The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Sixteen...and counting

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, April 13, 2013

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.