The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2011 Tournament Highlights

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 12, 2011

2011 Tournament Highlights

Bellaire, MI--The 2011 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament ended Saturday with the sun finally peeking out of the 3-days of cloud cover, and smiles all around, despite the lopsided ending. A full report will be forthcoming in 2012 including the tournament committee's awarding of the 2011 Stroke Saver trophy, honoring the winning team's MVP. A few highlights are included below.

-"The Gathering" occurred at its normal pre-tournament Wednesday night time of 9pm. Teams were selected and the day's pairings announced. This little pre-tournament time with everyone together again, has become a delightful tradition.
-Rookies Jim Baker and Jeff Stuk were welcome additions and fit in immediately. The tournament committee has already promised invitations in 2012 and sincerely hopes they will attend the 25th anniversary event.

-The Recovery Shots team of Jon Vos, Donovan VanZee, Jack Vos, John Mulder, Chris Grek, and Mark Rice defeated the Fairway Finders team of Dan VanderWal, Kyle VanderWal, Rodg Rice, Jim Warners, Jeff Stuk and Jim Baker in unexpected dominating fashion. The JEV tourney traditionally has always come down to the wire with either team having a chance to win it in singles play on the last day. Not the case this year. The Recovery Shots won going away, winning 13 out of 18 possible points.

-For the first time ever in JEV Memorial tournament play, four players shot sub-80 rounds in the same group during the same round. Kyle VanderWal, Dan VanderWal, Jon Vos, and Mark Rice all had rounds below 80. Playing in the 7:40am group in the tournament's opening round, Jon Vos shot 79; Mark Rice, 77; Dan VanderWal, 78; and Kyle VanderWal shot 76. The foursome had an amazing seven birdies and one eagle and would have shot 5-under 67 in a best ball.

-Last year's rookie MVP, Kyle VanderWal, cooled in his sophomore year but still posted his team's best individual record, going 3-2.

-The Grek legend grows. In their ninth meeting, Chris "VanderWal Slayer" Grek unbelievably drew Dan VanderWal's name again in singles, shooting his tournament best 80 and beating VanderWal 3&1. Chris has never lost to Dan in the tournament's singles competition.

-Clouds, light rain, and cool temperatures dominated the event held at Shanty Creek Resort and played on the resort's Legend and Cedar River courses. Despite the weather, the tournament continued on, undaunted.

-Next year's event venue and dates have not yet been announced but it is rumored the tournament will return to the friendly confines of Garland Resort for its 25th anniversary event. Garland was the sight of the tournament's only hole-in-one by none other than its founder and tournament namesake, James E. Vos.