Final 2017 Tournament Details

Lewiston, MI--Looking forward to the 30th annual James E. Vos Memorial Invitational. Here are some final trip details for this year's participants.

1. Package price is $385. Your $100 deposit should have already been accepted by the resort so your remaining balance would be $285.

2. Package includes three nights lodging in the single villas (2 double beds) at Garland, five rounds of golf, three breakfasts, bag storage, taxes, and full use of the practice area.

3. Tee times, competitive format, and courses are as follows:

Ryder Cup-style competition. Each competitive match is worth one (1) point. Team with the most points at the end declared the tournament winner.

Thursday, June 8
Morning - Swampfire
7:30am-8:30am - 2-man best ball (match play)

Afternoon - Monarch
1:30pm-2:30pm - 2-man best ball (stroke play)

Friday, June 9
Morning - Swampfire
7:30am-8:30am - 2-man best ball (match play)

Afternoon - Reflections
1:40pm-2:40pm - 2-man scramble (stroke play)

Saturday, June 10
Morning - Monarch
7:00am-8:00am - Singles (match play)

4. Team Pairings, Matches, and Team Names

Teams have already been selected and sent to you. In addition, all the matches for the tournament have also already been created. This is being done to save time and create efficiency when we have a group this large. However, we have had a very last minute cancellation of two players (Jon and Max Vos). We are scrambling to fill those spots and it appears we will be able to do that. However, the departure of Jon and Max will likely create some slight alterations in the teams and the pairings. Normally we prefer to have this all established and sent to you in advance. However, this time we will not be able to hand out final pairings and scorecards until the Wednesday night Gathering.

The reigning MVP (Bob Warners) selects his team's name (either Recovery Shots or Fairway Finders) at the Wednesday night Gathering. Scorecards for day one of the tournament will be handed on Wednesday night. Every evening, the next day's scorecards will be handed out.

Lunches and dinners are not included in the package this year. There are several options for dinners and we will figure this out as we go. A group our size is always difficult for any restaurant to handle and we may have to split up. We'll play it by ear from day-to-day. One night we typically have pizza brought in. The other nights we typically all end up at a local restaurant/bar for supper in Lewiston. There is also a restaurants/bar on property, just a short walk from our villas hotel rooms. Breakfast is served in the main dining room at Garland.

5. Wednesday Golf, Hotel Check-In, and The Gathering

Wednesday is a non-tournament day. We have secured four tee times on Swampfire beginning at 12:30pm on Wednesday at a rate of $35 per player. Currently, there are twelve players signed up for this leaving one foursome open. If you wish to join the last foursome, let Mark Rice know. Pay in the Garland pro shop. Also, Garland is offering a $35 rate on any of their courses except Fountains for anyone in our group who wished to play golf on Wednesday. You don't have to play in the 12:30pm Swampfire group. If you want to arrange your own tee times, please contact the golf shop and tell them you are in the Mark Rice outing with a promised rate of $35.

Check-in is officially not until 4pm. However, I am told we are welcome to call the front desk at 877-442-7526 on the way up and if your rooms are clean and vacant, you are welcome to check in early. When you call the main phone number, ask for Reservations.

The Gathering. If you are able, please plan to meet as a large group for a bit on Wednesday night. At this point I'm not sure where we'll meet. Possibly in one of the villas. This has become a nice little pre-tournament gathering where we greet each other, welcome the rookies, go over the pairings for matches, and go over other tournament details. We'll start around 9:00pm and try to wrap by 9:30pm. It's important to not miss this. Please do your best to be on time.

If you have any questions, please call or text Mark Rice. Cell number is 616-826-8232.

See you in a few days!

2017 Rooming List Announced

Lewiston, MI--The tournament committee today announced the rooming list for 30th annual James E. Vos Memorial Invitational. Participants in the 2017 tournament will be staying in the single and double villas located on property and just a short walk from main lodge and pro shop. Players who participated in the 25th anniversary tournament will remember these villas as the same lodging used five years ago. The only difference is everyone stayed in double (4-person) villasfor the 2012 tournament. Most of this year's lodging is in single (2-person) villas.

