The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: August 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.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Jock Doc

You all thought our own Doc Mulder was just a supreme athlete with incredible golfing skills, carrier of a bag of magic cremes and medicines, combined with a creative eye for photography. Oh, ye of little knowledge. Truth is, our official tournament photographer is so much more than that.

Doc Mulder was profiled in the July 10 Grand Rapids Press. Turns out he's a pretty famous, an exceptional doctor, an really good musician, and an all-around good guy. Check it out on mlive.com if you haven't already.

Congrats John Mulder! We are even more honored than before that you would choose four days out of the year to spend with our little ragtag group of guys.

www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/07/profile_end-of-life_specialist.html