History – Page 4

Will History Repeat Itself in 2014?

May 6, 2014 by retlaw17

Although it happened ten years ago, Joe Hill remembers his victory with Walter Lis in the 2004 Invitational Shootout as if it were yesterday. “It really doesn’t seem that long ago” said Joe Hill. “I started out red hot and Walter got us into the playoff. We played two holes in sudden death and I hit a long putt from the fringe for the victory.”

Hill and Lis defeated the team of Aaron Knight and Mike Kroening for the victory at Maple Meadows Country Club in Wood Dale. “I wasn’t surprised that Joe drained the putt off the green on the second playoff hole to beat us. He was playing terrific golf at the time and had a great deal of confidence. I told Mike that we needed to make birdie on that hole because Joe looked ready. Unfortunately, I was right.”

The victory at the 2004 Invitational Shootout was the first for Joe Hill and the second for Walter Lis. “I’ve won in 1994, 2004 and am expecting another title in 2014” said Walter Lis. “It’s great to look back on the victory in 2004, especially considering how hard we had to fight to get it. It’s a great reminder that the path to greatness is along with others.”

Flagg Creek Showdown

June 20, 2013 by retlaw17

Mick McDonnell defeated Ryan Mouw in the inaugural Flagg Creek Showdown Wednesday evening before a large gallery in Countryside. Combatants in the annual McMouw Cup, Mick and Ryan faced each other in a stroke-play format, with McDonnell emerging the victor in a hard-fought match that finished in virtual darkness on the 9th hole.

“Although Ryan had a bit of a rough start, I knew I had to keep the throttle down the entire match in order stay in front” said McDonnell. “He may be down, but he’s really never out, especially in the Flagg Creek Showdown. I hit some really good iron shots on the par three 6th and 8th holes. I didn’t hit as many putts as I wanted, but I’m pretty happy with a score of 50.”

“Taking nothing away from Mick, today just wasn’t my day” said Ryan Mouw. “I felt a bit out of sorts on the range and things never really got better. I had a few mental lapses which cost me, like hitting from the red tees on the second hole. My plan is to take some time away from the game so I can be mentally and physically ready to reclaim the McMouw Cup in 2014.”

Event Photos

Garcia and Les Win The 2013 Invitational Shootout

June 2, 2013 by retlaw17

The 20th Annual Invitational Shootout featured an expected battle of famous names. Two-time Champion Ray Shinkle and partner Mike Howley brought three wool jackets to the competition on Saturday and were among the favorites to capture the crown. Their toughest competiton 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 would battle the Shinkle/Howley dream team in overtime on a saturated Saturday at 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 20th Annual 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 universially 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.”

Invitational Shootout Opening Ceremonies

May 26, 2013 by retlaw17

The opening ceremonies at the 20th Annual Invitational Shootout will once again feature a salute to previous year’s winners of The McMouw Cup. Last year younger brothers Larry McDonnell and Ryan Mouw outlasted older brothers Mick McDonnell and Ron Mouw by one stroke on the final hole to gain control of the coveted McMouw Cup. Therefore Larry and Ryan will have the honor of hitting the first ball along and vuvuzela serenade.

Take a look at the scenes from the 2012 Invitational Shootout as the master of ceremonies introduces the winners.

Shootout Rookies Feeling the Heat

May 19, 2013 by retlaw17

Tom Lang Sr. and Tom Lang Jr., are two rookies who months ago received the invite from the Shootout Competition Committee to compete in the Invitational Shootout. When Tom Sr. received the invite he was proud that the Committee recognized that he had performed well enough in 2012 to bypass the usual rookie Qualifying Round. However, Tom Sr., or Big T as he refers to himself on the links, questioned whether his son deserved similar treatment.

Tom Sr. stated, “I guess I come from a different generation where we had to work hard just to earn an opportunity to prove ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited about my son competing in the Shootout and I respect the Committee’s decision. However, I just feel that young Tom has not proven that he has what it takes to compete at this level.” Tom Jr., pictured, respectfully disagreed with his father and even chided him for only playing non-challenging courses like Hickory Hills Country Club. Tom Jr. lamented that, “my father’s low scores may have impressed the Competition Committee, but playing Hickory Hills Golf Course 5 times a year does not prepare him for the difficult course set up and pressure at the Shootout.”

Regardless of where you stand on whether Big T and Jr. deserved Qualifying Round exemptions, there is little doubt that both Shootout Rookies’ nerves are frayed as they must be questioning whether they are ready to compete on golf’s grandest stage.

Will 2013 Bring King George The Third?

May 11, 2013 by retlaw17

Few players in the history of The Invitational Shootout can match the performance of George Les. A two-time Shootout Champion and the winner of the inaugural Shootout Wedge Tournament, “King George” has consistently proven himself under the intense pressure on golf’s biggest stage.

Les quickly made an impact in his first tournament, winning the 2007 Invitational Shootout with long-time partner Dominic Dallio. He lost in a playoff in 2008 to the Armstrong brothers and finished second to Kevin “Hammer” Hyland and Dave Neill in 2009. George returned to glory once again in 2011 with an impressive three stroke victory. Les and Dallio finished second last year to 2012 Champions Dan Cerny and Kyle Kickert.

“I think people have a tendency to overlook George because he’s just so consistent” said 2009 Champion Dave Neill. “The guy seems to figure out a way to be in the hunt year after year. His consistency is really quite amazing.”

