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The Invitational Shootout

Two-Person Scramble Charity Golf Event

Garcia/Les Win 2022 Invitational Shootout

June 10, 2022 by retlaw17

ROB-GARCIA

Rob Garcia

It took 1,107 days for Rob Garcia and Billy Les to avenge their bitter defeat at the last Invitational Shootout in 2019, but it was well worth the wait. The 2013 champions won their second title on Friday with a one shot victory at the 2022 Invitational Shootout on a challenging George W. Dunne National Golf Course in Oak Forest.

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Walter Lis and Billy Les

Garcia and Les defeated the team of George Les and Paul Manolitsis by one stroke with an 8-under 64. The victorious duo posted an eagle on the par five 14 hole and a birdie on the tough 326-yard par four 16th hole to cement the victory.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way Rob and I competed today” said Billy Les. “We got off to a bit of a slow start and I started to wonder if the Golf Gods might not be on our side. Things started to turn around the 6th hole and we birdied four of our next five holes after that. We just had to be patient and wait for things to come together.”

Garcia and Les are no strangers to adversity. In addition to finishing second in 2019, they lost a crushing sudden death playoff at the 2017 Invitational Shootout at Waters Edge and also finished one stroke behind Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle in 2016.

“We lost two Shootout tournaments to the pandemic (2020 and 2021), so Billy and I were really motivated to get back on the course on prove ourselves this year” said Rob Garcia. “To win at a prolific place like George W. Dunne National Golf Course makes it even more special.”

2022 Shootout Recap

“There is a certain reverence that golfers on the south side have for George W. Dunne National Golf Course” said Mick McDonnell. “This course challenges you in just about every way and over time, it reveals who the best teams are. The teams that finished at the top of the leaderboard in 2022 confirm that.”

“Listen, few teams have suffered as many setbacks in The Shootout as Garcia and Les” said 2004 Invitational Shootout Champion Joe Hill. “Their win today started 36 months ago when they determined that losing was no longer an option.”

Father/Son Win Legends Division

Walters Lis

Lis Sr., Lis Jr. and Mike Howley

Walter Lis Jr. and Walter Lis Sr. held off a strong group of competitors for a one stroke victory in the Invitational Shootout Legends Division. Rich Burke and Bob Faxel finished one stroke behind in second place.

Two Awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards

John Moirano and Phil Valela became only the 11th and 12th competitors to receive The Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement award as selected by the tournament competition committee. The Invitational Shootout Lifetime Achievement award honors individuals who make an extraordinary commitment to the event and the cause of the Invitational Shootout.

Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award:

Mike Fahey – 2007
John Boyle – 2010
Tom Senne – 2011
John Groark – 2011
Ron Mouw – 2013
Mick McDonnell – 2013
Len Piersialla – 2014
Dan Ricci – 2014
Walter Lis Sr. – 2014
George Les – 2018

Filed Under: 2022, Featured Tagged With: Billy Les, George Les, Mike Howley, Paul Manolitsis, Ray Shinkle, Rob Garcia

Top Ten Greatest Moments in Shootout History

May 11, 2020 by retlaw17

In the history of The Invitational Shootout, 900+ golfers have hit over 175,000 golf shots and 36 men have been crowned Champion. Here are the ten moments widely considered to be the greatest in Shootout history.

10. Russelberg sinks 55-foot putt on second hole of sudden death playoff to win in 2000.

The 2000 tournament, which was the only event that was rescheduled due to rain, was contested at Prairie Bluff Golf Course in Romeoville. The tournament also featured a sudden death playoff between the teams of Brian Jones and John Russelberg and Walter Lis and Roger Yaffe.

With a large gallery in tow, both teams parred the 413-yard par four opening hole of the playoff. The second hole is a 369-yard dogleg left to a raised green. Lis and Yaffe found the green on their approach and were left with a 25-foot putt for birdie, while Jones and Russelberg faced a 55-foot snake with multiple breaks.

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Prairie Bluff – Second Hole

Jones’ attempt missed left, but provided John Russelberg with an easy teach to correctly see the undulations. Russelberg sank the clutch bomb for birdie and neither Lis nor Yaffe were able to answer, leaving Jones and Russelberg to celebrate their incredible sudden death triumph.

