The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2013 Tournament Filling Up. Surprise Return of A "Third" Vander Wal

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.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

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