The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Dynamite VanZee and Co-Founder Vos Confirmed!

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.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Dynamite VanZee and Co-Founder Vos Confirmed!

In a strange run of events, two historically committed tournament participants--including co-founder, Jack Vos, had not committed to the 2010 tournament leading up to the first week of April, causing the tournament committee (and other players) some degree of concern. Jack Vos is a tournament co-founder, son of the tournament's namesake, and a participant since the tournament's inception in 1988. "Dynamite" VanZee has been a participant for over 15 years and is a tournament favorite. Both have recently won the coveted Stroke Saver MVP Trophy. Vos shared the trophy with co-MVP Dirk VanZee in 2007 at Boyne Highlands and Don winning it outright the next year in 2008 at The Ravines. The tournament would simply not be the same had both these champions not played.

With VanZee and Vos commitment, the tournament field is almost set. Fifteen participants have now committed leaving just one spot open in the field of sixteen. The field now includes:

Mark Rice

Rodger Rice

Dan VanderWal

Kyle VanderWal

Ken Terpstra

Jim Warners

Robert Warners

Brian VanHall

Chris Grek

Dave Tanis

Jeff Tanis

John Mulder

Jon Vos

Donvan VanZee

Jack Vos

Invitations are still out and the tournament committee is waiting to hear from invitees Mark Vandenberge, Phil Vandenberge, Jim Vos, Dirk VanZee, and others. One spot is left and the tournament committee expects to fill it soon.