9. Pat Walsh drives 300-yard 18th hole for the victory in 2001.

After nearly five hours of back and forth battle, the teams of Pat Walsh and Chris Wolak and Tom Senne and Walter Lis were tied and playing in the same foursome with a single hole left in the 2001 Shootout. Senne and Lis hit first and found the fairway on the 305-yard par four 18th hole at Maple Meadows.

After Wolak hit his tee shot, Pat Walsh pulled a driver from his bag and aimed for a narrow strip of landing area near the front of the green. No previous teams had even attempted to hit the green off the tee that day, but Walsh threw caution to the wind and hit one of the most remarkable drives in Shootout history. His tee shot stopped just short of the green, allowing Walsh and Wolak to convert the birdie and steal the coveted green jackets once again from the four-time runners up, Lis and Senne.

8. Marziani and Murnane become first team to win two titles in 1998.

With the tournament celebrating its fifth anniversary, The Invitational Shootout made its first visit to Maple Meadows Country Club in 1998. The defending champion Maione brothers were unable to return to defend their crown, but the 1996 champions, Mike Marziani and Mark Murnane were on hand to demolish the competition at the event’s new home. With the victory, Marziani and Murnane became the first team to win The Shootout twice, a record that has been tied four times. However, no team has won three titles.

7. Armstrong’s defeat Les/Dallio on first hole of a sudden death playoff to win their first of two titles.

In the the third sudden death playoff in Shootout history, Shootout rookies Bryan and Brett Armstrong outlasted 2007 Champions Dominic Dallio and George Les to capture the 2008 Invitational Shootout at Waters Edge Golf Course. The brothers would win again in 2010, this time defeating Joe Hill and John Eterno by three strokes.

 

 

6. Mickey McDonnell overcomes a severe wrist injury to win the 2012 McMouw Cup.

Perhaps no moment in Shootout history was as inspiring as Mickey McDonnell’s determination and incredible pain threshold in 2012. Faced with a severe wrist injury, tournament organizers were shocked to learn that McDonnell would attempt to play. McDonnell had refused to seek medical attention for the wrist for fear that the doctors would not allow him to compete.

After struggling with a bulky wrist sleeve on the practice range, Mick discarded the brace on the first tee and proceeded to play the round of his career, leading his partner Ron Mouw to an improbable McMouw Cup victory over Ryan Mouw and Larry McDonnell.

MICK-MCDONNELL-WRIST

Mick McDonnell warming up his injured wrist.

5. Joe Hill chips in on second hole of a sudden death playoff to win in 2004.

After losing to Ray Shinkle the previous year in a sudden death playoff, the golf gods smiled on Joe Hill after he learned his long-time partner, John Eterno, would be unavailable for the 2004 Shootout. As luck would have it, 1994 Champion Walter Lis was available and the duo clicked immediately, leading the tournament by four strokes after the first nine holes.

After sinking a 75-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, Lis made another improbable birdie on the 18th to catapult their team into a playoff with Aaron Knight and Mike Kroening. Hill and Lis were no strangers to sudden death playoffs, both losing in their previous attempts. However, their luck would change on the second hole of the sudden death playoff as Joe Hill would sink a 45-foot chip from just off the green for the victory in one of the most thrilling moments in Shootout history.

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Joe Hill and Walter Lis win their jackets.

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Joe Hill reacts to his championship chip.

4. Ace Troy cards the only hole-in-one in Shootout history in 2006.

With one swing of his trusty 9-iron, Mike Troy became the first player in Shootout history to card a hole-in-one, acing the 130-yard 12th hole in 2006. Tournament officials estimate that over 172,000 golf shots have been attempted throughout the 24 year history of The Shootout. In that time, only Mike Troy has been able bag an ace.

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Ace Troy holds the hole in one flag.

3. George Les becomes first player to win four titles in 2018.

No player has been as consistent in the history of the tournament as George Les, winner of the 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2018 Invitational Shootouts. King George has finished in the top five in 9 of the 11 events that he’s competed in and even won the 2012 Shootout Wedge Tournament.

His 2018 victory was his fourth triumph. He won two with partner Paul Manolitsis and two with longtime partner Dominic Dallio.

