The Invitational Shootout

Two-Person Scramble Charity Golf Event

Senne’s Capture Legend’s Crown

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He’s played in the fourth most Invitational Shootout tournaments and finished second more times than any other player, but for Tom Senne, all he needed was help from his father to become a Shootout Legends division Champion. Father Bob and son Tom Senne partnered together for the first time and brought home the 2012 Legends division title with a score of 1-over par 73. The Senne’s won by three strokes over the team of John Dillon and Ross Fisher, who carded a score of 4-over par 76.

“It’s kind of ironic that I needed my dad’s help to finally win here, after so many close calls over the years” said Tom Senne. “I guess it proves that my dad is still always right and that’s fine with me. He played really well today and allowed me to hit the ball as hard as I could. Who knew we would be such a good team?”

A 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Tom Senne finished in second place in the 2007 Invitational Shootout, losing to Dominic Dallio and George Les by one stroke. He was tied for the lead heading to the 18th hole in the 2001 Shootout at Maple Meadows, only to be victimized by a miraculous birdie by eventually champions Walsh and Wolak. At the inaugural Shootout in 1994, Senne and partner Mike Howley finished in second place, two strokes behind Champions Walter Lis and Mike Roach.

“If there’s one thing Senne’s are good at, it’s fighting” said Bob Senne. “We might be down, but we’re never out. We knew that if we could keep making pars and find a birdie or two, we would be alright.”

George Les Wins Inaugural Shootout Wedge Tournament

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One of the most clutch performers in Shootout history proved his mettle once again by winning the inaugural Shootout Wedge Tournament. Two-time Invitational Shootout Champion George Les performed remarkably to win this first-time event, nearly holing his second shot in the finals to secure the victory.

“This type of an event is right up my alley because I love to compete” said George Les. “When others start to get nervous, I get focused. My performance did not surprise me since I always play better when I have pressure and an audience.”

Tournament organizers were thrilled with the response to this new addition to Shootout Saturday and hinted at a bigger and better event in 2013. “I think we saw how much fun an event like this could be” said organizer Ray Shinkle. “We definitely learned a lot and are looking forward to making this a highlight of Shootout Saturday for years to come.”

Larry and Ryan Win 2012 McMouw Cup

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It’s been called the ultimate war of attrition on a golf course. The battle for the 2012 McMouw Cup certainly lived up to that moniker as 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.

After enduring an entire year of disappointment from losing the inaugural competition between brothers, Larry and Ryan dedicated themselves to improving their games with the hope of victory in 2012. Their efforts were rewarded after sinking the final putt on the 18th hole to preserve the victory.

Both McDonnell brothers were less than 100 percent on Shootout Saturday. Larry McDonnell was afflicted with a digestive virus that left him dehydrated for much of the round and desperately in need of fluids on the final hole. Brother Mick played despite a painful wrist injury that many feared might not allow him compete at all.

“Larry displayed the heart of a champion today” said partner Ryan Mouw. “He was nauseous and weak all day long, but somehow he still managed to hit some great shots and lead us to victory. I’m also really pleased with how we performed under such intense pressure. We didn’t want to lose the Cup the first two years, because it would become even more difficult next year. I’m looking forward to bringing this Cup everywhere I go for the next year.”

Event Photos

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McMouw Cup Behind The Scenes

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Competition for the McMouw Cup at the 2012 Invitational Shootout should be at an all-time high. Both teams have spent the past 364 days working on their golf games with the hope of capturing possession of this highly coveted trophy. Here are some behind-the-scenes moments on the driving range as the McMouw Cup competitors prepare for battle.

Hammer Hyland to Join 2012 Shootout Field?

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Multiple sources have indicated that 2009 Invitational Shootout Champion Hammer Hyland is considering participation in the 2012 Invitational Shootout. Widely considered as the most dominant player in the history of the tournament, Hammer has not appeared in the field since winning in 2009. Most experts anticipated Hammer’s return in 2013 for the 20th Annual Invitational Shootout. However, Hammer may be looking for a warm-up event before the major event next year.

Hyland and partner Dave Neill set the all-time record for best score with a ten-under par 62 during their triumphant surprise appearance in 2009. Hyland, a two-time NCAA All-American and Walker Cup finalist, destroyed the formidable Water’s Edge Golf Club with his prodigious power and laser-like short irons. Hyland and Neill’s dominance in 2009 was unprecedented, leading many Shootout teams to adjust their diet and training habits to catch up with the dynamic duo.

As an Invitational Shootout Champion, Hammer Hyland has until Wednesday, May 30th to officially accept his invitation into the 2012 field. If he does decide to participate, there is a good chance the competition committee could pair him with last year’s champions, George Les and Dominic Dallio.

George Les Guarantees Shootout Victory

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Speaking to a group of local leaders, for the third time in the last four years, two-time Champion George Les once again guaranteed victory in this year’s tournament. Winner of the 2007 Invitational Shootout Championship and the 2011 Invitational Shootout Championship, Les and partner Dominic Dallio are prohibitive favorites to win their third set of plaid jackets, becoming the first golfers to win the Shootout three times.

“Dom and I are very excited and very confident about our chances this year” said George Les. “In fact, I think it would be a real shock if we didn’t win our third crown this year. My short game has never been better and Dominic is hitting the ball father than ever. We’ve been at the top of the Shootout Power Rankings since last year and I don’t think anyone else is really close.”

