The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Field Set for 2011 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.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Field Set for 2011 Tourney

Bellaire, MI--Tournament directors today announced the field is set for the 2011 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational to be played at Shanty Creek Resort. Twelve participants will compete this year, six of whom will walk away with the coveted tournament prize--the Senior Cup--so named not for the age of the participants but for the tournament's founder and namesake: James E. "Senior" Vos.

The field was very much in question this year with many long time participants having conflicts or simply deciding to take a year off. In February the tournament directors trimmed the field maximum from 16 to 12 participants due to lack of interest and even considered canceling the 2011 tournament. Stuck at nine participants for weeks, the tournament field stopped accepting applications on April 12 when tournament co-founder and longtime participant, Jack Vos, announced his return for a twenty-fourth consecutive year, bringing with him rookies Dr. Jeffrey Stuk, and the young Samuel Vos--grandson of the tournament's namesake--bringing the total participants to twelve.

Participants for the 2011 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational will include nine veterans and three rookies (Jim Baker, Jeff Stuk, Sam Vos), although half of Dan VanderWal's hip will also be a rookie:

Jim Baker

Chris Grek

John Mulder

Mark Rice

Rodger Rice

Jeffrey Stuk

Jack Vos

Jon Vos

Samuel Vos

Dan "Gimpy" VanderWal

Donovan VanZee

Jim Warners