Twenty-Eight is Great

Garland, MI--The tournament committee today announced the field of twenty-eight spots for the silver anniversary playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational is completely full. What started on January 24 with Chris Grek's deposit, ended today with Ken Terpstra's. Invitations are closed--the earliest the field has ever been full.

With the announcement the tournament recognized a new attendance record. The 2012 playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational will field the largest and strongest field ever in its twenty-five years. The previous record, set in 1999 at Boyne Highlands, carried a field of twenty-four participants.

Tournament namesake and co-founder, James E. Vos, Sr. would be proud. Vos Sr. or Senior Smoke as he was affectionately called, was one of four men who, in 1988, tasted northern Michigan golf for the first time in their lives and were smitten, returning every year in early summer for the love of friends, fellowship, competition, honor, and the game itself.

Now, twenty-five years later, the field of twenty-eight represents not only the largest, but one of the strongest fields in its history. Led by three-time MVP Jon Vos (1997, 2006, 2011), this year's field boasts no less than thirteen previous Stroke Saver MVP award-winners including the trophy's first winner: Jeff Tanis (1994), and its most recent: John Mulder (2011). In between and returning this year are such rock-solid Stroke Saver MVP winners like Thom Anema (2000), Dan Vander Wal (2002 & (2009), Chris Grek (2003), Dick Anema (2004), Rodger Rice (2005), Ken Terpstra (2006), Jack Vos (2007), Don Van Zee (2008), and Kyle Vander Wal (2010).

Rookies have always played an important role in the tournament. This year, no less than four rookies will make their debut: Ken Klunder, Owen Tanis, Dan Rosema, and Sam Vos will become part of tournament lore making the grand 25th their first. Also back are last year's rookies, Jeff Stuk and Jim Baker.

Perhaps the heartiest welcome goes to those who chose to return after absences--however brief or prolonged--and those who return every single year and without whom the tournament would simply not be the same. The tournament eagerly anticipates the returns Jim Warners, Brian Van Hall, Mark and Phil Vandenberge, Dick and Thom Anema, John Topliff, Robert Warners, Tony Vroon, Dave and Jeff Tanis, and Steve Elenbaas.

The field is set. Let the games begin. Herewith are the final participants for the 25th Anniversary James E. Vos Memorial Invitational:

Mark Rice

Chris Grek

Dave Tanis

Jeff Tanis

Owen Tanis

Jeff Stuk

Dick Anema

Thom Anema

Jim Baker

John Topliff

Brian Van Hall

Ken Klunder

Don Van Zee

Steve Elenbaas

Rodger Rice

Dan Vander Wal

Kyle Vander Wal

Robert Warners

Jon Vos

John Mulder

Dan Rosema

Tony Vroon

Jim Warners

Jack Vos

Sam Vos

Phil Vandenberge

Mark Vandenberge

Ken Terpstra