McMouw Cup

McMouw Cup 2025 Recap: A Victory for the Ages, and a Loss for the Generations

June 8, 2025 by retlaw17

In an inspiring display of resilience, questionable club selection, and relentless trash talk, Mickey McDonnell and Ron Mouw emerged victorious in the 2025 edition of the McMouw Cup, posting a mighty 85 at George Dunne National to take down the father-son duo of Larry McDonnell and his rookie son Ryan, who carded a valiant-but-wobbly 93.

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. A statement that said, “We may not be good, but we are better than you.”

For Ron and Mickey, this triumph marks another glorious chapter in their chaotic legacy at The Invitational Shootout. For Larry and Ryan? Well… they got a trophy too. Just not the kind you’d put on the mantle.

Ryan, making his much-hyped Shootout debut, came in with high expectations, a sweet swing, and a brand-new polo. Unfortunately, golf had other plans. His welcome to the McMouw Cup included missed putts, lost balls, and enough unsolicited advice from his dad to qualify for a teaching credential. Meanwhile, Larry brought years of experience — just none of it helpful that day.

Despite the spirited efforts of Team McDonnell Jr. and Sr., the wheels slowly came off somewhere around Hole 5, rolled into the rough, and were never seen again. By the back nine, their dreams of a comeback were floating in the pond — possibly along with one of their wedges.

Mickey, never one to miss a moment of celebration or mockery, seized the opportunity in true Shootout fashion. With a gleam in his eye and a flair for public humiliation, he presented Larry and Ryan with a garish trophy that read: “Worst Father/Son Golf Team” — a heartfelt tribute to their historic 93.

Ron Mouw

But he didn’t stop there. No, sir. With the confidence of a man who just found the fairway for the second time all day, Mickey also awarded Larry and Ryan the honor for 2025, 2026, and 2027, citing “anticipated future performance trends” and a commitment to consistency.

The McMouw Cup continues to be a cornerstone of Invitational Shootout lore — part rivalry, part comedy show, part experimental athletic tragedy. And while Ron and Mickey get to bask in the warm, mostly undeserved glow of victory, Larry and Ryan walk away with something even more valuable: a giant target on their back for next year… and a participation trophy no one will let them forget.

Congratulations to Ron and Mickey, champions of the 2025 McMouw Cup — and to Larry and Ryan, our reigning Worst Father/Son Team four years running. May your next round be better. It almost has to be.

Full Metal Mulligan: The McMouw Cup Wars

May 24, 2025 by retlaw17

Since its inception at the 2011 Invitational Shootout, the McMouw Cup has generated some of the most shocking, noteworthy and incomprehensible moments in tournament history. The Cup is contested annually between members of the McDonnell and Mouw families, adding a familial rivalry to the tournament’s competitive spirit. Over the years, the McMouw Cup has been the centerpiece of some of the most dramatic and memorable moments in the event’s history.

The McMouw Cup’s blend of familial rivalry and competitive golf exemplifies the unique character of the Invitational Shootout. Its history is rich with stories of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dramatic finishes, making it a highlight of the event each year. As the tournament approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, the McMouw Cup continues to symbolize the enduring traditions and spirited competition that define the Invitational Shootout.

Wrist Injury Can’t Stop a Legend

Mick McDonnell warming up his injured wrist.

In 2012, Mick McDonnell delivered one of the most inspiring performances in Invitational Shootout history during the McMouw Cup. Despite suffering from a severe wrist injury, McDonnell chose to compete, fearing that medical advice might prevent his participation. On the practice range, he struggled with a bulky wrist sleeve but ultimately discarded it on the first tee.

Defying the odds, McDonnell played the round of his career, leading his partner Ron Mouw to an improbable victory over Ryan Mouw and Larry McDonnell. This act of determination and resilience has since been celebrated as one of the tournament’s greatest moments.

Boyle’s Stroke Play Confusion Leads to Epic Comeback

Most observers were unsure of how the battle for the Cup would be impacted by a new face in 2024. But few were disappointed after another remarkable competition led to a draw and the Cup staying with Ron Mouw and Mick McDonnell for another year.

1999 Shootout Champion John Boyle partnered with Larry McDonnell to take on Ron and Mick, delivering an epic battle that won’t soon be forgotten. The match was decided on the final two holes as Boyle/McDonnell erased a three stroke advantage on their 17th hole before both teams finished with par on the final hole and similar scores of 92.

With the tie, Mouw/McDonnell retain the Cup for another year and both teams are already looking forward to another monumental clash in 2025 at the historic 30th Invitational Shootout.

