Many golfers participate in at least one standing tournament annually.  They look forward to that same exact weekend each season to surface on their calendar.  However, none of these yearly events are quite like the Joseph R. Shea Invitational at Owatonna Country Club.

              Most affectionately known as simply “The Shea,” is a three-day event that offers participants a unique flavor of everything.  The tournament, fondly named after the late Owatonna Country Club founding member Joe Shea, starts with a heavily attended optional practice round on Thursday and concludes with an intense shootout session on Saturday.  The Shea’s 21-year history is loaded with vivid memories that will live in infamy.  The Shea has tweaked various components of its three-day event along the way with items such as a par-3 contest – but the name has remained intact since its inception in 2005.

              “We sent all of the 2024 participating teams Shea invites early in 2025,” Committee Member Sam Peters said.  “It was well received as we had about a 12-14 team waiting list.  We had 54 two-man teams in nine flights, which was our biggest field ever.”

              After Thursday’s practice round, the tournament kicks off Friday morning with three nine-hole matches followed by two more on Saturday.  All 54 holes matter as every point accumulated accrues toward qualifying for the Saturday shootout.  With all five matches on Friday and Saturday, handicap plays a factor in the best-ball style format.  However, once those matches have concluded, nine flight winners are declared as well as two wild card winners.  These eleven teams prepare to battle each other in an alternate shot format with a specific number of teams being eliminated after each shootout hole.  After playing four holes on the back nine, two teams remain heading into the 18^th hole.  Faced with a difficult uphill par-3 tee shot and a massive gallery swarming the green, the eventual champions have more than earned their title glory.

                The Shea has had multiple multi-year team winners over its nearly quarter century of existence.  However, no two-man duo has walked away victorious more than three times.  The team of Gary Nelson/Dave Carothers (2012/2015/2016) and Kevin Shea/Mike Noble (2017-2019) each have declared victory along the way with Dan and Joe Husbands taking home the championship accolades in 2025.

              Throughout the three days of festivities each year, other supplemental activities play an integral part in making this event what it is today.  Exclusive putting contests, dining opportunities and hors d’oeuvres served on the patio are merely a few of the items on the Thursday through Saturday itinerary.  With many members and their guests playing in the annual event nearly religiously, minimal turnover has made playing in this event even that much more intriguing.

              Longtime OCC member Kent Huntington, who has played in nearly every rendition of The Shea, fondly remembered Joe Shea when he talked about the many years of this incredible outing.  “Joe Shea was iconic, “Huntington said.  “When asked to play in this tournament, this is one where you don’t say no and you don’t have to check your calendar because you know when it is.”

              Huntington also was quick to pay tribute to the countless people and businesses that have contributed to this event over the years.  From sponsors to committee members (some still with us and others who have passed), this event has continued to evolve into its current form due to the contributions and hard work of many.

              Shea’s son (current OCC member Tom Shea) remembers the infant stages of The Shea when Joe was still with us.  “He (Joe) would essentially patrol the 18^th green,” Tom said referring to the par-3 that offered a trip for four to Ireland if a hole-in-one occurred.  “A moment I remember early on was when Joe was talking at one of the banquets after the tournament was named after him,” Tom said.  “Joe said I don’t deserve this – but I have arthritis, and I don’t deserve that either.”

              When members and their guests arrive at Owatonna Country Club every year at the same time in July, they are greeted with commemorative flags on the greens, special tee markers only used during this tournament, and a book denoting the various teams within each flight.  The annual goal is to have your team’s name engraved on The Shea plaque proudly displayed in the clubhouse at the conclusion of the shootout.  Win or lose, more distinctly revered are the fond memories created throughout each rendition of The Shea.

 Until next month, hit ‘em long and straight – and most of all have fun!