History

The History of Invitational Shootout Playoffs

June 4, 2020 by retlaw17

There have been six sudden death playoffs in the 26-year history of the Invitational Shootout. The winners of these events became legends by overcoming intense pressure under the brightest lights in tournament golf. The losers often spent years trying overcome the physical and emotional hardship of nearly winning the greatest two-person scramble tournament in the Midwest.

2000 Invitational Shootout

Prairie Bluff Golf Club – Romeoville, IL
Champions – Brian Jones/John Russelberg
Lis/Yaffe

John Russelberg Celebrates Winning The Shootout

The 2000 tournament was rescheduled to September due to rain and was contested at Prairie Bluff Golf Course in Romeoville. The tournament also featured the first sudden death playoff in Tournament history, featuring 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.

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.

2003 Invitational Shootout

Maple Meadows Country Club – Wood Dale, IL
Champions – Brian Donley/Ray Shinkle
Hill/Eterno

Ray Shinkle

I don’t have a gambling problem I have a competitiveness problem.” Ray Shinkle

After setting a tournament scoring record with a 65 the year before, Ray Shinkle arrived at the 2003 Invitational Shootout determined to prove his first championship was not a fluke. Shinkle and partner Jeff Fernstrom dominated the field in 2002, winning by four shots on a treacherously hard and fast Maple Meadows Country Club.

To further prove his mettle and quiet the critics, Shinkle introduced a new partner in 2003, the unheralded Bryan Donley. Unlike Fernstrom, Donley was a virtual unknown with a stack and tilt swing and limited experience in tournament golf, especially in an event with the pressure of the Invitational Shootout.

“As soon as I won in 2002, I heard a lot of critics saying Fernstrom was an elite player who could win The Shootout by himself” said Shinkle. “When I brought Bryan in as my partner in 2003, I basically dared the competition to prove me wrong by testing our abilities. I had no idea how Brian would perform under the bright lights at The Shootout, but I knew my game was razor sharp and ready for the challenge.”

Shinkle’s wish was granted as the competition heated up quickly with multiple teams challenging Shinkle/Donley from the outset of the event. Ultimately, it was the team of Joe Hill and John Eterno who weathered the storm to post a two-under 68 at Maple Meadows and grab the early lead. As the other contenders faded, only Shinkle/Donley could catch Hill/Eterno, finishing with an identical 68 and triggering what would become a memorable playoff for the championship.

“When they told us that we were in a playoff, I had just ordered my food and beverages” said Joe Hill. “It was a bit unexpected as John and I both thought we won. We definitely didn’t go into that playoff in the best frame of mind.”

“After I saw Joe Hill wearing sandals and ordering his food and beverages, I knew we had the advantage in the playoff” said Ray Shinkle. “These guys were already enjoying themselves and Bryan and I were preparing for battle. There were two completely different approaches leading into what would become the most pressurized golf hole of our lives.” As the combatants prepared for battle, the remaining field of over 60 golfers gathered on the 18th hole to witness a playoff for the 2003 Invitational Shootout Championship.

Shinkle’s observation proved to be correct, Hill and Eterno had lost their edge. Both players missed their tee shots, having to chip back into the fairway after missing out of bounds on the right side. The door was open and Shinkle knew it.

“When John and Joe went OB, I told Bryan to grab his three metal and just find the fairway” said Shinkle. “They were looking at a probable bogey, so all we had to do was stay in the short grass. It was a great feeling when we found the green in two and knew all we needed was a two-putt for the win.”

After sinking the putt to claim back-to-back Invitational Shootout Championships, Shinkle shared the moment with the gallery. “To win my second title in front of a huge audience was really special. I had proven myself once again and established my place in Shootout history.”

2004 Invitational Shootout

Maple Meadows Country Club – Wood Dale, IL
Champions – Joe Hill/Walter Lis
Knight/Kroening

Joe Hill and Walter Lis win their jackets.

Aaron was a threat, I’m not saying he wasn’t a threat. But being compared to him? I took offence to that.” Joe Hill

The largest and strongest field in Tournament history was a key factor in making the 2004 edition of the Invitational Shootout one of the most memorable. It was also a remarkable story of redemption for both Joe Hill and Walter Lis. With a record five teams finishing under par, it took a playoff to decide the Shootout Champions for 2004.

On the second hole in sudden death, Joe Hill sank a 25-foot putt for the victory, earning his first wool jacket and partner Walter Lis his second. Hill and Lis defeated the team of Aaron Knight and Mike Kroening after both teams finished 18 holes of regulation play at 2-under 68.

