The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Executive Committee Announced

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, April 30, 2012

Executive Committee Announced

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial tournament committee today announced the formation of an executive team to assist in the planning, preparation and staging of the 25th anniversary invitational tournament. Co-founders Mark Rice, Jack Vos, and Thom Anema will be joined by longtime tournament participant Jim Warners to form this year's executive committee. The tournament has always been well supported by helpful participants, encouragers, consultants, math-wizzes, and wise counselors, but this is the first time such a team has officially been recognized and appointed.

This is a big year for the invitational with a record turnout, making the planning and staging all the more complicated and time-consuming. The formation of an executive team allows for more people to be involved in the planning and brings more and broader voices into the decision-making process--all pluses. It also brings some helpful relief to tournament stagers Rice and Vos who will now have a team of four to aid in dealing with tournament details, decisions, the inevitable surprise, as well as rules interpretation which, at times can be fraught with complexity and emotion.

The committee has already been at work planning a rooming list and will soon concentrate on forming tournament teams and daily pairings. While historically teams are chosen with all participants present the evening before the tournament, and daily pairings chosen each evening of the tournament, the number of participants at this year's event (28) makes doing that impossible. Teams and pairings will be made in advance and announced prior to the tournament. There are even rumors surfacing that, in honor of the tournament's 25th anniversary, teams may revert back to the old "Grand Haven/Lakeshore vs. The World" format. Stay tuned.

Kudos to Robert Warners and others for suggesting the formation of an executive team. Throughout the tournament and after its conclusion the executive team encourages your feedback on the idea.