The Invitational Shootout

Two-Person Scramble Charity Golf Event

Bidwill and Troha Win The 2024 Shootout

by

Facing historically challenging conditions, the rookie team of Arthur Bidwill and Tyler Troha outlasted 2016 Champions Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle as well as the veteran team of Bill Przybylski and Mark Laudadio to win the 2024 Invitational Shootout. Bidwill/Troha shot 71 (-1) for a single shot victory at George W Dunne National Golf Course in south suburban Oak Forest.

Tyler Troha

Tyler Troha

With a 142 slope, George W Dunne National is widely recognized as one of the most difficult golf courses in the Chicagoland area. The assignment at the 2024 Shootout became even more demanding with blustery conditions that featured wind gusts up to 40 mph as well two raucous broods of cicadas that emerged simultaneously for the first time in 221 years.

The winning score of one under par was the highest score to par for a winning team since the 2002 event at Maple Meadows Country Club won by Jeff Fernstrom and Ray Shinkle. This was also the first time in Shootout history that only one team finished under par, underscoring the severity of the task.

“I have a healthy respect and admiration for all of God’s creatures” said Tyler Troha. “But cicadas are my least favorite insect. In fact, I can’t stand them. However, I knew I had to block out their distraction between the ropes if we wanted to win.”

“Tyler doesn’t like bugs” said Arthur Bidwill. “Everyone who knows Tyler is aware of that. I suggested we use David Goggins’ advice from his a New York Times Best Selling book Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds. So instead of looking at the cicadas as a hinderance, we made a conscious decision to embrace their energy and use it to our benefit. I’m thrilled that it worked and we are Invitational Shootout Champions.”

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

“Make no mistake, the tournament this year was a gut check. More than anything, this event has a tendency to chew up rookies and spit them out” said Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Mick McDonnell. “You can play other local or regional events, but it’s not the same. We’re talking Ryder Cup intensity that often shuts down the limbic system, which is a group of interconnected brain structures that help regulate your emotions and behavior. I’ve seen guys wilt under Shootout pressure like nowhere else. If you can survive – good for you. If you’re a rookie and you’re able to win The Shootout, that’s generational talent and resilience.”

In addition to his tournament victory, Arthur Bidwill also won the prestigious 2024 long drive championship. Winners of the closest to the pin contests were Cameron Muirhead on hole #3 and Al Vodicka on hole #17.

Greg Adams and Danny Hanigan held off two-time defending champions Walter Lis Jr. and Walter Lis Sr. to win the Invitational Shootout Legends Division title. Adams/Hanigan shot 73 (+1) and finished T4 overall.

Longtime Shootout regular Dale Gurtowski was named the most recent winner of Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement Award. Gurtowski first appeared in the Shootout in 2009 and becomes the 11th person to win the honor, joining his good friend Phil Valela, who received the award in 2022.

George Les Wins His Fourth Shootout

by

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

Shootout Legend Guarantees Championship

by

senne_guaranteeFew players in Shootout history command respect like Tom Senne. One of the 16 players to compete in the inaugural Invitational Shootout in 1994, this will be the 17th Tournament that Mr. Senne has been a part of. In addition to his 2012 Legends Division Championship, Tom is an Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement award winner and has finished runner-up in the Shootout a record five times.

“When you talk about Tom Senne,the first thing that comes to mind is his incredible will to win” said 2006 Champion Mike Howley. “I’ve played with some great players such as Scott Pommo and Ray Shinkle, but no one has the intense desire to destroy the competition like Tom. His focus borders on fanaticism.”

Despite having a resume that few players in Shootout history will ever match, Senne’s competitive flame still burns bright. This year he hopes to rekindle the spark that produced the Legends Division title in 2012 with his father Bob Senne.

senne_swing“I’m not going to lie, I expect us to win the title this year” said Tom Senne. “In fact I guarantee we’ll win the Legends Division. When dad and I are really on our game, we’re pretty much unstoppable. The Shootout is the biggest event of the year and I can’t wait to prove ourselves once again.”

The Senne’s will have three potential chances to pick up a trophy on Saturday at the 2015 Invitational Shootout. They qualify for the Super Legends, Legends and full field divisions.

“If there’s a team out there that could qualify for all three divisions and still win the full field tournament, it’s definitely the Sennes” said two-time Champion Walter Lis. “Tom and his Dad absolutely won’t quit until they achieve their goal. It’s always been that way and it’s a major reason why they are so respected by their fellow competitors. Golf is not a game of perfect, but don’t tell Tom Senne that.”

Three Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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.”