Herewith the rooms and participants assigned. The numbers assigned to each grouping are not actual room numbers. If you wish to switch room assignments from what is below, work that out directly with the resort staff, not with the executive committee.

Villa 1
Jack Vos
Sam Vos

Villa 2
Jon Vos
Max Vos

Villa 3
Jim Vos
Tyler Vos

Villa 4
Tony Vroon
Anthony Vroon

Villa 5
Dan Rosema
J.D. Rosema

Villa 6
Mark Vandenberge
Phil Vandenberge

Villa 7
Thom Anema
Steve Elenbaas

Villa 8
Dan VanderWal
Chris Grek

Villa 9
Richard Anema
John Anema

Villa 10
Jeff Tanis
Owen Tanis

Villa 11
Ken Terpstra
Jim Warners
Bob Warners
Jim Baker

Villa 12
Mark Rice
Rodger Rice
Dave Tanis
John Topliff

30th Anniversary Tournament Teams Announced

Lewiston, MI--The tournament executive committee today announced the teams for the 30th playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational, now just a few weeks away. The executive committee made the decision to select the teams in advance to save time and create event efficiency in what will be a very busy weekend with tight schedules.

Once again, families will face off against families. This year, the Rice's, Vos', Vroon's, and Tanis' will tee it up against the Anema's, Rosema's, Vandenberge's, and Warner's. Both teams have additional "adopted sons" to round out them out and even the competition. Very few strokes separate the handicaps, but as we've seen in the past, that rarely matters. Grit, determination, who's playing well that week, and luck play a huge role in determining the winning team. Who will it be this year?

Herewith the teams for the 2017 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational.

Team A/Handicap (final team name tbd; see below)
Anema, Dick, +30
Anema, John, 26
Anema, Thom, +14 (but playing to a +8)
Baker, Jim, +14
Elenbaas, Steve, +13
Grek, Chris, +9
Rosema, Dan, +6
Rosema, J.D., +18
Terpstra, Ken, +15
Vandenberge, Mark, +16
Vandenberge, Phil, +20
Vander Wal, Dan, +9
Warners, Bob, +17
Warners, Jim, +16

Team B/Handicap (final name tbd; see below)
Rice, Rodger, +22
Rice, Mark, +10
Tanis, Dave, +12
Tanis, Jeff, +10
Tanis, Owen, +17
Topliff, John, +16
Vos, Jack, +20
Vos, Jim, +7
Vos, Jon, +10
Vos, Max, +11
Vos, Sam, +5
Vos, Tyler, +23
Vroon, Anthony, +27
Vroon, Tony, +20

Team names will be selected at the Wednesday evening Gathering event (approx. 9:00pm Saturday evening, details to follow in another post). It is a tournament tradition the reigning MVP retains the right to select his team's name between either the Fairway Finders or the Recovery Shots. We will wait to see what reigning MVP, Bob Warners, chooses....

To save time and create efficiency, the executive committee will also develop in advance the pairings for the entire tournament. Stay tuned for further details.

2017 Handicaps: A Mixed Bag

Byron Center, MI--While the 2014 and 2015 tournaments saw a general downward trend in player handicap indexes, the 2016 tournament stopped that trend completely. Going into 2017, most every returning player's index stayed level, or within 1-2 strokes of their starting 2016 handicap index. There were exceptions, however, as there always are.

Both Dan Rosema and Jim Vos will see their 2017 indexes plummet a full five (-5) strokes from 2016. Both played exceptionally well in the 2016 tournament.

Dan Rosema blitzed Treetops, going 85-77-78-80 for an 80 average, dropping his index from +11 to +6.

Jim Vos came in as a +12, based on a very old set of scores, and quickly kicked that old index to the curb. His opening round of 76 on the Jones course was the lowest round of the tournament (matched the next day by Sam Vos) and served notice to everyone that Jim Vos was BACK BABY!!!! He cooled off slightly but still put up a strong 76-82-85-82 for an 81 average and a 2017 index of +7.

