The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: January 2011

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, January 30, 2011

2011 James E. Vos Memorial Tournament Invitations Announced

Byron Center, MI - January 31, 2011

The James E. Vos Memorial Tournament Committee announced today invitations have been sent out for its 2011 tournament scheduled for June 8-11 at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, MI.

Overlooking beautiful Lake Bellaire, Shanty Creek hosts the 24th annual event for its third time. The resort holds special significance in the tournament's history. Its Schuss Mt. and Shanty Creek courses hosted the inaugural event held in 1988, and it was sitting on the balcony of the resort, enjoying the sunset when the inklings of an annual tournament first took root among the four founding players including James E. Vos, the tournament's namesake.

The tournament returned to Shanty Creek thirteen years later in 2001 and hosted one of the most memorable tournaments in the invitational's history. Played in May instead of the traditional June time slot, the tournament experienced some of the foulest weather ever. Friday's 36 holes were played on The Legend course in a steady, cold rain. Amazingly, no one quit or gave up. The player's woke up Saturday morning to near freezing temps. After a long frost delay, everyone teed it up, ready to make the most of. By the second hole, the skies opened up and another all-day deluge let loose. Controversy and courage ensued as some players simply could not take another day living like river rats. Others, most notably Jon Vos vs. Dave Tanis battled it out to the bitter end, each conceding lengthy putts at the 18th for a half. That day and specifically that round forever lives in the infamy of the James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational. A related story about the 2001 tournament will be posted at a later date.

Excitement is already building for the 2011 tournament. Receiving invitations this week are:

Mark Rice (tournament co-chair)
Jack Vos (tournament co-chair)
Jon Vos
Jim Vos
Thom Anema
Dick Anema
Rodger Rice
Jeff Tanis
Dave Tanis
Donovan VanZee
Dirk VanZee
Bob Warners
Jim Warners
Ken Terpstra
Joel Neiwenhuis
Doug Gulker
Tony Vroon
Mark Vandenberge
Phil Vandenberge
Brian VanHall
Steve Elenbaas

Dan Vanderwal

Kyle Vanderwal

Chris Grek

John Mulder

John Topliff

A deposit of $100 is required to reserve a spot in the field of 16 by the end of March, 2010. Deposit checks should be made out to Mark Rice and mailed to:

2539 Marfield Dr. SW
Byron Center, MI 49315

Thursday, January 27, 2011

2011 Tournament Venue Announced

January 27, 2011 - The James E. Vos Invitational Tournament Committee is pleased to announce the 2011 tournament will be contested on Shanty Creek Resorts' Legends and Cedar River Courses (http://www.shantycreek.com/). Site of the innaugural 1988 tournament and the 2001 tournament--one of the most memorable tournaments in the James E. Vos Invitational history--the resort is home to four different courses, of which the Legend and Cedar River courses are considered the best. The Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay-designed Legend, opened for play in 1986 just as the golf boom was hitting northern Michigan. It has stood the test of time and is considered by some tournament contestants to be one of their top 5 courses in Michigan. From its jaw-dropping tee shot on hole #1 the course rarely lets up as it winds its way through valleys, up bluffs, and alongside streams. Rarely will you see another golfer. The newer, Tom Weiskopf-designed Cedar River, was an instant favorite when it opened for play in 1991. Its broad-shouldered fairways are more forgiving than its sister Legend course, but the course is no less stunning and features plenty of gut-check holes including the cut-as-much-as-you-dare 8th, and the deliciously dangerous short par 4 13th--a Weiskopf design trademark.

Whatever your favorite, the tournament's return to Shanty Creek promises two great venues and a lot of fun.

Invitations and further details for the 24rd annual tournament will be delivered in the coming weeks. This year's tournament will be limited to sixteen competitors.