KING_GEORGE

King George Les with Ray Shinkle and Mike Howley

2. Ray Shinkle becomes only man to defend his title in 2003.

Since his first appearance in the Shootout in 2002, Ray Shinkle has earned the reputation as the greatest ball striker in tournament history. The “Predator” won in his first appearance with partner Jeff Fernstrom in 2002 and again in 2003 with partner Brian Donley. Of the 36 men to win the Shootout since 1994, only Shinkle has been able to defend the title. To further cement his Shootout legacy, Shinkle would capture his third crown in 2016, joining King George Les as the only two players to win three Shootout crowns.

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Ray Shinkle

1. Hammer Hyland and Dave Neill become the first team to finish double digits under par.

There was great anticipation before the 2009 Invitational Shootout as one of the largest and strongest fields in Shootout history prepared for battle. Although there were 12 current or former champions in the field, it was a previously unknown team that would dominate the event like never before, shaking The Shootout to its core. Kevin “Hammer” Hyland and Dave Neill showed up at Water’s Edge with little fanfare and left with a legacy that has never been matched.

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Hammer Hyland and Dave Neill

The two men lapped the field early, making victory a foregone conclusion before the start of the back nine. The only remaining question was answered on the 18th green with their final birdie, allowing the duo to become the first team finish to -10, a mark most felt would never be achieved.

Filed Under: 2018, Featured, History Tagged With: George Les, Joe Hill, Mick McDonnell, Mike Howley, Ray Shinkle, Walter Lis

PGA Tour Uses Shootout Format

May 26, 2019 by retlaw17

ZURICH-CLASSICAs the top players on the PGA Tour compete this weekend in the Zurich Classic, fans watching on national TV will be treated to an exciting new format for professional tournament golf. For only the second time since the Walt Disney World National Team Championship in 1981, team play will take place on the PGA Tour. Two-person teams are competing in New Orleans to become Zurich Classic champions.

Although this format will be new to most viewers, fans of The Invitational Shootout have enjoyed the non-stop excitement of two-person teams since the Tournament debuted in 1994. For the past 24 years, The Shootout has been the top two-person golf scramble in the Midwest. Now the PGA Tour is using the same recipe that Shootout fans have become accustomed to since Mike Roach and Walter Lis won the inaugural event at the Links at Carillon in 1994.

“I’ll be honest” said Shootout Competition Committee Chairman and 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “I’m surprised it took the PGA so long to follow our lead and create a tournament that uses the same rules, structure and format that we’ve perfected over the years. The Shootout pioneered this type of event and it’s actually quite flattering to see the PGA Tour is now using everything we created.”

“Make no mistake, the Zurich Classic has a long way to go before it can match The Invitational Shootout” said Lifetime Achievement Award winner Mick McDonnell. “It’s nice to see Patrick Reed and Patrick Cantlay on the same team, but do you think they could compete with our 2016 Champions Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle? I seriously doubt it. A two-person scramble is an entirely different beast and typically takes years for golfers to learn how to excell in this type of format.”

Top teams this week in the Zurich Classic include Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, Patrick Reed and Patrick Cantlay as well as Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar. How would some of these teams measure up to the best teams at The Invitational Shootout?

“Obviously we would be happy to host any of the teams from the Zurich Classic at the Invitational Shootout” said Joe Hill. “However, just because they’re PGA Tour players doesn’t mean they would automatically be wearing wool jackets in the Champions Ring of Honor. I’ll guarantee that a living legend like King George Les wouldn’t be even slightly intimidated by Patrick Reed or Bubba Watson.”

Whether the two-person format at the 2018 Zurich Classic will continue be popular is still unknown. What we do know is the Invitational Shootout will continue to break new ground this year and in the future as the premier two-person scramble golf tournament in the Midwest.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: George Les, Joe Hill, Mick McDonnell, Mike Howley, Mike Roach, Ray Shinkle, Walter Lis

The George Les Dynasty

March 12, 2018 by retlaw17

les_dynasty
It’s hard to believe that George Les first participated in The Invitational Shootout in 2007. Since that time, he has become the tournament’s greatest player and most dominant champion, becoming the first and only person to win three plaid jackets in the history of the event. His 2014 victory with partner Paul Manolitsis cemented George’s place in the record books as the best individual golfer in Shootout history.

