The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2012 Tournament Headlines

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.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

2012 Tournament Headlines

Lewiston, MI--Here's what's buzzing around the press tent on the eve of the 2012 25th anniversary tournament.

1. Will three-time MVP winners Jon Vos and Dirk Van Zee challenge for a record fourth Stroke Saver trophy?
2. Will the spirit of 25th anniversary held at Garland generate another hole-in-one?
3. How will the rookies fair? Will Ken Klunder, Dan Rosema, Owen Tanis, and Sam Vos crumble under the weight of tournament conditions or will the vy for the MVP title as Kyle Vander Wal did in his rookie year?
4. How will the three-generation team of Owen Tanis, Jeff Tanis, and Dave Tanis do this year? This is the first time in tournament history when three generations have attended the event--fitting it happens in the tournament's 25th year.
5. With Team Grand Haven vs. Team World matches knotted at 6-6-1, which team will break the tie? Which team will hold the coveted 1-win advantage and take home the Senior Cup?
6. How will the true seniors--Dave Tanis, Rodg Rice, Phil Vandenberge, and Dick Anema--sporting an average age of 104 and a combined age of 562 hold up? They say they've got 36/day in the bag but will oxygen and wheel chairs need to be provided somewhere on the back 9 of the day's second 18?
7. Speaking of the seniors, Villa 3 remains a huge concern for the executive team. Will its occupants make their morning tee times and will a colon-blow be required prior?
8. What medicines and pain relievers will docs Mulder, Stuk and Tanis bring in their magic packs? Will Mulder's magic cream re-surface again? And, where is it all going?
9. Will Garland shine as of old and how will the players respond to her charms? Will they torch the Monarch or will it rule with an iron fist as of old?
10. How will the returning players do? Will the games of Warners, Van Hall, Anema, Tanis, Vandenberge--all names synonymous with the tournament--pick up where they left off?
11. Have the legendary bald eagles returned, and on which hole are they nesting?