It’s stunning to measure the incomparable excellence and consistency of George Les’ brief Tournament history. In his six-year career at The Shootout, George has won twice and finished second three times. All told, the team of Dallio and Les are a combined 35 under par since 2007, a jaw-dropping 21 strokes better than any other team.

“I think George really does intimidate a lot of guys in The Shootout to the point where they start pressing immediately” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “They know George will be posting birdies from the minute he grabs a club and they feel they have to attempt abnormally difficult shots to match his brilliance. However, they wind up playing themselves out of the Tournament.”

“The guy has finished in the top two just about every time he’s played” said 2004 runner-up Aaron Knight. “He’s obviously proven himself to be the best player out here, so all we can do is try to prevent King George from grabbing his third crown.”

Shootout Competition Committee Reviewing EZeeGolf Allegations

April 25, 2013 by retlaw17

On Tuesday, April 23, 2013 the Shootout Competition Committee (the “Committee”) convened an emergency meeting at the behest of the reigning McMouw Brothers Champions, Larry McDonnell and Ryan Mouw. Allegedly, Michael McDonnell, who along with Ron Mouw lost the 2012 McMouw Cup in spectacular fashion, has ordered and plans to compete with a set of EZeeGolf clubs.

Ryan Mouw testified before the Committee and stated, “I have it on good authority that Mick already has purchased these EZeeGolf clubs and has them in the trunk of his car.” Ryan then presented the Committee with the video above that most would view as some kind of joke. “Mick realizes that the Shootout has not specifically banned the use of these clubs and that these may be the only clubs that he (Mick) cannot shank,” stated Larry McDonnell. In his concluding remarks, Ryan Mouw emphatically noted that “Mick McDonnell and Ron Mouw, particularly Mick, will stop at nothing to regain the McMouw Brothers Cup. While the Competition Committee correctly banned the use of deer antler spray, it also must act quickly to ban the use of these sham clubs before a mockery is made of this historic event!”

After several hours of careful deliberation the Competition Committee voted to approve the recommended ban on the use of EZeeGolf clubs during tournament competition. Mick McDonnell and Ron Mouw did not respond to the Committee’s repeated efforts to contact them. It remains unclear whether Mick McDonnell will opt to use the EZee clubs during his upcoming Swingin’ Seniors Golf League at Fresh Meadow Golf Club in Hillside.

2003 Invitational Shootout Playoff Revisited

April 9, 2013 by retlaw17

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 Brian 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 Brian 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 Brian 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 Brian 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.”

Howley/Shinkle Announce Unlikely Partnership for 20th Shootout

January 15, 2013 by retlaw17

The stakes continue to rise for the 20th Invitational Shootout as two former champions and bitter rivals today announced a most unlikely partnership. Two-time Shootout Champion Ray Shinkle and 2006 Shoootout Champion have announced their intentions to compete as a team on June 1st in the 2013 Invitational Shootout.

Said Howley, “Following numerous inquiries from interested golfers looking to be my partner, I am proud to announce that I wish to give Mr. Ray “the Predator” Shinkle another legitimate opportunity at a Shootout Title. While Ray and myself have been fierce rivals for years, we both understand what it takes to be a Shootout Champion. Mark January, 15, 2013 on your calendars as the day that Team Howley/Shinkle sent shockwaves across the Midwest as the new team to beat in the Shootout.”

These two former Champions will bring considerable firepower to Water’s Edge as teammates this year. As individuals, they’ve won three Shootout titles with three different partners. Despite their incredibly high expectations, some have criticized this unlikely pairing and minimized their chances at success.

“I respect the heck out of these guys as individuals” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “But I really question their ability to play as a team. These two guys are used to having their own way, so what happens when they have to make sacrifices on the course? I just don’t think it will work.”

“It’s laughable to think these two guys will even crack the top five this year at the biggest Shootout ever” said 2009 Champion Dave Neill. “What have either of these guys done since 2006? They forget what The Hammer and I did in 2009. The game has changed and so has The Shootout.”

Cerny and Kickert Win 2012 Invitational Shootout

June 9, 2012 by retlaw17

Dan Cerny and Kyle Kickert overcame a massive field, including six former Champions, to win the 2012 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge Golf Club in Worth. This was Cerny’s first appearance in the Shootout and only the second start for Kickert, who paired with Lifetime Achievement Award Winner John Groark in 2011.

Cerny and Kickert used clutch putting and long driving to post an 8-under par 64, defeating second place finishers Dominic Dallio and George Les by four strokes. Cerny drained four putts over 15 feet and the 6’8″ Kickert used his enormous wingspan to consistently drive the ball over 300 yards, leaving short irons into the green for the Champions.

“I’m really proud of Dan’s performance today under such enormous pressure” said Kyle Kickert. “Here’s a guy who’s never faced this kind of intensity and he’s dropping putts from everywhere. Dan’s definitely got ice water in his veins to play at this level on Midwest golf’s biggest stage.”

Fans of the Invitational Shootout were introduced to Kyle Kickert in 2011 when he won the long drive crown with an amazing 347 yard blast. Kickert and Groark finished third last year, losing to Dallio and Les by four strokes.

“Dan and Kyle played really well” said two-time Invitational Shootout Champion George Les. “We didn’t play our best, it’s that simple. However, this won’t happen again. I guarantee that we’ll win next year.”