The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: January 2012

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.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

25th Anniversary Tournament Invitations Announced

Byron Center, MI--The Tournament Committee announced today invitations have been sent out for the highly anticipated 25th playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational June 2-5, 2012 at at Garland Lodge and Resort in Lewiston, Michigan.

Garland Lodge and Resort is a hidden gem tucked away in the beautiful woodlands of Lewiston, Michigan. Boasting four spectacular courses and the largest log cabin lodge east of the Mississippi River, Garland offers an exceptional and unique golfing experience and has consistently been the favorite venue of most James E. Vos Memorial Invitational participants. The natural backdrop of 3,500 acres of unspoiled wilderness provides the perfect setting for the four courses: Monarch, Swampfire, Reflections, and Fountains.

Excitement is already building for the 2012 tournament and the tournament committee expects this will be one of the most popular tournaments in its history. The tournament committee plans to extend invitations to every player in the tournament's history going back to 1988. This year's tournament has twenty-eight spots available. Receiving invitations this week are:

Mark Rice (tournament co-chair)
Jack Vos (tournament co-chair)

Sam Vos
Jon Vos
Jim Vos
Thom Anema
Dick Anema
Rodger Rice
Jeff Tanis
Dave Tanis
Donovan VanZee
Dirk VanZee
Bob Warners
Jim Warners
Ken Terpstra
Joel Neiwenhuis
Doug Gulker
Tony Vroon
Mark Vandenberge
Phil Vandenberge
Brian VanHall
Steve Elenbaas

Ben Elenbaas

Dan Vanderwal

Kyle Vanderwal

Chris Grek

John Mulder

John Topliff

Steve Spoelhof

Scott Spoelhof

John Spoelhof

Randy Ruiter

Keith Baker

Ryan Kanis

Ken Klunder

Scott Alfree

Rick VanDyke

David Zylstra

Jeff Stuk

Jim Baker

Plans are underway to track down as many previous tournament participants as possible.

A deposit of $100 is required to reserve a spot in the field of 28 by the end of February, 2012. Deposit checks should be made out to Mark Rice and mailed to:

2539 Marfield Dr. SW
Byron Center, MI 49315