The Invitational Shootout

Two-Person Scramble Charity Golf Event

Hill and Knight Going in Wrong Direction for Different Reasons

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Commentary by 2006 Shootout Champion Mike Howley

Joe Hill has gone the way of John Daly…too much Tennessee booze, Pall Mall coffin nails and trailer parties with women with names like Trixiebelle and Shirlene have wrecked a once promising golf career. The only question is when John Eterno, Hill’s long time golf partner, will decide to pull the plug on the golf partnership.

AARON_KNIGHTAaron Knight on the other hand remains the Shootout’s greatest enigma. Will his poor performance this year be due to the nerves of performing on the greatest stage of all, the travel fatigue associated with the long journey to the southside or the recent revelation of a 4th Knight sibling? He no doubt will use all of these excuses to explain why another title eludes him in ’09.

Mouw, McDonnell Brothers Clash

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For the third consecutive year, brothers will compete against brothers in The Invitational Shootout as Mick McDonnell and Ron Mouw will square off against Larry McDonnell and Ryan Mouw. Both teams have proven they will do anything for a victory and this year should be no exception.

“Competing against my brother and Ryan Mouw makes The Shootout a very special experience for my partner Ron and myself” said Mick McDonnell. “I’ve got nothing but respect for those guys because they play the game the right way, with absolute integrity and class.”

Boyle Swims for Charity

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BOYLE_SWIMSWith lake swimming expert Ryan Mouw unable to repeat last year’s impressive performance, 1999 Invitational Shootout Champion John Boyle took his place in the 2008 Dive For Charity.

“When I heard that Ryan would not be able to go, I knew it was up to me to swim for these kids” said Boyle. “If it takes me jumping into the pond on 18 to make a child’s dream come true, then I’ll come through every time.”

Aaron Knight Explodes in Rage

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250_AKNIGHT_LAUGHAfter 5 straight bogies resulted in a heated exchange with partner, Mike Kroening, Aaron Knight broke his 7 iron over his knee in a fit of rage. Tournament officials have not seen such an outburst since 1996 when Mike Ford heaved his entire golf bag into the green side pond after missing a crucial birdie putt.

Joe Hill, who was paired in the Knight and Kroening group, stated that “tensions were high between Knight and Kroening from the start. Aaron has such a strong game, but the pressure that goes along with being the best player to have never won the Shootout just seemed to get the better of him.” Aaron Knight has not returned repeated calls at time of this publication. Kroening commented, “ I think Aaron needs to take a break from the game and start hunting wild turkey with me on the weekends.”

Armstrongs Win The Shootout

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ARMSTRONGS GOLFDespite threatening weather throughout the day, 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 Armstrong brothers vanquished Dallio and Les on the first hole of the sudden death playoff. “We drove all morning from Madison, Wisconsin to play in The Shootout” said Bryan Armstrong. “I just can’t believe we’ll be bringing the trophies back north of the Illinois border.”

This was the third sudden death playoff in Shootout history. The most recent occurred in 2004 when Joe Hill and Walter Lis prevailed on the second playoff hole at Maple Meadows Country Club.

2007 Lifetime Achievement Awards

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Long before The Invitational Shootout was a household name, Mike Fahey was a driving force in the event, helping mold the fabric of competition. In fact, Fahey is one of only three players to compete in all 14 editions of The Shootout. On Saturday, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his support.

“Mike Fahey has stood behind The Shootout since the beginning” said Mike Howley. “When the concept of a two-person scramble first came up in 1994, we looked to Mike for support and he’s been there every event since. We thank Mike for being a true friend of The Shootout.”

Shinkle Spooked By Black Cat

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The cruel fate of bad luck finally caught up with two-time Invitational Shootout Champion Ray Shinkle on Saturday. While maintaining the outright lead in the Tournament, Shinkle became startled as a black cat strolled across his path on the 14th tee. A spooked Shinkle proceeded to double-bogey and bogey his next two holes, losing his chance for a third title.

Dallio and Les Win 2007 Invitational Shootout

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Against the largest field in Tournament history, George Les and Dominick Dallio were able to hold off two-time Champion Walter Lis and partner Tom Senne by one stroke along with three other teams to win the 2007 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge Golf Club.

Les and Dallio carded a six-under 66 to take home the trophies and the coveted wool jackets in what may be the most competitive Shootout ever. Despite somewhat breezy conditions, a record twelve teams finished under par. The consistent low scoring was a testament to the quality of the largest field in Tournament history.

“George and I were expecting four or five under would win the tournament” said Dominic Dallio. “Thankfully we were able to pick up a couple late birdies because the field this year was exceptionally strong and the scores were lower than we anticipated. George hit a great chip on 18 to seal the deal, so I’m really proud of our performance.”

Stanley and Tocwish Win First Legends Division Crown

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The team of Victor Tocwish and Bill Stanley were crowned champions of the inaugural Legends Division of The Shootout. “Once we figured out that our collective age was above 110 years, I knew we had a good chance of winning” said Victor Tocwish. “I finished dead last in 2003 with Al Paszyna and now I’m an Invitational Shootout Champion. You can’t imagine how much this means to me!”