The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Field Set for 2010 Tourney

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, May 3, 2010

Field Set for 2010 Tourney

The tournament committee today announced the acceptance of its sixteenth and final participant, closing the field of participants at sixteen for the June 9-12 event, now in its 23rd year.

Newcomer Mr. John Topliff of Saugatuck, MI joins the star-studded field of familiar faces Brian Van Hall, Dave Tanis, John Vos, tournament co-founder Jack Vos, and others.

While a newcomer to the tournament, Topliff is no stranger to northern Michigan golf or tournament golf. A long-time member of Mullet Lake Country Club near Cheboygan, MI Topliff used his time there to hone his sweet, country-club swing that creates a gentle draw on every shot.

His gentle spirit, easy-going nature, and sweet swing made him an easy and immediate selection by the tournament committee.

Topliff has been a colleague and friend of tournament co-founder, Mark Rice, for over fifteen years while they were employed by Zondervan. John also knows Rodger Rice.

John joins:

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

as the now full-field for the 2010 James E. Vos Memorial Tournament.