There were seven teams from clubs in five different states that participated in The Country Club of Buffalo’s Second Annual Sporting Clays Invitational in Williamsville, N.Y. Medinah Country Club from Medinah, Ill. won the team competition with a score of 762 out of a possible 1,000 in the clay bird shooting event. “The consensus from all of the attending teams was that the club’s five clay fields and its sporting clays program places the club in the #1 position for the private country clubs in the U.S.,” says Kevin Clarke, who served as event chairman and captain of The Country Club of Buffalo’s team.

The Country Club of Buffalo in Williamsville, N.Y. welcomed an expanded field of seven teams into its second annual Sporting Clays Invitational which took place Nov. 3 and 4.

The visiting teams were: Long Vue Club and Golf Course in Verona, Pa., The Country Club (Pepper Pike, Ohio), Medinah (Ill.) Country Club, The Country Club (Brookline, Mass.), Country Club of Rochester (N.Y.), and Kirtland Country Club in Willoughby, Ohio.

“The teams experienced great Buffalo weather while engaging in a challenging competition on all four of the club’s clay fields,” said Kevin Clarke, who served as event chairman and captain of The Country Club of Buffalo’s team. “…The club’s unique Crazy Quail field was a popular choice for practice rounds.”

Clarke and Nick Markel, General Manager of The Country of Buffalo, previewed the event with Club + Resort Business Senior Editor Phil Keren during a Club + Resort Talks podcast in September.

Each five-member team was required to shoot 1,000 clay birds, according to Clarke. The competition came down to the last event with the squad from Medinah Country Club shooting an almost perfect score on the Trap field to push past The Country Club of Buffalo’s team for the victory. Medinah Country Club’s total team score was 762 out of the 1,000 clay birds shot, followed by The Country Club of Buffalo at 733, and The Country Club (Brookline) with a score of 662. 

Jon Bippert, who served as captain of Medinah Country Club, credited great team work for his squad’s victory.

“Winning as a team not only showcased individual skills but also underscored the effective teamwork that we had cultivated in this remarkable environment,” Bippert said. “The victory stands as a testament to the strong bonds forged with my teammates and the collective effort we put forth. It’s a triumph that will be cherished for the shared journey, camaraderie, and the unforgettable atmosphere that the outstanding venue and club provided for this memorable tournament.”

Dan Slawson from The Country Club of Buffalo scored 166 clay birds out of 200 to win the Top Gun honor. The individual field winners were: Trap – Jon Bippert from Medinah CC (47-50 clay birds); Skeet – Tim Gannon from Kirtland CC (49-50 clay birds); Five-stand – Tony Bassoul from Medinah CC (36-50 clay birds); Five stand- Tim Gannon from Kirtland CC (36 -50 clay birds); and Brush Walk – Michael Grace-from The Country Club of Buffalo (45-50 clay birds). 

The six visiting teams were overwhelmed with the great welcome and hospitality they received from The Country Club of Buffalo staff, according to Clarke. The club received accolades for the quality of its staff, facilities, and overall service level.

“Chef Joe Piazza and the culinary team went above and beyond with another great champions dinner,” Clarke said. “The consensus from all of the attending teams was that the club’s five clay fields and its sporting clays program places the club in the #1 position for the private country clubs in the U.S.”

Bippert added that participating in the tournament was “an incredibly rewarding experience, made even more special by the exceptional people we met from each of the participating clubs and hosts.”

He said the scenic environment added to the appeal of the competition.

“The breathtaking surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities elevated the entire competition, providing a picturesque backdrop to our shared passion for the sport,” Bippert observed. “The collaborative spirit and shared determination among our team members were further amplified by the inspiring setting.”

Bruce Gerhart, the captain of Kirtland Country Club’s team, praised Clarke and The Country Club of Buffalo for organizing a “unique and extremely enjoyable event.”

“What a fabulous event,” Gerhart said. “…Their fields were excellent and their unique Brush Walk defies description. I had to show videos to even begin to explain it. The breadth and depth of the competition was exceptional with great camaraderie and the food was outstanding.”

Gerhart noted other Kirtland club members who were unable to attend the event are clearing their calendars and lining up to compete with other shooters to try to join the 2024 team.

“I would like to thank Kevin (Clarke) again and The Country Club of Buffalo’s GM, Nick Markel, and his staff for hosting a wonderful experience,” Gerhart stated.

All six teams have committed to returning to next year’s tournament planned for the first week of November of 2024, Clarke said. Due to the continued success of the event, the club plans to add three teams for next year’s event to round out the field to ten top flight nationally recognized country club teams.