The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Dirk Van Zee Joins 25th Anniversary Tournament

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, May 5, 2012

Dirk Van Zee Joins 25th Anniversary Tournament

Garland, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational executive committee today announced the return of long-time participant and three-time MVP, Dirk Van Zee.

Mr. Steve Elenbaas circa 1999

Mr. Dirk Van Zee circa 1999

Dirk's invitation came shortly after the executive committee was informed that participant Steve Elenbaas would not be able to participate in this year's tournament in its entirety. Mr. Elenbaas' vacation time schedule, and other important family commitments forced him to cut his tournament participation by 3/5's. Steve and Dirk will now together fill the 28th slot with Steve playing in Sunday's matches and Dirk playing in Monday and Tuesday's matches. Steve will also participate in Saturday's pre-tournament play which is open to all but not part of the tournament package.

While the committee expresses understanding with sadness over Steve's schedule change (Steve is a long-time participant himself), it welcomes Dirk's return. Dirk has played in numerous tournaments dating back to its early years and has been the tournament's MVP or co-MVP three times, holding it solo in 1996 and sharing the honor in 2003 with Chris Grek and again in 2007 with brother-in-law, Jack Vos. 2007 was Dirk's last time in the tournament until this year.

The tournament executive committee is sympathetic to Steve and is pleased to try to oblige the inevitable schedule changes due to conflicts, which are nothing new to the tournament and are bound to occur. However, it strongly encourages all participants to commit to the tournament in its entirety at all times.