His triumph in 2014 was over his son, 2013 Shootout Champion Billy Les. “I’ll be honest, winning last year’s event with Paul was an awesome experience” said George Les. “However, it was a bittersweet because as a father, you always want the best for your son. But as I told Billy after the tournament, you’ll have many more chances to try and match my accomplishments at The Shootout.”

After winning the 2007 Invitational Shootout in his first tournament appearance with Dominic Dallio, George Les won again with Dallio in 2011. With his most recent victory with Paul Manolitsis, George Les joined Walter Lis and Ray Shinkle as the only players to win The Shootout twice with different partners.

“What impresses me the most about George Les is his willingness to do whatever it takes to get the win” said 2014 Champion Joe Hill. “Most guys will have a tendency to be happy with their accomplishments and take their foot off the accelerator. Not George Les. That guy was built to be a champion and he’s proved it with a remarkable record under the bright lights of the biggest two-person scramble in the Midwest.”

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: George Les, Joe Hill, Manolitsis, Ray Shinkle, Walter Lis

Hennessy-York/Schely Survive Playoff to Win 2017 Shootout

June 3, 2017 by retlaw17

2017-TRIOShane Hennessy-York and Joe Schely birdied the first playoff hole to win a three-team playoff today in the 2017 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge Golf Club in Worth, IL. Hennessy-York and Joe Schely defeated George Les and Paul Manolitsis as well as Billy Les and Rob Garcia in sudden death on the 18th hole.

The win was the second for Shane Hennessey-York, who also won the 2015 Invitational Shootout with Greg Smith. Joe Schley finished T6 in 2014 in his first Shootout appearance with Hennessey-York. He also finished T4 in 2015 with Courtland Stansberry.

See the 2017 Invitational Final Results

All three teams had approach shots within 100 yards on the playoff hole, but it was a clutch shot from Shane Hennessey-York to within seven feet that gave the eventual champions the advantage. After the other two teams missed their birdie attempts, the stage was set for Joe Schley to sink the biggest putt of his life to earn the 2017 Invitational Shootout title.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishment today” said Shane Hennessey-York. “Joe and I really didn’t think we did enough to earn a shot at the win. That’s why we were surprised and elated when we found out there would be a three team playoff. It was like we received a second life and it definitely strengthened our resolve.”

“Playing with Shane is a blast” said Joe Schley. “He seems to welcome the pressure and he sure proved it today with that chip shot in the playoff. When you have six guys looking to add a massive title like this to their resume, the intensity is incredible. Winning the Shootout is a life-changer in so many ways. I’m so proud to be a part of history.”

Read the 2017 Invitational Notebook of Winners and Losers

With the win, Hennessey-York joins an elite group of five Shootout champions who have won two titles with two different partners. He also has a chance to make history by becoming only the third person with three victories at next year’s historic event.

“Make no mistake, I’m extremely grateful for this moment. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit to my excitement for the 25th Anniversary Invitational Shootout next year. To win the 25th Shootout and join two giants – King George Les and Ray Shinkle with three wins, is something I’ll be thinking about for the next 365 days.”

Filed Under: 2017, Featured Tagged With: Billy Les, George Les, Joe Schley, Ray Shinkle, Rob Garcia, Shane Hennessy-York

Howley and Shinkle Capture 2016 Invitational Shootout

June 5, 2016 by retlaw17

2016-SHOOTOUT-CHAMPIONSThe team of Mike Howley and Ray Shinkle proved there’s no substitute for experience on Saturday while posting seven birdies and overcoming the largest, most talented field in Tournament history to win the 2016 Invitational Shootout. 68 teams and 136 golfers were part of a record-setting turnout in support of the Ruddy Children Fund at Water’s Edge Golf Club on a mostly overcast afternoon in Worth, IL.

2016 Invitational Shootout Complete Summary

With nine current or former Champions in the field, Howley and Shinkle used a white-hot start to grab a quick lead which they ultimately never relinquished. The duo birdied their first hole, the 178-yard par three 7th, on the strength of a majestic 7-iron from Ray Shinkle that landed 12 feet from the cup.

