The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: March 2010

A Buddies Trip...A Lasting Legacy

"When buddie's golf succeeds it resuscitates the soul. We return to our lives as if from a spiritual retreat, reminded by imperfect pastors that we ought to quit chasing perfection and enjoy life." Golf Digest, December 2009.

A lesson like that knows no offseason. In 1988 four friends hatched an idea to spend two days in northern Michigan competing in three two-man events over three different courses--the winning team earning a full-course dinner and bragging rights until next year. It was right after the first 36-hole day, sitting on the deck at Shanty Creek Resort, watching the sun set over Lake Bellaire, reliving shots hit stoney and stone-like, mesmerized by a fervent purple and pink sky, the four friends instinctively knew, "This is perfect."

A trip was born, a lasting legacy begun. Since that first trip, friends and family have gathered each June, bound by the rich traditions of the game and lasting friendships forged in the cathedrals and cellars of Michigan golf: Boyne, Treetops, Garland, Wuskowhan, The Legend, Cedar River, The Chief, Wicked Trick, I mean, Crooked Stick, Bay Harbor, A-ga-ming, Black Forest, Antrim Dells, and countless others.

What began as four friends, 54 holes over two days has grown to as many as 28 golfers, 162 holes over 4 days. We are bound by the very things that make up the pillars of golf: love, honor, and respect.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

2010 James E. Vos Memorial Tournament Field Almost Set

March 28, 2010 - Byron Center, MI

The field of sixteen participants for the 2010 James E. Vos Memorial Tournament is almost full. As of this writing, invitees have confirmed their place in the field. Those players include:

Mark Rice
Rodger Rice
Chris Grek
John Mulder
Dan VanderWal
Kyle VanderWal
Brian VanHall
Ken Terpstra
Jeff Tanis
Dave Tanis
Jim Warners
Robert Warners
Jon Vos

Interest in this year's tournament have been expressed by Jack Vos, Dononvan VanZee and Mark Vandenberge but to date, nothing is confirmed.