Dallio and Les won last year’s event by shooting a 63, three strokes better than their nearest competitors. Both the second place (Burke/Burke) and the third place (Groark/Kickert) teams will not be in the field this year. The next closest team from 2011 was Vince Cainkar and Mike Howley, a team that finished a distant five strokes behind Dallio and Les.

“George Les is definitely the favorite” said 2004 Invitational Shootout Champion Joe Hill. “But John Eterno and I aren’t going to lay down for anyone.” Two-time Champion Ray Shinkle agreed “Listen, Dom and George are a great team. But they could bring back Hammer Hyland and we’re still not going just give him the trophy. Let’s see what happens on Shootout Saturday.”

Has The McMouw Cup Disappeared?

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The highly coveted McMouw Cup, which is annually presented to the triumphant McDonnell and Mouw brother combination at The Invitational Shootout, has reportedly vanished. The Cup was awarded to Mick McDonnell and Ron Mouw at the 2011 Shootout and subsequently made numerous public appearances throughout the past year. Then in early April, according to the team of Ryan and Larry, the Cup disappeared from the elder McMouw brothers.

“Ron and Mick proudly displayed the Cup at every public and family gathering they attended” said Mike Howley. “That Cup was definitely becoming a part of their families, I’m shocked that it’s missing.”

“I put together a short list of trophy shops for you, so you can order a new McMouw Cup” teased Ryan Mouw. “I’m sure any any of these will work. Larry and I prefer a new trophy for 2012 anyways.”

Replied 2011 McMouw Cup winner Mick McDonnell, “Ha, I can guarantee few things in life, but I can guarantee that I have lost nothing, period, and that a McMouw cup WILL be present at this year’s tournament…perhaps with revised custody rules.”

Tournament officials have begun their initial investigation and will be interviewing all parties within the next week in advance of the 2012 Invitational Shootout on Saturday, June 2.

Aaron Knight Crowned People’s Champion

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After losing in a playoff at the 2004 Invitational Shootout, most experts believed Aaron Knight was poised for greatness. His silky swing and competitive personality was unique among Tournament competitors. After finishing sixth with partner Tony Bruno in 2003, Knight came painfully close in 2004 with partner Mike Kroening.

Despite all that potential, nearly ten years after his first appearance at The Shootout, Aaron Knight is still searching for his first victory. This troubling fact confounds many Shootout Champions who expected Knight would eventually join their ranks.

“With his ball striking and temperament, I’m stunned that Aaron Knight hasn’t won yet” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “Let’s face it, Aaron’s got a great swing and a solid short game” said two-time Champion Ray Shinkle. “It doesn’t make sense why he hasn’t won yet.” Said 2009 Shootout Champion Hammer Hyland “Aaron’s got what it takes to win this thing. Unfortunately, he just hasn’t done it.”

Although he’s certainly disappointed in his fruitless quest for the plaid jacket so far, Knight is far from giving up. “Listen, I’ve had my chances” said Aaron Knight. “But for one reason or another it hasn’t worked out yet. And despite my setbacks, I’m still one of the most popular players in the history of The Shootout. In fact, I’ve heard from a lot of supportive fans who really want me to win. At this point in my career, I feel like I’m The People’s Champion, which is pretty cool.”

Boyle Family to Break New Ground

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With virtually nothing left to prove at The Invitational Shootout, John Boyle continues to break new ground with the recent announcement that he will be partnering with his son Jack Boyle for the 2012 event. Jack will be the third generation representative at The Shootout, joining his grandfather, father and uncle to play in the world’s most prestigious two-person golf scramble.

Jack Boyle, who is a top-ranked player for Lemont High School, will be joining his father John, a 1999 Invitational Shootout Champion and a 2010 winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. John Boyle has played the last two tournaments with his father John Boyle Sr. The elder Boyle could be paired with another son, Mike Boyle, for the 2012 event.

“I’m really looking forward to not only playing The Shootout with my son Jack, but exposing him to the intense pressure of this spectacular tournament” said John Boyle. “He’s never felt anything close to the tension that he’ll be feeling on the first tee at The Shootout. It will be great to share this moment with our entire family.”

Ten Years Later, Ray Shinkle Still Stands Alone

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HOWLEY_SHINKLE_225After winning the second of back-to-back Invitational Shootout championships via a thrilling playoff victory in 2003, it was clear Ray Shinkle had earned his place in tournament history. Ten years have passed and he still stands alone as the only man to have won The Shootout in two consecutive years with two different partners.

In the years since the Donley/Shinkle victory in 2003, the majority of plaid jackets have been worn by long-time teammates. Victorious teams such as Welder/Wits, Dallio/Les and the Amstrongs have played together in the Shootout for multiple years. In fact, since Shinkle’s remarkable feat in 2003, only the 2004 Invitational Shootout Championship team of Hill/Lis have played in multiple Shootouts individually, while winning in their only Shootout performance together.

“I think we’ve entered the era of consistent teams in The Shootout” says Mike Howley. “It’s doubtful that we’ll see anyone ever approach Ray’s record of back-to-back wins with different partners. Now days, teams are practicing together, detailing strategies and playing to their strengths. It’s a different world.”

“Ray definitely changed this event, he’s had very much the same impact Arnold Palmer has had on The Masters” said Joe Hill. “His charisma and magnetism attracted a whole new audience to The Shootout.”