The Invitational Shootout

Two-Person Scramble Charity Golf Event

Hennessy-York and Smith Drop The Hammer

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2015 ChampionsThroughout 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.”

Shane swingThe 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.”

Aaron Knight Prepares for the 2009 Shootout

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After reading of his game’s demise on the Shootout website, Aaron Knight has embarked on an intense training and practice regimen in preparation for Saturday’s showdown culminating in his participation in this year’s Memorial Tourney Skins Game in Dublin, Ohio.

“I was shocked, but not totally surprised when Jack {Nicklaus} asked me to participate this year” said Knight. Nicklaus was in complete admiration of Knight’s revamped swing when touring Redtail Gold Course in Lakewood, IL as part of a course revamp. “When I saw him swing, I was reminded of some of the game’s greats and said to myself, he has to be included…”

John Boyle Announces His Return

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With 11 appearances, including a victory at Maple Meadows in 1999, not many players have meant more to The Invitational Shootout than the incomparable John Boyle. The competition committee is proud to announce that Mr. Boyle will compete in this year’s event with partner to be determined.

“JB was with us for the inaugural event in 1994 at Carillon and it’s great to have him back once again this year” said Mike Howley. “Quite simply, John is what The Shootout is all about.”

George Les Guarantees Victory

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GEORGE LESWith a championship and runner-up finish in only two Tournament starts, it’s easy to see why George Les is confident about his chances at the 2009 Invitational Shootout. He and partner Dominic Dallio are certainly among the favorites to capture the title once again this year.

In fact, George is so confident in his team he has guaranteed victory on June 6th at Water’s Edge Golf Club. “I have no doubt that Dominic and I will once again emerge victorious at The Invitational Shootout” said Les. “We look forward to joining the legendary Ray Shinkle and Walter Lis as the only two-time Tournament Champions.

Tom Senne Returns to The Shootout

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When he returns to competition June 6th after a one-year hiatus from the Tournament, Tom Senne will bring with him one of the most accomplished resumes in Shootout history. A three-time runner-up with nine top ten finishes, Senne will this year be partnering with 2006 Champion Michael Howley.

“Tom’s incredible tenacity and will to win has always made him a force to be reckoned with at The Shootout” said Howley. “I feel his partner has truly held him back from the ultimate goal of winning this event. I plan on making that dream a reality in 2009.”

Hill and Knight Going in Wrong Direction for Different Reasons

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Commentary by 2006 Shootout Champion Mike Howley

Joe Hill has gone the way of John Daly…too much Tennessee booze, Pall Mall coffin nails and trailer parties with women with names like Trixiebelle and Shirlene have wrecked a once promising golf career. The only question is when John Eterno, Hill’s long time golf partner, will decide to pull the plug on the golf partnership.

AARON_KNIGHTAaron Knight on the other hand remains the Shootout’s greatest enigma. Will his poor performance this year be due to the nerves of performing on the greatest stage of all, the travel fatigue associated with the long journey to the southside or the recent revelation of a 4th Knight sibling? He no doubt will use all of these excuses to explain why another title eludes him in ’09.