The longest-running golf tournament in the travel industry.

The exclusive golf tournament of IMEX America

October 15, 2018

Bear's Best, Las Vegas

H I S T O R Y

Three Decades of Treasured Memories

The history of the Shamrock Shootout dates back to 1987, when legendary D.C. meetings-industry leader James T. “Jimmy” Dunn, founder of the Meetings Quest trade-show series, got together with his friend Jack Cawley for a round of golf on St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick’s Day can be a cold and blustery day in the nation’s capital region and only a golfer with a certain devotion to the game would schedule a tee time for March 17.

James T. "Jimmy" Dunn

On that late-winter day in 1987--with the wind-chill temperature in the mid 30s and wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour--it was decided that not only would the gentleman’s game be played but that the loser of the round would donate $1,500.00 to his favorite charity. Thus were planted the charitable roots for what would become the travel industry’s longest-running golf tournament.

In 1988, Jimmy Dunn invited John Ponchock, Bill Edwards and John McKennon to join him in hosting his friendly competition, which was dubbed the Fore Others Golf Tournament. The tournament provided a competitive game of golf and an informal and convivial networking atmosphere.

In 1992, the tournament was renamed the Shamrock Shootout, in honor of the spirit that prompted the tournament’s founding. Beginning in 1998, the tournament date was moved to the day before the Springtime™ trade show, allowing destination marketers, industry suppliers and meeting planners an opportunity to network and enjoy each other’s company on the links.

In May of 2000, the Shamrock Shootout lost its beloved founder when Jimmy Dunn succumbed to cancer at the age of 56. Jimmy’s widow, Barbara, who had been a driving force and major supporter of the tournament since its founding, continued operating both the Meetings Quest trade shows and the Shamrock Shootout until both were acquired by Northstar Meetings Group in 2017.

Now a member of the Northstar Meetings Group family, Barbara Dunn continues to provide inspiration for the Shamrock Shootout while representing the other NMG brands, including SportsTravel and the TEAMS Conference & Expo.

In 2017, the Shamrock Shootout celebrates the 30th anniversary of Jimmy Dunn’s St. Patrick’s Day golf outing and the 25th anniversary of the first Shamrock Shootout by beginning a new chapter of its history. This year, the Shamrock Shootout becomes the sole and exclusive golf tournament of the IMEX America trade show in Las Vegas. Held on the morning of Monday, October 9, the 2017 Shamrock Shootout at IMEX America will allow participants to start IMEX Week on a high note and in high spirits. Plan now to arrive in Las Vegas early enough to participate in the longest-running golf tournament in the hospitality industry.

History

E V E N T I N F O R M A T I O N

Start your IMEX week on a high note and in high spirits by participating in the Shamrock Invitational Golf Classic.

Schedule

6:30 a.m. Transportation to Bear's Best
(buses will depart from the Venetian Tour Lobby)
8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start with Grab and Go Breakfast
2:00 p.m. Transportation to Venetian

Tournament Fees

Foursome - US$3,500

Twosome - US$2,000

One Golfer - US$1,000

Host a Buyer: Hosted buyers attending IMEX America are seeking to join tournament groups. What better way to forge new relationships with qualified buyers then by hosting them at the Shamrock Invitational? Inquire to learn more. Contact your Northstar Meetings Group business development director or:

Shalise DeMott

VP of Sales

561-251-9846

sdemott@ntmllc.com

To register for the Shamrock Invitational at IMEX America click on the button below:

More Info