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 23 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. Sometimes it’s difficult to find the right balance with a partner, so I’m usually pretty patient at the outset. When Paul and I started to “click” in 2014, it felt very similar to what I’ve felt previously. I almost knew we were going to win once the connection started to work.

Hammer Hyland – Although Dave and I have only played in one event so far, the 2009 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge was a blast. Dave 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 has been 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.

2017 Invitational Notebook

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ron and mick

McDonnell/Mouw Win Grudge Match Over Boyle/Scanlon

There have been countless collapses over the course of 24 years in the Invitational Shootout, but perhaps none more epic than the performance of John Boyle and Tom Scanlon on Saturday at Water’s Edge. Tied after 15 holes in their match with Mickey McDonnell and Ron Mouw, Boyle and Scanlon posted scores of 12, 10 and 11 on the first, second and third holes at Water’s Edge.

Both teams shot three over par 39 on their first nine holes and were tied leading up to their 16th hole of the day, which was the par 5 first hole. McDonnell/Mouw carded a double bogey seven while their opponents somehow posted a 12. Even more inexplicable, Boyle and Scanlon finished with and 8 over par 11 on the 92-yard par three 3rd hole.

“It was a shocking finish to what was a close and compelling match for the first 15 holes” said Mick McDonnell. “John and Tom were playing well and giving us all we could handle and then all of a sudden, they just checked out.”

“I told Ron ‘I still haven’t found what I’m looking for’ with my swing. His response was ‘we’re going to win – with our without you’, so just continue to bullet the blue sky and hit your drives where the streets have no name”.

See the 2017 Invitational Shootout Final Results

Sennes

Senne’s Repeat for Super Legends Title

For a team with nothing left to prove, the Senne’s certainly don’t play like they’re lacking in motivation. Father and son duo Bob and Tom Senne captured their second consecutive Super Legends Championship, shooting an even par round of 72.

With a steady foundation built on finding the fairway with the drives of Bob Senne, son Tom was more than happy to hit a trifecta of amazing putts that were over 30 feet in length. Bob added to the spectacular shot making by nearly holing out from 125 yards on the 17th hole.

“I guess we’re used to grinding out the best score possible” said Tom Senne. “Some of the shots we hit today were ridiculous. There’s really no other way to describe them. But that’s just how we compete. When my dad hit the pin on 17, it was a tough break because that ball could have easily dropped. But I’m glad it didn’t hurt us and I’m really happy to bring home another Super Legends division title.”

LEN

Legends Return

After falling to Andy Bell and Seamus Ryan last year, Len Piersialla and Dan Ricci won the 2017 Invitational Shootout Legends Division Championship, two years after first winning in 2015. The team of Piersialla and Ricci have competed in every event since the Shootout came to Water’s Edge in 2006.

The come from behind victory on Saturday was a pleasant surprise for both team members. “If you would have asked me whether we could win the Legends Division Title after the first few holes, I would have laughed” said Len Piersialla. “We got off to a shaky start, but we stuck to our plan and found a way to get it done.”

“Wins don’t come easy at the Shootout” said Dan Ricci. “I’m just lucky to have a terrific partner who is willing to put it all on the line every year in the biggest two-person golf scramble in the Midwest”.

Shootout Legend Guarantees Championship

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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.”

Senne’s Capture Legend’s Crown

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He’s played in the fourth most Invitational Shootout tournaments and finished second more times than any other player, but for Tom Senne, all he needed was help from his father to become a Shootout Legends division Champion. Father Bob and son Tom Senne partnered together for the first time and brought home the 2012 Legends division title with a score of 1-over par 73. The Senne’s won by three strokes over the team of John Dillon and Ross Fisher, who carded a score of 4-over par 76.

“It’s kind of ironic that I needed my dad’s help to finally win here, after so many close calls over the years” said Tom Senne. “I guess it proves that my dad is still always right and that’s fine with me. He played really well today and allowed me to hit the ball as hard as I could. Who knew we would be such a good team?”

A 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Tom Senne finished in second place in the 2007 Invitational Shootout, losing to Dominic Dallio and George Les by one stroke. He was tied for the lead heading to the 18th hole in the 2001 Shootout at Maple Meadows, only to be victimized by a miraculous birdie by eventually champions Walsh and Wolak. At the inaugural Shootout in 1994, Senne and partner Mike Howley finished in second place, two strokes behind Champions Walter Lis and Mike Roach.

“If there’s one thing Senne’s are good at, it’s fighting” said Bob Senne. “We might be down, but we’re never out. We knew that if we could keep making pars and find a birdie or two, we would be alright.”

2011 Lifetime Achievement Awards

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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.

Dallio and Les Win 2011 Invitational Shootout

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DALLIO_LESDominic Dallio & George Les overcame a torn contact lense and a torrential downpour to capture the 2011 Invitational Shootout. This was the second title for the team of Dallio & Les, who also won in 2007 when they held off Walter Lis and Tom Senne for a one shot victory.

Dallio & Les started their round quickly, with three birdies in their first five holes. Then catastrophe struck when Dominic accidently tore a contact lense. At nearly the same time, play was halted due to weather, providing a brief window of opportunity for Dallio’s fiancee to arrive with a replacement lense, right before play resumed.

“After we started so well, I couldn’t believe that I had torn my contact lense” said Dallio. “It was the last thing I expected to happen. Thankfully, we were able to call for a replacement during the weather delay and use that time to regroup.”

Despite somewhat soggy conditions after the rain delay, Dallio & Les kept the pressure on and finished with a remarkable 9-under par round of 63. The duo won their first Shootout in 2007 with a 6-under par 66.

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.”

Dallio and Les Win 2007 Invitational Shootout

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Against the largest field in Tournament history, George Les and Dominick Dallio were able to hold off two-time Champion Walter Lis and partner Tom Senne by one stroke along with three other teams to win the 2007 Invitational Shootout at Water’s Edge Golf Club.

Les and Dallio carded a six-under 66 to take home the trophies and the coveted wool jackets in what may be the most competitive Shootout ever. Despite somewhat breezy conditions, a record twelve teams finished under par. The consistent low scoring was a testament to the quality of the largest field in Tournament history.

“George and I were expecting four or five under would win the tournament” said Dominic Dallio. “Thankfully we were able to pick up a couple late birdies because the field this year was exceptionally strong and the scores were lower than we anticipated. George hit a great chip on 18 to seal the deal, so I’m really proud of our performance.”