributed to mission of the tournament.

2018 Invitational Shootout Recap

Poll: The Most Dominant Shootout Champion

May 3, 2018 by retlaw17

Since the first event at The Links at Carillon in 1994, only 36 players have won The Invitational Shootout. Joining the elite club of Shootout Champions is the accomplishment of a lifetime and these titleholders are honored every year during the Ring of Honor ceremony after each event.

As we celebrate the 25th edition of The Invitational Shootout, it’s only appropriate to ask the question “Who is the Most Dominant Champion in the Shootout history?” Vote for your favorite below. Champions’ victories are in (parentheses).

[socialpoll id=”2500974″]

Shootout Champions Share Their Secrets to Water’s Edge Golf Club

April 6, 2018 by retlaw17

Since the Invitational Shootout was first contested at Water’s Edge Golf Club in 2006, only 17 golfers have experienced victory on the challenging 18-hole layout in Worth, IL. 2017 will mark the 12th time that the Midwest’s premier two-person scramble has been held at Water’s Edge, so it’s only fitting that we turn to the champions for their secrets on how to play this classic Rick Robbins and Gary Koch design.

Hole 1 – 497 yards, par 5
Bryan Armstrong – 2008, 2010 Invitational Shootout Champion
“The first hole was our final hole when we won in 2010. You’ve got to be able to hit a long draw or hit it over the trees on your tee shot in order give yourself a shot at reaching the green in two. In 2010, Brett hit a monster drive that left us with a long iron into the hole. There’s not much danger after the tee shot, so a big drive really gives you a great opportunity to go low on this hole.”

Hole 2 – 368 yards, par 4
Hammer Hyland – 2009 Invitational Shootout Champion
“This is a challenging hole off the tee because the shape of the fairway calls for a slight fade, but the pond on the left makes you want to hit a draw. If you can navigate your tee shot, you’ve also got to be very aware of the multiple tiers in the green. It’s a deceptively large putting surface that requires a little more club than you might think on your approach shot.”

Hole 3 – 120 yards, par 3
Scott Pommo – 2006 Invitational Shootout Champion
“The third hole can play dramatically different depending on the pin placement and the wind. I’ve hit everything from a 7-iron to a sand wedge on this hole. The popular bailout is left, but that leaves a challenging chip shot facing the pond. The common mistake on this hole is to come up a half club short. I try to remind myself to always take the extra club. I’m willing to go a little past the pin since there’s really not a lot of trouble long.”

Hole 4 – 506 yards, par 5
Billy Les – 2013 Invitational Shootout Champion
“The fourth is definitely reachable in two, but you’ve got to get your drive past the bunker on the left and let it release down the fairway. I’ve seen lots of guys just chase their approach shot down the fairway into the green because there’s really no danger in front. Don’t take you foot off the gas on this hole because this is a great place to pick a shot, or two against the competition.”

Hole 5 – 367 yards, par 4
Dan Cerny 2012 Invitational Shootout Champion
“Just like the first hole, the 5th requires a right-to-left draw off the tee. However, if you hit driver and your shot remains straight, you’ll be trapped in the trees beyond the fairway. It’s a classic risk/reward hole that I think really separates the wheat from the chaff in terms of contenders. Don’t be afraid to use the slope of the hill to the right of the green. My partner hit an amazing 8-iron in 2012 into the green that bounced left off the hill onto the green and gave us a great look at birdie.”

Hole 6 – 367 yards, par 4
Paul Manolitsis – 2014 Invitational Shootout Champion
“I like to play this hole in my mind backwards from tee to green. The 6th hole is typically considered somewhat benign, but historically, a par is actually quite acceptable. The green is massive with some significant undulations, which means you’ve got to find the same level that the pin is on or you’ve got no shot at birdie. My secret on this hole is to play ultra aggressive on the tee so you can have a pitching wedge or less for your approach shot.”

Hole 7 – 173 yards, par 3
George Les – 2007, 2011, 2014 Invitational Shootout Champion
“I can always tell who my competition is by how they perform on the 7th hole. With the water on the right and lots of trouble long and left, I’ve seen many guys take the easy way out and come up short left. The real champions won’t be afraid to fire at this pin and deal with the consequences. The green drops off dramatically in the back, so be careful that you hit your shot on the correct part of the green.”

Hole 8 – 367 yards, par 4
Mike Howley – 2006, 2016 Invitational Shootout Champion
“The 8th green is gigantic, even by Water’s Edge standards. There’s a big slope from right to left, so I like to miss left if possible on my approach. This way I know I’ll have an uphill putt.”

Hole 9 – 325 yards, par 4
Dave Neill – 2009 Invitational Shootout Champion
“There’s a massive tree on the right side of the 9th fairway blocks a lot of approach shots from the green. That’s why I favor a right-to-left draw off the tee to keep my partner and I on the left side of the fairway. From there, you’ve got a great view of the green and can afford to be very aggressive. This is a definite birdie if you’ve got a view of the green for your approach.”

Hole 10 – 366 yards, par 4
Kyle Kickert – 2012 Invitational Shootout Champion
“Like the 1st hole, you’ve got to be thinking big off the tee on this hole. When we won 2012, my drive went 326 yards, leaving us a short 40-yard pitch shot. The green slopes back to front and there are a couple bunkers protecting the putting surface. But this is a one of my favorites at Water’s Edge Golf Club because it allows the big hitters like myself to have a pretty significant advantage over our competition.”