“It was a good old-fashioned slugfest out there today” said Lifetime Achievement Award winner Mick McDonnell. “There were fireworks out on that course today and they came from both teams. I’ve got all the respect in the world for these guys and we look forward to defending the McMouw Cup next year at the historic 30th Invitational Shootout.”

“I thought we were playing stroke play for the first few holes” said John Boyle. “When Ron and Mick said they were up by three, I was shocked. What they meant was they were up by three strokes – not three holes. I then told Larry that they key to victory will be staying in the fight through the entire 18 holes. That mindset was key because it took us 17 holes to eventually tie the match. I’m disappointed that we didn’t get possession of the McMouw Cup, but I guarantee that we’ll bring it home next year at the historic 30th Invitational Shootout.”

Invitational Shootout Qualifiers Face Long Odds

May 10, 2015 by retlaw17

As qualifying rounds begin this week, the Tournament future of dozens of Shootout hopefuls hangs in the balance. First conducted before the 1999 event, the purpose of the qualifying rounds is to give golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to earn an invitation into the Midwest’s most popular two-person scramble event.

In order to compete in any of the first five Shootouts, participants received an invitation directly from the Tournament Competition Committee. Golfers were selected based on their performance in other local events. Although this meant The Shootout would feature most of the top players in the area, many high-quality golfers were unable to make it into the field.

To help grow the Tournament and widen the competitive base, the Invitational Shootout Qualifying process was established. Since its introduction, seven Shootout champions have earned their way into the field by qualifying.

“I remember before our first Shootout at Maple Meadows back in 1999” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “John and I had to qualify to get invited and The Competition Committee was a little concerned whether we would be skilled enough to play. Both John and I played nine holes with a Shootout Committee member following us. Although I can’t remember the score, we didn’t have too much trouble making the cut.”

Although there were two qualifiers in 1999, Joe Hill and John Eterno were the only players to make the cut. The next year The Shootout had three times the number of players looking to qualify, so three different events were conducted. The three qualifiers were hosted at Flagg Creek Golf Course, Palos Municipal and River Bend in Woodridge.

Probably the most embarrassing qualifier was 2010 when Dave Hyland and Kevin Neill played their qualifying round at The Links at Carillon. No one knew that both Hyland and Neill played college golf until they hit their first shots. “Hammer” Hyland nearly drove the 330-yard first hole on the White Course. Hyland/Neill would go on to the set the all-time low scoring record in the 2009 Shootout. From that point on, players with scratch handicaps or better were no longer required to qualify.

This year’s qualifying rounds are expected to attract some of the best players in the Chicagoland area. With 2015 Shootout registrations at an all-time high, Tournament officials expect as few as four spots will be available to qualifiers.

“I’m working with a number of young players at Fresh Meadow Golf Club to help them get ready for their Shootout qualifiers” said McMouw Cup Champion Mick McDonnell. “With only a few qualifying spots available I feel bad for a lot of these guys who have been working on their game throughout the offseason.”

Big Brothers Retain McMouw Cup

June 9, 2014 by retlaw17

Despite an astonishing improvement over last year’s blowout, the team of Larry McDonnell and Ryan Mouw were unable to come back from an early deficit, losing the McMouw Cup for the second straight year to Mick McDonnell and Ron Mouw. The Big Brothers needed a strong finish to retain the Cup with a three stroke victory over Larry and Ryan.

Both teams showed tremendous progress over last year and both posted their lowest scores in the four-year history of The McMouw Cup. The Younger Brothers last won the Cup in 2012 with a 16-over par score of 88. This year they lost by three with a score of 84.

“I’ve got to give Larry and Ryan a lot of credit” said Mick McDonnell. “They started slowly, but really played their hearts out on the back nine today. It was a lot easier to put these guys away a couple years ago, but they’ve worked hard on their games and are much stronger mentally.”

“It’s always disappointing when you lose the McMouw Cup” said Ryan Mouw. “But I’m really proud of our effort today. I’ve been working on my swing and my approach to the game with my coach, Mike Mandakas over at The Chicago Players Club. Mike and his team have made a huge impact on my game and it showed today. I’m really looking forward to the Flagg Creek Showdown this year.”

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

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 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.

Larry and Ryan Win 2012 McMouw Cup

June 9, 2012 by retlaw17

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

May 27, 2012 by retlaw17

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.

Has The McMouw Cup Disappeared?

April 30, 2012 by retlaw17

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.