Hill’s success in the playoff came after a crushing overtime defeat in 2003 to the team of Donley and Shinkle. “After such a long wait, I was completely focused on erasing last year from mind and nailing that putt in the playoff” said Hill. “I did not want to spend twelve months second-guessing myself like I did last year.”

After suffering a shocking defeat due to a miraculous 55-foot putt by John Russelberg in 2000 at Prairie Bluff, Walter Lis was also finally able to vanquish the pain with his victory in 2004. With the win, Lis showed unprecedented courage and resilience to become the first man to win the tournament in a playoff after previously losing in a playoff.

2008 Invitational Shootout

Waters Edge Golf Club – Worth, IL
Champions – Brett Armstrong/Bryan Armstrong
Dallio/Les

Brett Armstrong and Bryan Armstrong

Brett Armstrong is the only player that could ever turn it on and off, and he never freakin’ turned it off.” Bryan Armstrong

Despite threatening weather throughout the day, Shootout rookies Bryan and Brett Armstrong outlasted the defending champions Dominic Dallio and George Les in overtime 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.”

“Winning last year in my first Shootout appearance felt amazing” said George Les. “But the pain of losing in a playoff is unlike anything I’ve felt in my life. I will be back and I will win this tournament again – multiple times.”

2013 Invitational Shootout

Waters Edge Golf Club – Worth, IL
Champions – Rob Garcia/Billy Les
Howley/Shinkle

Mike Howley, Billy Les, Rob Garcia and Ray Shinkle

The 20th Annual Invitational Shootout featured an historic battle of legendary champions. Two-time Champion Ray Shinkle and partner Mike Howley brought three wool jackets to the 2013 tournament and were among the favorites to capture the crown.

Their toughest competition featured the equally famous Les name, but a new entry into the upper echelon of Shootout competitors. This time it was Billy Les, not the legendary King George Les, and partner Rob Garcia, who eventually would battle the Shinkle/Howley dream team in overtime on a saturated Water’s Edge Golf Club.

Both Shinkle/Howley and Garcia/Les finished at -6 after 18 holes, necessitating the first playoff since 2008 when The Armstrongs defeated George Les and Dominic Dallio on the first hole in sudden death. With darkness looming, Rob Garcia made a 20-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to defeat Howley/Shinkle and capture the 2013 Invitational Shootout.

“I couldn’t be more proud of winning the 20th edition of such a special event” said Billy Les. “Rob and I battled the elements all day long by taking a positive approach. Everyone in the field was playing through the rainy and wet conditions, so we actually welcomed the tough circumstances. We weren’t going to quit and we kept hitting some good shots. It felt great to produce on a day like today under the bright lights of The Shootout.”

“The Les name means quality, and my partner Billy definitely produced a ‘Les quality’ performance today” said Rob Garcia. “King George is universally accepted as the greatest player in Shootout history. However, Billy is not far behind and could be the future of this great event. We had a great time out there today and are really looking forward to competing with George and Dom next year at The Invitational Shootout.”

2017 Invitational Shootout

Waters Edge Golf Club – Worth, IL
Champions – Shane Hennessy-York/Joe Schely
Les/Garcia
Les/Manolitsis

My mentality was to go out and win at any cost. If you don’t want to live that regimented mentality, then you don’t need to be alongside of me.” Shane Hennessy-York

Shane Hennessy-York and Joe Schely birdied the first playoff hole to win the first three-team playoff in tournament histort at the 2017 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge Golf Club. 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.

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.”

Top Ten Greatest Moments in Shootout History

May 11, 2020 by retlaw17

In the 26-year history of The Invitational Shootout, 892 golfers have hit over 175,200 golf shots and 36 men have been crowned Champion. Here are the top ten greatest moments 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.

Prairie Bluff – Second Hole

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 three titles in 2014.

No player has been as consistent in the history of the tournament as George Les, winner of the 2007, 2011 and 2014 Invitational Shootouts. King George has finished in the top five in 8 of the 10 events that he’s competed in and even won the 2012 Shootout Wedge Tournament.

His 2014 victory with partner Paul Manolitsis was his third triumph and his first without longtime partner Dominic Dallio. It was also special for The King since he defeated his son Billy Les by a single stroke.

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.

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).

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.

See the 2017 Invitational Final Results

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.”

