The Invitational Shootout

Two-Person Scramble Charity Golf Event

Your Favorite Shootout Moments

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Recently we interviewed some of the Shootout greats to collect their favorite moments from the past 30 years. Although their experiences vary, they all share a passion and love for the most respected two-person golf scramble in the Midwest.

Joe Hill – Although winning the Shootout in 2004 with Walter Lis was amazing, I think my favorite Shootout moment was the previous year when John Eterno and I faced Ray Shinkle and Brian Donley in a playoff. Although we lost, John and I had a great time playing in front of the huge crowd that watched us compete on the 18th hole at Maple Meadows. Obviously our downfall was when we both lost our tee balls in the woods to the right. However, we still were able to chase a shot onto the green, forcing Ray to hit a clutch putt for the victory.

Shane Hennessy-York – People always ask me what it was like to win the 2015 Invitational Shootout. I tell them it was obviously a dream come true and something that I will always be grateful for. However, I think my favorite moment was actually competing for the first time in 2014 with my partner that year, Joe Schley. I had heard so much discussion around the office in the months leading up to the Invitational Shootout that I really didn’t know what to expect. We played well that year, but I’m sure the pressure of the moment certainly kept us from achieving our full potential that year.

Tom Jemilo – My favorite Shootout moment was receiving the invite to actually play in the event for the first time in 2015. Matt Grant and I played against Greg DiBona and Tom Lang in a Shootout qualifier that year. We took a quick lead, but eventually the experience of the DiBona and Lang was just too much for Matt and I. As we sat dejectedly the parking lot after the round pondering our future, I questioned whether we would every get the opportunity to play in the most respected two-person scramble in the Midwest. When I heard the news that we received an exemption and would be allowed to compete in the 2015 Invitational Shootout after all, I was filled with joy. That was one of the best moments of my life.

Mick McDonnell – My favorite Shootout moment was definitely winning the first McMouw Cup in 2011. When Ron and I beat Larry and Ryan back then, there basically were no rules. The competition was in its infancy, which meant we could do just about anything to try and throw off the competition. Over the years we used all sorts of noise makers and projectiles, including fireworks to gain an advantage. Ryan and Larry also turned the tables on us plenty of times, so I have no regrets whatsoever.

George Les – After winning in 2007 and 2011 with Dominic Dallio, I was incredibly proud to win in 2014 with Paul Manolitsis. I became the first three-time Invitational Shootout champion and I proved I could do with different partners. Although Dom and Paul are both great players, they’re also very different. I’m excited for the opportunity to get my sixth win, this time with a new partner. I think a lot of guys are going to be surprised when we’re wearing those beautiful jackets this year.

Hammer Hyland – Although Ry and I have only played in one event so far, the 2009 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge was a blast. Ry and I could both hit the ball a country mile at that point in our careers, so we decided to play super aggressive and challenge every green and every pin possible. We reached all the Par 5’s in two that day and basically overpowered the golf course. We had so much fun testing ourselves in such a highly respected event.

Tom Senne – Certainly playing with my dad was great and winning the Legends Division multiple times is something I’m really proud of. But I think my favorite memory was competing in the first Invitational Shootout back in 1994. I don’t think anyone had an idea of how big this event would eventually become when we all met at The Links at Carillon before the start of the first Shootout. Competing as a two-person team was a hit right away, and I loved the feeling of fighting for the first title as we reached the 18th hole. Although Mike Howley and I came up a bit short, it was definitely an amazing experience.

Could Hammer Hyland Be Preparing a Comeback in 2018?

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hammer-tauntAfter the record-breaking performance in 2016 by the team of Shane Hennessy-York and Greg Smith, it was a forgone conclusion that the Shootout’s best teams would be gunning for the champions. But few expected an Invitational Shootout legend would resurface after a nine-year hibernation.

Speaking through his Twitter account, former Champion Kevin “Hammer” Hyland mentioned a possible return to the Invitational Shootout for the first time since his 2009 triumph with partner Dave Neill. Universally recognized as the most dominant Champion in tournament history, Hyland has competed only once in the Invitational Shootout.

hammer-tweet

In 2015, Hennessy-York and Smith finished 11 under par to win by three strokes over Derek Cook and Steve Jandernoa. The winning score of 61 broke the previous record of 62, set by Hyland and Neill in 2009.

“I’ll be honest, I really don’t know what to think.” said Shane Hennessy-York. “If The Hammer plays this year, great. As far as I’m concerned, he’s making a big mistake by trying to capture his glory days. The Shootout has changed because the quality of player has gone up exponentially since Hammer’s day.”

HAMMER HYLAND

HAMMER HYLAND

Not surprisingly, most long-time players don’t share Hennessy-York’s bravado. “Make no mistake, Hammer Hyland is a game-changer” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “He could literally smash Hennessy-York and use him as a tee. The Hammer should be respected, not challenged.”

“Do I think Hammer Hyland could come back and destroy the field like he did in 2009? Absolutely.” said Mick McDonnell. “Look, nine years away from competition is a long time for most of us… but not The Hammer. He’s a freak of nature who can overpower any golf course at any time.”

“Hammer’s Instagram account is loaded with his feats of strength swinging a golf club” said Tom Senne. “If you’re playing in the Shootout, you better take note because he’s still an incredibly dominant player. I’m not afraid of The Hammer, but I certainly respect the man.”

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.”

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.”

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.”