Sam Vos had another super-strong tournament, going 79-76-77-83 for a 79 average and the lowest handicap index in the field (+5). Way to go, Sam!

Normally, sending one's handicap index upwards significantly is not a good sign, but two players perhaps know something the rest of us don't.... Both Jack Vos and Dick Anema will enter the 2017 tournament with indexes six strokes higher than they began the 2016 tournament.

The ageless Dick Anema went from +24 to +30.

And the Wise-one, Jack Vos, also sent his index up six strokes, going from +14 to +20. We normally don't celebrate those accomplishments, but here's the secret: this year's tournament will be played at Garland which historically has wreaked havoc on player scores and handicaps. The smart ones may well just be these two, who have set themselves up with higher-than-normal handicaps going into tournament play on some tough courses. We shall see.

All this sets up for a terrific 2017 tournament. Indexes and tee assignments are below. Tees assignment indicate tee played in the tournament to achieve the current handicap index. Rookie handicaps are estimated.

Name, Tee, Index
Dick Anema, Red, +30
John Anema, White, +26
Thom Anema, Blue, +14
Jim Baker, White, +14
Steve Elenbaas, Blue, +13
Chris Grek, White, +9
Mark Rice, Blue, +10
Rodg Rice, Gold, +22
Dan Rosema, Blue, +6
J.D. Rosema, Blue, +18
Dave Tanis, Gold, +12
Jeff Tanis, White, +10
Owen Tanis, White, +17
Ken Terpstra, White, +15
John Topliff, Blue, +16
Mark Vandenberge, Blue, +16
Phil Vandenberge, White, +20
Dan Vander Wal, Blue, +9
Jack Vos, White, +20
Jim Vos, Blue, +7
Jon Vos, Blue, +10
Max Vos, Blue, +11
Sam Vos, Blue, +5
Tyler Vos, White, +23
Anthony Vroon, White, +27
Tony Vroon, White, +20
Bob Warners, White, +17
Jim Warners, White, +16

Full House

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational executive committee today announced the 30th anniversary tournament will be played at its full capacity of twenty-eight participants. What started with Jim Baker's registration--the day after invitations were sent--ending on Friday after John Topliff called in his registration and paid his deposit. Registrations are now officially closed. Twenty-eight participants ties the all time record, set in 2012 at the 25th anniversary tournament.

The 2017 tournament will once again feature its eclectic mix of well-loved regulars, old friends returning, our tall timbers, and newcomers.

The executive committee welcomes back several friends who have been absent: Ken Terpstra, Mark Vandenberge, Phil Vandenberge, John Topliff, Chris Grek, Dan Vander Wal, and John Anema. Ken has been a regular and friend of the tournament almost since it's inception. Other commitments caused him to miss the 2015 tournament. Ken wanted to play in the 2016 tournament but the tournament filled up faster than he expected and, unfortunately, he was left as first alternate. But he's back and the committee is thankful.

Terp

John Topliff also missed the 2016 tournament due to scheduling conflicts. John has been with the tournament for the last decade. His sweet spirit and smooth swing will be felt once again in 2017.

John Topliff

Mark and Phil Vandenberge has also been regulars for years. Unfortunately, the last decade has seen their attendance become a bit more sporadic. Mark last played in the 2015 tournament (The Homestead). Phil, one of the tournament's tall timbers, has not played since the 25th anniversary event, also held at Garland.

Many participants will be unfamiliar enough with John Anema to consider him a newcomer even though he is not. In fact, John is one of the tournament's earliest participants. John played in the 1989 tournament--it's second year! Alas, we have not seen him since. John is also the brother of tournament co-founder, Thom, and the son of tournament tall-timber, Uncle Dick. Welcome back John!

Dan and Chris have been regulars since their first appearances here, and their absence is felt the rare times they have missed. Both are previous tournament MVPs and both will again appear in 2017, hopefully beginning another long run of consistent tournament showings.

