The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2011 Tournament 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 6, 2011

2011 Tournament Headlines

Here's what's buzzing around the press tent as the JEV Memorial Tourney approaches.

1. Will Kyle overcome the sophmore jinx to become the first solo repeat winner of the Stroke Saver MVP Trophy?

2. Will the new tee policy and tee assessments quiet the debate of switching tees, or will it rage on like before?

3. Will the weather cooperate or will the heavens open up as in 1999?

4. Will John Mulder bring his magic creme? And just what does Don VanZee use that stuff for?

5. Will Dynomite VanZee make his magic feel good brew this year?

6. A new hip, bad knees, torn meniscus? Will old guys Rice Jr., VanderWal, and VanZee hold up in tournament conditions?

7. Dan VanderWal playing blue tees, claiming he can't swing hard for fear of dislocating his hip. Dan VanderWal not swing hard? This is a joke, right?

8. How will rookies Stuk and Baker do? Will they vie for the MVP trophy or will rookie nerves get the better of them?

9. Will we actually see Mulder in a photo, or will he be the one always behind the camera?

10. Will the VanderWal Slayer show up again?