The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Wednesday, June 9 Plans Set

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 30, 2010

Wednesday, June 9 Plans Set

Golf and travel plans for Wednesday, June 9 are set. By my count twelve of the sixteen participants in this year's tournament will be headed north, playing three different courses. Sadly, four of our members will be sufferring downstate until after work on Wednesday before venturing to A-ga-ming. Here are the current Wednesday plans as received by the tournament committee.

Eight participants in the 2010 James E. Vos Memorial Tournament will be honing their skills Wednesday, all day at Grand Traverse Resort. Thirty-six holes will be played at the Bear and then the Wolverine courses of GTR by:

Dan VanderWal

Kyle VanderWal

Chris Grek

John Mulder

Don VanZee

Jon Vos

Rodg Rice

Mark Rice

Tullymore Golf Club, a highly rated and award winning Jim Engh design in Standwood, MI will host Jim Warners, Robert Warners, and Kenneth Terpstra on Wednesday afternoon, June 9, afterwhich they will make their way to A-ga-ming.

Going rogue will be Brian VanHall who was last heard stating he was heading way north to play his personal favorite, True North Golf Club near Harbor Springs, MI--another award winning Jim Engh design.