2017 Invitational Notebook

June 3, 2017 by retlaw17

ron and mick

McDonnell/Mouw Win Grudge Match Over Boyle/Scanlon

There have been countless collapses over the course of 24 years in the Invitational Shootout, but perhaps none more epic than the performance of John Boyle and Tom Scanlon on Saturday at Water’s Edge. Tied after 15 holes in their match with Mickey McDonnell and Ron Mouw, Boyle and Scanlon posted scores of 12, 10 and 11 on the first, second and third holes at Water’s Edge.

Both teams shot three over par 39 on their first nine holes and were tied leading up to their 16th hole of the day, which was the par 5 first hole. McDonnell/Mouw carded a double bogey seven while their opponents somehow posted a 12. Even more inexplicable, Boyle and Scanlon finished with and 8 over par 11 on the 92-yard par three 3rd hole.

“It was a shocking finish to what was a close and compelling match for the first 15 holes” said Mick McDonnell. “John and Tom were playing well and giving us all we could handle and then all of a sudden, they just checked out.”

“I told Ron ‘I still haven’t found what I’m looking for’ with my swing. His response was ‘we’re going to win – with our without you’, so just continue to bullet the blue sky and hit your drives where the streets have no name”.

See the 2017 Invitational Shootout Final Results

Sennes

Senne’s Repeat for Super Legends Title

For a team with nothing left to prove, the Senne’s certainly don’t play like they’re lacking in motivation. Father and son duo Bob and Tom Senne captured their second consecutive Super Legends Championship, shooting an even par round of 72.

With a steady foundation built on finding the fairway with the drives of Bob Senne, son Tom was more than happy to hit a trifecta of amazing putts that were over 30 feet in length. Bob added to the spectacular shot making by nearly holing out from 125 yards on the 17th hole.

“I guess we’re used to grinding out the best score possible” said Tom Senne. “Some of the shots we hit today were ridiculous. There’s really no other way to describe them. But that’s just how we compete. When my dad hit the pin on 17, it was a tough break because that ball could have easily dropped. But I’m glad it didn’t hurt us and I’m really happy to bring home another Super Legends division title.”

LEN

Legends Return

After falling to Andy Bell and Seamus Ryan last year, Len Piersialla and Dan Ricci won the 2017 Invitational Shootout Legends Division Championship, two years after first winning in 2015. The team of Piersialla and Ricci have competed in every event since the Shootout came to Water’s Edge in 2006.

The come from behind victory on Saturday was a pleasant surprise for both team members. “If you would have asked me whether we could win the Legends Division Title after the first few holes, I would have laughed” said Len Piersialla. “We got off to a shaky start, but we stuck to our plan and found a way to get it done.”

“Wins don’t come easy at the Shootout” said Dan Ricci. “I’m just lucky to have a terrific partner who is willing to put it all on the line every year in the biggest two-person golf 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.”

The 2016 Invitational Shootout Golf Pledge Drive

May 1, 2016 by retlaw17

Since 1994, the Invitational Shootout Charity Golf Tournament has brought together friends and family on the golf course to have fun and raise funds for charity. In 2016, we support one of our own.

On March 5, 2016 our friend Mike Ruddy passed away suddenly leaving his wife and three children. Mike was a happy, fun-loving guy who made friends easily and kept them for a lifetime. He was a man of integrity who loved his family and played in The Shootout multiple times.

This year The Invitational Shootout will benefit The Ruddy Children Fund as we play the game that Mike loved in his honor.

The 2016 Invitational Shootout in support of The Ruddy Children Fund

1PM Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Water’s Edge Golf Club in Worth, IL
Click here to register

Whether you play golf or not, EVERYONE can help support the cause by making a pledge donation. For golfers, the more pledges made in your name add up to great prizes for you. The person who raises the most funds will receive a 3-Night Las Vegas Vacation. All net proceeds will go to The Ruddy Children Fund.

$100 raised – $25 Visa gift card
$300 raised by a golfer, they get the Visa card AND get to play in the outing FREE
$400 raised by a golfer they get the Visa card AND get to play in the outing FREE AND a Taylor-Made hybrid golf club
$650 raised by a golfer they get the Visa card AND get to play in the outing FREE AND a Hybrid AND Omaha Filet steaks
$1,000 raised by a golfer they get the Visa card AND get to play in the outing FREE AND a Hybrid AND Omaha Filet steaks AND a Taylor-Made driver
Highest dollar amount over $4,000 you’ll get all the prizes AND a 3-night Las Vegas vacation for two including airfare and dinner at the famous Tropicana Steakhouse

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.”