The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2010 Headlines

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, June 7, 2010

2010 Headlines

Here's what's buzzing among the press as the JEV tourney approaches:

1. Will Dan VanderWal return to form and repeat as 2010 MVP?
2. How will necomer's Topliff and Kyle "The Kid" VanderWal fair under tournament pressure?
3. Has Jimmy Warner's finally "bought" his game to a new level with his $1,000 equipment purchases?
4. Will we finally get to see the long awaited "Clash of the Titans V" pitting Jon Vos and Dave Tanis against each other for the fifth time--a series of matches spanning 10 years that has never resulted in more than a 1/2 point to each?
5. Official photographer John Mulder has incredible pressure on him to produce live action documentary of this year's tourney. Can he play and click at the same time?
6. Will "VanderWal Slayer" Chris Grek return to form and extract his revenge on Danny Boy as he has time and again?
7. How will Ken Terpstra fair in his return--his first since 2007?
8. What tees will Jack Vos, Dan VanderWal, Jeff Tanis, and Bob Warners play from? All have switched tees last year. Will they return to their original starting tees, or will they play from where the left off in previous years?
9. How will the tournament fair at Belvedere?