V-Dub

Grekster

Rookies have always been encouraged and welcomed to the tournament and this year is no different. Three rookies will join this year's matches, all part of a father-son combo, and all continuing the youth movement started about eight years ago when young Kyle Vander Wal first joined. The tournament committee warmly welcomes Tyler Vos (son of Jim), Max Vos (son of Jon), and Anthony Vroon (son of Tony).

And, finally, the tournament committee is thrilled it's "tall timbers" return once again. The 2017 tourney will feature no less than four tall timbers. These men are the ageless wonders, the backbone of the event, and its most cherished members. All over seventy years old, they return most every year, log all the miles, play 36 holes a day, battle through matches just like everyone else who is younger, and never once complain. They make us laugh, they make scratch our heads in amazement, they inspire us to enjoy the game for its most simplest and purest pleasures: friendship, fun, and the great outdoors. Welcome back Dave Tanis, Rodger Rice, Dick Anema, and Phil Vandenberge!!!!

Sadly, several friends and tournament "longtimers" are not able to attend this year. We will very much miss the presence of John Mulder and Don Van Zee. Both of these fine men have been tournament stalwarts and have rarely, if ever, missed a year since they started. They bring life, joy, laughter, and good competition every time they play. We will miss you both very much. And, specifically, we will miss Doc John's photo journal of the trip.

Doc John

Donvan "Dyno-mite" Van Zee

The 2017 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational welcomes the following participants:

Dick Anema
John Anema
Thom Anema
Jim Baker
Chris Grek
Steve Elenbaas
Mark Rice
Rodger Rice
Dan Rosema
J.D. Rosema
Dave Tanis
Jeff Tanis
Owen Tanis
Ken Terpstra
John Topliff
Mark Vandenberge
Phil Vandenberge
Dan Vander Wal
Jack Vos
Jim Vos
Jon Vos
Max Vos
Sam Vos
Tyler Vos
Tony Vroon
Anthony Vroon
Bob Warners
Jim Warners

Grand Garland: The Love Affair Continues. 30th Anniversary Tournament Host and Schedule Announced

Lewiston, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced the 30th playing of its annual event will be held June 7-10 at Garland Lodge and Resort. This is the eleventh time the resort has hosted the tournament--a record.

While not the site of the 1988 inaugural event, Garland played a role in the 1989 rotation when then Garland East (later split into Swampfire and Monarch) was visited by eight golfers on a very cold, rainy May day as part of a 36-hole day that included the then brand-new Michaywe Lakes golf course. Since then Garland has been in the event rotation ten more times--six consecutive (1992-1997) and more than any other northern Michigan golf resort--and remains the sentimental favorite site of many of the invitational's regular participants. The tournament was last held at Garland five years ago in 2012--its 25th anniversary year.

James E. Vos Memorial Tree

Garland and its four courses have created countless memories for the JEV Tourney. It was in 1996 on the Reflections course when tournament co-founder and namesake, James E. Vos, Sr. carded the first of only two aces ever recorded in the tournament's 29-year history on hole #16, a downhill par 3 of 175 yards. The jubilant cheers were heard throughout the property. A cherry tree, planted in James E. Vos' honor in 2012, now stands as a sentinel guarding the 16th green lest anyone try and replicate the amazing feat.

A record twenty-eight participants played in the 2012 25th anniversary event and many consider it one of the tournament's all-time best years, fitting that it was played at...Garland.

A preliminary course rotation has already been established for the 30th anniversary event. Plans call for the teams to face off Thursday morning, June 8 at 7:30am on the Swampfire course, followed by afternoon play on at 1:30pm on the behemoth Monarch course. Friday's (June 9) rotation includes Swampfire again in the morning (7:30am) followed by the traditional 2-man scramble round on Reflections (1:30pm). Saturday morning (June 10) finale singles matches will once again be played on Monarch (7:00am).