Hole 11 – 495 yards, par 5
Billy Les – 2013 Invitational Shootout Champion
“The Invitational Shootout is often won or lost on the 11th hole, primarily because there can be such a large swing in scores. The winners will almost always birdie or eagle this hole, while everyone else loses significant ground. My secret on this hole is to keep your tee shot as close to the water as possible. That scares a lot of golfers, but you’re 30-40 yards closer to the hole from the right side of the fairway than from the left. I really don’t mind missing over the green on my approach shots because the hill in the back typically acts like a backstop. If you’re there, you’ve got a pretty easy chip onto the putting surface.”

Hole 12 – 125 yards, par 3
Brett Armstrong 2008, 2010 Invitational Shootout Champion
“The secret to this hole is really simple… always take an extra club. There’s a big elevation change and the wind seems to always be in your face. It’s also a good idea to be below the hole a bit as the green slopes from back to front. When the greens are rolling 14 on the Stimpmeter during the Shootout, it’s real easy to blow your ball ten feet past the hole when putting downhill.”

Hole 13 – 345 yards, par 4
Dominic Dallio 2007, 2011 Invitational Shootout Champion
“The green complex on the 13th hole is fascinating because it funnels into a bowl on the back, right side of the green. The common miss is long left, which is where all the bunkers are. But the best players know how to avoid the danger zones on the green. There aren’t many red light holes at Water’s Edge Golf Club, but this is definitely one of them. Settle for par and take your chances on the remaining holes.”

Hole 14 – 357 yards, par 4
Rob Garcia – 2013 Invitational Shootout Champion
“You really can’t win this hole off the tee, but you certainly can lose it. Anything left forces you to hit a low hook to the green. My secret is to hit a 3-wood for accuracy down the middle of the fairway. Even if I’m hitting a 7-iron into the green, I’m confident that I can consistently score par or birdie from the fairway. If you’re right or left off the tee, you bring bogie into the equation. At The Shootout, bogies are champion killers.”

Hole 15 – 487 yards, par 5
Bryan Armstrong – 2008, 2010 Invitational Shootout Champion
“15 is the last of the par 5’s and is another great chance to pick up a shot or two on the field. I always pay attention to the pin sheet on this hole because it can dictate your tee shot and approach. If the pin is tucked in the back right, it’s only accessible from the left side of the fairway. That mean’s you’ve got to be a little more aggressive on your first two shots. If the pin is on the left side of the green, you can realistically run your approach right up the fairway. Then you can be a little more conservative on your tee ball.”

Hole 16 – 129 yards, par 3
Paul Manolitsis – 2014 Invitational Shootout Champion
“For my money, this is easily the toughest par 3 at Water’s Edge Golf Club. Like most of the putting surfaces, this green slopes from back to front. Unlike most of the putting surfaces, this green slopes dramatically and can get lightning fast during the Shootout. The approach on the hole is really simple… don’t go long. A downhill putt can be treacherous and a downhill chip from behind the green can be disastrous. I would rather be in the front right bunker than long on this hole.”

Hole 17 – 369 yards, par 4
Hammer Hyland – 2009 Invitational Shootout Champion
“The secret to the 17th hole is to avoid missing the fairway on the right. The right rough can spell trouble because of the trees and the incredibly thick rough. Even if you miss the fairway to the right, you’ve got a pretty simple approach. In my experience a shot in the left rough is typically worth a one-shot penalty.”

Hole 18 – 331 yards, par 4
George Les – 2007, 2011, 2014 Invitational Shootout Champion
“Dominic and I lost the 2008 Invitational Shootout to Bryan and Brett Armstrong in a playoff on the 18th hole. We hit our tee shot left into the trees, while they found the fairway. It’s ironic that the 18th is really one of the only fade tee shots on the course. Almost everything else requires a right-to-left shot. I guess that’s why this is such a great finishing hole. It really makes you adapt in order to become champion.”

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.”

Hennessy-York/Schely Survive Playoff to Win 2017 Shootout

June 3, 2017 by retlaw17

Shane Hennessy-York and Joe Schely birdied the first playoff hole to win a three-team playoff today in the 2017 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge Golf Club in Worth, IL. Hennessy-York and Joe Schely defeated George Les and Paul Manolitsis as well as Billy Les and Rob Garcia in sudden death on the 18th hole.

The win was the second for Shane Hennessey-York, who also won the 2015 Invitational Shootout with Greg Smith. Joe Schley finished T6 in 2014 in his first Shootout appearance with Hennessey-York. He also finished T4 in 2015 with Courtland Stansberry.

See the 2017 Invitational Final Results

All three teams had approach shots within 100 yards on the playoff hole, but it was a clutch shot from Shane Hennessey-York to within seven feet that gave the eventual champions the advantage. After the other two teams missed their birdie attempts, the stage was set for Joe Schley to sink the biggest putt of his life to earn the 2017 Invitational Shootout title.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishment today” said Shane Hennessey-York. “Joe and I really didn’t think we did enough to earn a shot at the win. That’s why we were surprised and elated when we found out there would be a three team playoff. It was like we received a second life and it definitely strengthened our resolve.”

“Playing with Shane is a blast” said Joe Schley. “He seems to welcome the pressure and he sure proved it today with that chip shot in the playoff. When you have six guys looking to add a massive title like this to their resume, the intensity is incredible. Winning the Shootout is a life-changer in so many ways. I’m so proud to be a part of history.”

Read the 2017 Invitational Notebook of Winners and Losers

With the win, Hennessey-York joins an elite group of five Shootout champions who have won two titles with two different partners. He also has a chance to make history by becoming only the third person with three victories at next year’s historic event.

“Make no mistake, I’m extremely grateful for this moment. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit to my excitement for the 25th Anniversary Invitational Shootout next year. To win the 25th Shootout and join two giants – King George Les and Ray Shinkle with three wins, is something I’ll be thinking about for the next 365 days.”