The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Garland--A Trip Down Memory Lane

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, May 28, 2012

Garland--A Trip Down Memory Lane

Lewiston, MI--The James E. Vos, Sr. Memorial Invitational and its history will be forever linked to Garland Lodge and Resort. With the 2012 staging, the grand resort has hosted the tournament a record nine different times in its twenty-five year history beginning in 1992 including six consecutive: from 1992 to 1997, followed by a two-year stint in 2002-03 before returning again this year.

There has always been something very special about Garland. Its courses, while decent in their own right, are not preferred by the tournament participants over the likes of Treetops, Boyne, or even Shanty Creek. It is, however, the whole package that consistently ranks Garland as the tournament's perennial favorite. It is the people, the service, the grand log lodge (largest built east of the Mississippi), the ambiance, the food, four courses all at one's doorstep, and the fact that literally everything is within walking distance. Upon arriving, one parks their car, drops off their clubs, and never needs worry about them until departure.

The tournament actually played its first round at Garland in only its second year of existence: 1989, at the early stages of the Michigan golf boom and when Garland's courses were vastly different from what we know today. That tournament was hosted at Treetops (then called, Sylvan Resort) and only the Jones course existed then. The 1989 tournament consisted of 36 holes on day one at Garland East and then Michaywe Lakes--brand new at the time--followed by the 18 hole finale at the Treetops Jones course--only three years old in 1989.

In 1989 Garland boasted an East and West course along with a 9-holer called Herman's Nine. The East was actually a hybrid of what is now Monarch and Swampfire and, if one knows the original routing, could still be played in that order. Monarch holes 1-6 and 16-18 made up the front nine of the East Course and Swampfire holes 1-3 and 13-18 made up the back nine. An original East scorecard is below. Those of you who have been to Garland before may be able to envision this original routing.

Garland and its courses have been instrumental in forging the legacy that has become the James E. Vos, Sr. Memorial Invitational, and each course carries its own memories, some of which will be reanacted for the 25th anniversary.

Thom Anema may be asked to return to #1 Monarch and replay the events leading to seven consecutive 3-wood shots in the water fronting #1 green until the eighth finally cleared. Ask Rodg Rice on precisely what tree on Swampfire #14 he bludgeoned his putter into oblivion requiring an emergency purchase in the Garland pro shop. And, we'll all have the opportunity to duplicate James E. Vos, Sr's legendary ace on Reflections #16.

And memories abound beyond the golf course. Be sure and ask Steve Elenbaas about his experience with a freshly lit cigar on the veranda overlooking the putting green one evening. Ask Jack Vos about his strategic notes to his players the night before the singles matches, and inquire with Jim Warners about "peaking." You will for sure get a story and a chuckle.

Six days to go. Welcome home, friends.