The tournament committee is anticipating another strong turn out for the 2017 event. The field has been opened to 28 golfers. Invitations will be extended in the coming weeks with participants expected to accept in February/March with a $100 deposit, payable to the resort. Watch this website and your email for future notification and instructions to reserve your spot.

2016 Final Trip Details

Gaylord, MI--Looking forward to the 29th annual James E. Vos Memorial Invitational. Here are some final trip details for this year's participants.

1. Package price is $387. Your $100 deposit should have already been accepted by the resort so your remaining balance would be $287.

2. Package includes three nights lodging in standard rooms (2 double beds) at the Inn at Treetops, five rounds of golf, taxes, and full use of the practice area.

In addition, I have secured the Alpine Room in the Inn for all three nights. The Alpine room seats about 20 people. It includes a table and chairs, several sofas, a mini-fridge, and a flatscreen TV. The Alpine room will be available to any of our group who wants to use it during our stay. We will meet there Wednesday night (see The Gathering, below) to meet everyone, hand out scorecards, and answer any questions. We will also have a pizza dinner catered in to that room either Thursday night or Friday night.

3. Tee times, competitive format, and courses are as follows:

Ryder Cup-style competition. Each competitive match is worth one (1) point. Team with the most points at the end declared the tournament winner.

Thursday, June 9
Morning - Jones Masterpiece
8:25am-9:22am - 2-man best ball (match play)

Afternoon - Smith Tradition*
3:00pm-3:50pm - 2-man scramble (stroke play)
*Note: the Smith Tradition is located at Treetops North, about 5 miles north of main resort and the Inn where we are staying.

Friday, June 10
Morning - Fazio Premier*
9:00am-9:50am - 2-man best ball (match play)

Afternoon - Fazio Premier*
3:00pm-3:50pm - 2-man best ball (stroke play)
*Note: Fazio Premier is located at Treetops North, about 5 miles north of the main resort.

Saturday, June 11
Morning - Jones Masterpiece
10:20am-11:17am - Singles (match play)

Let me just say these tee times are NOT ideal. Treetops will be very busy and these were the best times we could get on the courses we wanted. The good news is we do not have any early morning starts. The bad news is we will get finished playing golf very late on Thursday and Friday evening and on Saturday. For that reason we are catering in pizza to the Alpine room on one of the nights--either Thursday or Friday. The pizza will be there waiting for us when we get to the Alpine room.

4. Team Pairings, Matches, and Team Names

Teams and pairings have already been selected and sent to you. This is being done to save time and create efficiency. The reigning MVP (Thom Anema) selects his team's name (either Recovery Shots or Fairway Finders) at the Wednesday night Gathering. Scorecards for day one of the tournament will be handed on Wednesday night. Every evening, the next day's scorecards will be handed out.

Food is not included in the package this year. As I said, either Thursday or Friday night we'll have pizza catered in to the Alpine Room. The other nights we typically all end up at a local restaurant for supper in Gaylord. There are also several restaurants/bars on property, just a short walk from our hotel rooms, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

5. Wednesday Golf, Hotel Check-In, and The Gathering

Wednesday is a non-tournament day. We have secured six tee times on Threetops par 3 course (located at Treetops North) from 3:00pm-3:50pm at a rate of $28 per player. Pay in the Treetops North pro shop. These are first come, first serve. Please try and fill up a foursome if you are going to play during this time period. I suspect most of the golfers on the trip will try to take advantage of playing Threetops.

Check-in is officially not until 5pm. However, I am told we are welcome to call the front desk at 989-732-6711 on the way up and if your rooms are clean and vacant, you are welcome to check in early.

The Gathering. If you are able, please plan to meet as a large group for a bit on Wednesday night in the Alpine room. This has become a nice little pre-tournament gathering where we greet each other, welcome the rookies, go over the pairings for matches, and go over other tournament details. We'll start around 9:00pm and try to wrap by 9:30pm. It's important to not miss this. Please do your best to be on time.

If you have any questions, please call or text Mark Rice. New cell number is 616-826-8232.

See you in a few days!