Howley and Shinkle finished at seven under 65 to outlast two teams of former Champions by a single stroke – George Les/Paul Maolitsis and Rob Garcia/Billy Les. 2016 Champion Shane Hennessey-York finished two strokes behind the Champions.

Howley and Shinkle tallied five birdies in their first nine holes, for a score of 31, the second best front nine in Shootout history trailing only Hammer Hyland and Dave Neill‘s 30 in 2009. Mike and Ray would add two more birdies and seven pars on the back nine to post a seven under par 65.

SHINKLE-SWING-2016“Getting off to a solid start on hole number seven, which many consider to be the toughest on the course, was huge for our confidence” said Ray Shinkle. “I had new clubs in the bag this week and hitting that tee shot to within 12 feet definitely set the tone. I really want to thank the guys at Titleist for providing me with some amazing technology.”

“The plan today was to start fast and see if we could run away from the field” said Mike Howley. “We new the competition level out there today would be a huge challenge, so our goal was to push the pace and rely our experience in the heat of the battle over the final few holes. Thankfully our plan worked and I couldn’t be happier with our performance.”

The victory was the second for Howley, who also won the first Invitational Shootout contested at Water’s Edge in 2006. With the win, he becomes only the seventh player with multiple Shootout titles.

Capturing the 23rd edition of The Invitational Shootout was even more important for Ray Shinkle, who won the event in 2002 and 2003 at Maple Meadows Country Club. He now joins George Les as the only players in tournament history with three victories.

“Hats off to Ray for winning again after 13 years” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “Especially after losing the playoff in 2013, I think many people questioned whether he could do it again. To overcome a stacked field like this is truly indicative of what a great champion Ray has become.”

“For the past 10 years, the knock on Ray was that, unlike at Maple Meadows, he never could figure out how to score at Water’s Edge” said Mick McDonnell. “This victory proved that he could tame this challenging beast of a golf course under the bright lights of the biggest two-person scramble in the Midwest.”

“Here’s the thing about Mike and Ray… they know how to win” said John Eterno. “There are a lot of teams that come to The Shootout with incredible resumes including victories in college, amateur and even some professional tournaments. But they fall apart under the intense pressure of The Shootout. Howley and Shinkle use their experience better than just about any team out there to overcome everyone and everything they face.”

Filed Under: 2016, Featured Tagged With: 2016, George Les, Joe Hill, Mike Howley, Ray Shinkle, Water's Edge Golf Club

Shootout Legend Guarantees Championship

June 4, 2015 by retlaw17

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.”

Filed Under: 2015 Tagged With: Bob Senne, Lifetime Achievement Award, Mike Howley, Ray Shinkle, Scott Pommo, Tom Senne, Walter Lis

Qualifiers Fight For Their Shootout Lives

May 17, 2015 by retlaw17

2015_qualifierSince their introduction in 1999, Invitational Shootout qualifiers have produced some of the most memorable moments in Tournament history. The stunning 2004 qualifying match between Johnson/Szeszycki versus Sindelar/Gentry that ended in the “lost ball” controversy and the sudden death battle in 2013 between Smith/Wesinski and Davis/Lombard immediately come to mind.

Unfortunately, the recent match between newcomers Matt Grant and Tom Jemilo versus Greg DiBona and Tom Lang probably won’t earn a place in Shootout lore. Despite a great deal of public anticipation, veterans DiBona/Lang easily defeated the team of Grant/Jemilo at beautiful Palos Municipal Golf Course in Palos Hills.

After falling behind on the first hole, DiBona/Lang found their groove and cruised to victory behind DiBona’s clutch shotmaking. “Greg really hit some terrific shots today” said partner Tom Lang. “His chip in on the 3rd hole was huge for our confidence. I also think it took some of the wind out Matt and Tom’s sails. They really weren’t the same team after that shot.”

Outside of the first hole, the highlights for Grant/Jemilo were few and far between. Both players struggled adjusting to the fast pace of the competition and challenging course conditions.

