The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: James E. Vos Tourney: The Early Years

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.

Monday, April 19, 2010

James E. Vos Tourney: The Early Years

I'm slowly putting together the complete history of this tournament. In its second year, 1989, the event doubled in size: from four people to eight. In attendance that year were founding members:

Jim Vos, Sr.

Jack Vos

Thom Anema

Mark Rice

plus newcomers:

Rodg Rice

Steve Spoelhof

John Spoelhof

John Anema

While no photos exist from the inaugural 1988 tournament, I discovered some early photos from that equally historic second year. At that time we still held the tournament in mid-May, before Memorial Day. You'll note there are virtually no leaves on the trees. In 1989, when these photos were taken, we played Garland East (no Swampfire or Monarch yet), which was made up of holes 1-6 & 7-9 of Monarch and holes 1-3 & 13-18 of Swampfire; and Michaywe Lakes (in a cold, steady rain) on a Friday; followed by Treetops on Saturday morning. These pictures are from Treetops.