James E. Vos Memorial Invitational 2016

James E. Vos Memorial Invitational 2016

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, June 5, 2011

2011 Tournament Handicaps Posted

Bellaire, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational Tournament Committee today announced the starting handicap indexes and tee box determinations for its field of twelve. Leading the field with an index of +7 from the blue tees is last year's rookie sensation, Kyle VanderWal. Kyle went 83, 80, 82, 80 averaging 81 and going 5-1 in tournament play becoming the tournament's MVP and Stroke Saver Trophy winner. It remains to be seen if the sophomore jinx becomes a reality for Kyle. Kyle's dad, Dan VanderWal entered the 2010 tournament with an astounding +7 from the black tees (Kyle's +7 is from blue tees), but nagging hip problems kept Dan from playing his normal game and sending his 2011 index up 4 to +11.

Perhaps the 2010 sleeper award goes to Mark Rice who quietly shot 82, 84, 84, 80 for an 83 average and sending his 2011 handicap falling five strokes from +13 to +8, second only to Kyle's +7. This precipitous change seems to be the norm for Rice who is historically inconsistent, preferring to roller coaster + or - 4 or 5 strokes every few years. Pity the team who draws him for 2011.

A stroke behind Rice are the ultra-consistent duo of Jon Vos and Donovan VanZee. As has been reported before, Vos has never been out of single digits and heads into 2011 at +9. Vos was in danger of an off year, beginning 2010 with very uncharacteristic rounds of 88 and 85 on the A-ga-ming Sundance course. He rebounded nicely shooting the lowest round of the week--a 75--at Belvedere and finished with a more typical 83 on the Sundance course in Saturday singles. Like Vos, VanZee is solid as a rock. Since 2005 his index has never been above +11, achieving a low of +7 in 2006 after spectacular golf at Treetops in 2005 where he posted two sub-80 rounds.

Interestingly, almost everyone's indexes went down heading into 2011. This is possibly explained by the fact that the tournament spent two consecutive years at the same course (A-ga-ming) and played no less than six rounds on Sundance, allowing players to really get to know the course.

Movers and shakers from last year include Bob Warners and Jack Vos. Warners continues to astound everyone with his retooled swing and has sent his index plummeting from +21 in 2008 to +15 after 2010 and that from blue tees (he previously played from white tees). Sadly, Bob Warners will not be in the 2011 field. Jack Vos too, seems to have found his comfort zone, moving up tees and shooting strong scores of 89, 86, 94, and 86 to send his index falling from +17 to +13 heading into 2011. In two years Jack has fallen from +20 to +13. Way to go Jack.

Indexes are below. Tees indicate tee played in 2010 tournament to achieve current handicap index. Jim Baker and Jeff Stuk's handicaps are estimate as are the tees from which they will play.

Name, Tee, Index
Jim Baker, white, 14
Chris Grek, white, 13
John Mulder, white, 14
Mark Rice, blue, 8
Rodger Rice, white, 21
Jeff Stuk, white, 17
Dan VanderWal, black, 11
Kyle VanderWal, blue, 7
Donovan VanZee, blue, 9
Jack Vos, gold, 13
Jon Vos, blue, 9
Jim Warners, blue 13

In related news, the tournament committee announced today the tournament play stroke differentials between tee boxes at both Cedar River and The Legend:

Cedar River
Black-Blue: 461 yards, +/- 4 strokes
Blue-White: 565 yards, +/- 5 strokes

The Legend
Black-Blue: 495 yards, +/- 5 strokes
Blue-White: 468 yards, +/-4 strokes
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