The Invitational Shootout

Two-Person Scramble Charity Golf Event

George Les Wins His Fourth Shootout

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GEORGE LESIt 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

Three Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

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Collectively, the trio of Len Piersialla, Dan Ricci and Walter Lis Sr. have participated in the Invitational Shootout 33 times. In addition, they’ve been strong supporters of the tournament every year, helping raise the awareness and reach of the Midwest’s top two-person scramble golf tournament.

To honor their efforts and participation, Piersialla, Ricci and Lis were recently honored with the prestigious Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement award. The golfers were presented the award by 2010 Lifetime Schievement Award winner John Boyle.

“I’m proud of winning The Shootout in 1999 with my partner Tom Scanlon” said John Boyle. “But I tell my kids about my Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement award. Winning this honor goes way beyond what we do on the course and it really helps put things into perspective. These guys will cherish this award for the rest of their lives.”

“I have a great time playing in The Shootout with Dan” said Len Piersialla. “It’s something we both look forward to every spring and helping support a charitable organization like The Helping Hand makes this tournament a must on my calendar every year.”

2011 Lifetime Achievement Awards

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JOHN_GROARKTwo pillars of The Shootout were honored this year by the tournament competition committee with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Tom Senne and John Groark became only the 3rd and 4th participants to receive this prestigious honor.

Tom Senne has participated in 13 of the 18 Invitational Shootouts, including the inaugural event in 1994. He’s also the record holder for most 2nd place finishes with four. Tom’s intensity and competitive spirit has consistently kept him at the top of the leaderboard for nearly two decades.

John Groark was one of the original 16 players to compete at the 1994 Invitational Shootout. Since then he’s shown a steady willingness to adjust his game with different partners, including a 3rd place finish in 2011 with long-hitting Kyle Kickert. John also partnered with Bob Barasa to shoot a five under par 67, to win the Legends Division of the 2007 Invitational Shootout.

2010 Lifetime Achievement Awards

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JOHN BOYLE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDHe’s appeared in 13 of the 17 Invitational Shootout tournaments, including the inaugural 1994 event at The Links at Carillon in Plainfield. He’s an Invitational Shootout Champion, winning the memorable 1999 event at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale with partner Tom Scanlon. He’s also an accomplished diver and philanthropist, leading the 2008 Dive for Charity at the Shootout.

He is the legendary John Boyle, who joined Mike Fahey Saturday as the only competitors to be honored with the Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement award honors individuals who make an extraordinary commitment to the event and the cause of the Invitational Shootout.

“When this event first started in 1994, we were just a bunch of guys who liked to play golf and compete” said John Boyle. “What this event has evolved into is just mind-boggling. I’m so proud to be involved with these people for such a worthy cause. This year I partnered with my dad and hopefully some day I’ll share this experience with my son as well.”

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.”