Sixteen...and counting

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee announced today it has received commitments from sixteen golfers filling all the available spaces in less than a week from when the invitations were sent out.

Returning for their 26th consecutive year are tournament co-founders Jack Vos and Mark Rice. Continuing the youth movement is the return of Dan Rosema for his sophomore year. Young Dan joined last year for the 25th anniversary and played fearlessly on the tough Garland courses. He should again be a force whatever team he's on.

On the opposite end of the age spectrum the committee heartily welcomes back two of the tourney's most senior members, Rodg Rice and Dave Tanis. These well-loved "Tall Timbers" of the tournament continue to impress with their longevity, game, and endurance. Everyone not-so-secretly hopes they have the stamina and the swings of these two fine gents when they reach life's three-quarter century mark. In particular, a return to The Chief would not be the same without Dave Tanis, whose legendary mano-a-mano rain-soaked singles match vs. Jon Vos the last time the tournament was played at The Chief is part of the tournament's legend. A honorable and well-earned nod to both Dave and Rodg.

Making up the final three spots are the familiar names of Brian Van Hall, Jon Vos, and Donovan Van Zee. All have great history with the tournament, are incredibly tough competitors on the course and fine friends off the course. They have that wonderful quality of wanting to beat the tar out of you when playing against you, but win or lose, when the last putt drops, the caps are off, smiles and handshakes all around, reflecting the the true spirit of tournament's namesake himself.

Welcome this year's sixteen tournament participants:

Chris Grek
Jim Baker
John Mulder
Ken Terpstra
Jim Warners
Dan Vander Wal
Kyle Vander Wal
Nick Vander Wal
Dan Rosema
Brian Van Hall
Jack Vos
Jon Vos
Mark Rice
Don Van Zee
Rodg Rice
Dave Tanis

But, we are not full yet. Interest remains from several other new and previous participants including the young Sam Vos, tournament rookie last year. And, the tournament committee is still waiting to hear from the other brother Warners: Robert. The rumor is the number will rise to twenty participants. Stay tuned for later developments. The tournament committee has stated it will do everything it can to accommodate additional participants and is working with the host club on logistics.

2013 Tournament Filling Up. Surprise Return of A "Third" Vander Wal

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee announced today that in just two short days since invitations to the 2013 tournament were sent, commitments have been received by eight players--half the available slots.

In addition to the previously reported commitments received from Chris Grek, Jim Baker, and last year's MVP Ken Terpstra, the tournament committee gladly received commitments from several past tournament MVPs. The 2011 co-MVP and official tournament photographer, Doc John Mulder, returns as does the well-loved and long-standing participant and tournament executive committee member, Jim Warners. In the tournament's 26-year history, few have as much history here than JW.

In a surprise announcement, the 2013 tournament welcomes not two, but three MVPs with the name, Vander Wal. 2009 and 2010 winners, Kyle and Dan, return as hoped, but they bring with them 2002 co-MVP Nick Vander Wal. Tournament records show Dan first joined in 1995 followed the next year by brother, Nick. Nick was a participant and fierce competitor every year from 1996 to 2002, missing only the 2000 event. In 2002 he shared co-MVP honors with brother Dan. That year both men were literally unbeatable, both going 4-0-1 and leading the Fairway Finders to their third consecutive victory. Welcome back, Nick!

With the three commitments from the Vander Wal family, the current eight committed participants include:

Jim Baker
Chris Grek
Ken Terpstra
Doc John Mulder
Jim Warners
Dan Vander Wal
Kyle Vander Wal
Nick Vander Wal

2013 Tournament Invitations Announced

Byron Center, MI--Tournament Committee announced today invitations have been sent out for the 26th playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational June 1-4, 2013 at Hawk's Eye Resort in Bellaire, Michigan.

Excitement is already building for the 2013 tournament and the tournament committee expects the sixteen slots will fill quickly. Early commitments have already been received from Jim Baker, who again receives this year's award for "first in," Chris Grek, and last year's MVP, Ken Terpstra.

The tournament committee will again strive to extend invitations to every past participant in the tournament's history as well as some tournament rookies. Receiving invitations this week are:

Mark Rice (tournament executive committee)
Jack Vos (tournament executive committee)
Jim Warners (tournament executive committee)
Thom Anema (tournament executive committee)

Sam Vos
Jon Vos
Jim Vos
Dick Anema
Rodger Rice
Jeff Tanis
Dave Tanis
Donovan VanZee
Dirk VanZee
Bob Warners
Ken Terpstra
Joel Neiwenhuis
Doug Gulker
Tony Vroon
Mark Vandenberge
Phil Vandenberge
Brian VanHall
Steve Elenbaas

Ben Elenbaas

Dan Vanderwal

Kyle Vanderwal

Chris Grek

John Mulder

John Topliff

Steve Spoelhof

Scott Spoelhof

John Spoelhof

Randy Ruiter

Keith Baker

Ken Klunder

Scott Alfree

Rick VanDyke

David Zylstra

Jeff Stuk

Jim Baker
Dewey Ducharme
Dan Rosema