The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Pre-Tournament Warm-Up Round

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, May 16, 2010

Pre-Tournament Warm-Up Round

Legend #2

Talk is beginning to circulate about a warm up 18 or 36 holes on Wednesday. Current discussions include Shanty Creek courses The Legend and Schuss Mt. Note: Cedar River is closed Wednesday, June 9. Other courses under consideration are GTR's The Bear and Wolverine or The Chief and Hawks Eye--two courses located just outside the entrance to Shanty Creek Resort.

Hawks Eye GC

Early discussions with the pro at Shanty Creek have provided a 36-hole rate on The Legend for $90 total. Other discussions are ongoing.

Current interested participants include Rodg Rice, Mark Rice, Jeff Tanis, Dave Tanis, Chris Grek, Dan VanderWal, Kyle VanderWal, and John Mulder. If you are interested in joining Wednesday's group, let tournament director, Mark Rice know by either responding to this post or by emailing him at markrice6963@msn.com