“I think Matt and Tommy may have been a little outside their comfort zone today” said two-time Invitational Shootout Champion Ray Shinkle, who served as caddy for Matt Grant. “They were definitely amped up at the opportunity to qualify for The Shootout and to beat a proven powerhouse team like DiBona/Lang on a prestigious track like Palos Municipal. But it seemed like the moment just overwhelmed them a bit.”

“When we started the Shootout Qualifiers, our goal was to give players of all skills levels the opportunity to qualify for the greatest two-person scramble event in the Midwest” said 2004 Invitational Shootout Champion Joe Hill. “We also found that these qualifiers were a great way to expose the younger players to the pressure of The Shootout on a slightly smaller stage. We’ve seen quite a few really good teams struggle in their first attempt to qualify and go on to have great careers in The Shootout. I’m still confident Matt and Tom have a chance to become consistent Shootout performers, but it’s definitely a process.”

Event Photos

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Filed Under: 2015 Tagged With: Joe Hill, Ray Shinkle

Competition Questions Drastic Swing Changes By Shinkle

May 17, 2014 by retlaw17

When you’re a two-time Invitational Shootout Champion, you’re used being scrutinized each time you change partners or join a new country club. But even two-time Champion Ray Shinkle was surprised at the response from the competition when he announced he was making major swing changes.

“I couldn’t believe how many guys thought I was crazy for changing my golf swing” said Shinkle. “Look, after coming up short in the playoff last year I made a commitment to myself and my partner that 2014 would be a different story. That required basically reworking my entire golf swing and I’m happy with the results.”

Known as “The Predator” for his precision ball striking, Ray Shinkle won the 2002 and 2003 Invitational Shootouts at Maple Meadows Country Club. With the victories, he became the first golfer to win back-to-back Shootout titles with two different partners.

“I was really surprised when I heard Ray was drastically altering his golf swing” said 2004 runner-up Aaron Knight. “The guy was known as ‘The Predator’ for a reason. He took aim at the pin like he was on the hunt. I’m not sure he’ll be able to find that comfort level with a new swing.”

“I’ve got all the respect in the world for Ray” said 2004 Champion Joe Hill. “But changing such a beautiful golf swing makes no sense to me. I’m not sure how much damage losing in the playoff last year caused to him emotionally. I know Mike wasn’t really upset, but I know Ray took it hard. Hopefully he can bounce back and make another run at the title this year.”

Filed Under: 2014 Tagged With: 2014 Invitational Shootout, Aaron Knight, Joe Hill, Ray Shinkle

Garcia and Les Win The 2013 Invitational Shootout

June 2, 2013 by retlaw17

The 20th Annual Invitational Shootout featured an expected battle of famous names. Two-time Champion Ray Shinkle and partner Mike Howley brought three wool jackets to the competition on Saturday and were among the favorites to capture the crown. Their toughest competiton featured the equally famous Les name, but a new entry into the upper echelon of Shootout competitors. This time it was Billy Les, not the legendary King George Les, and partner Rob Garcia, who would battle the Shinkle/Howley dream team in overtime on a saturated Saturday at Water’s Edge Golf Club.

Both Shinkle/Howley and Garcia/Les finished at -6 after 18 holes, necessitating the first playoff since 2008 when The Armstrongs defeated George Les and Dominic Dallio on the first hole in sudden death. With darkness looming, Rob Garcia made a 20-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to defeat Howley/Shinkle and capture the 20th Annual Invitational Shootout.

“I couldn’t be more proud of winning the 20th edition of such a special event” said Billy Les. “Rob and I battled the elements all day long by taking a positive approach. Everyone in the field was playing through the rainy and wet conditions, so we actually welcomed the tough circumstances. We weren’t going to quit and we kept hitting some good shots. It felt great to produce on a day like today under the bright lights of The Shootout.”

“The Les name means quality, and my partner Billy definitely produced a ‘Les quality’ performance today” said Rob Garcia. “King George is universially accepted as the greatest player in Shootout history. However, Billy is not far behind and could be the future of this great event. We had a great time out there today and are really looking forward to competing with George and Dom next year at The Invitational Shootout.”

Filed Under: 2013 Tagged With: 2013 Invitational Shootout, Billy Les, Mike Howley, Ray Shinkle, Rob Garcia

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