The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2012 Images

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.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

2012 Images

The 25th playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational is over but will long be remembered. It was a special gathering of friends, new and long-lasting, young and old to celebrate the game we love and to honor the one man who epitomized its lasting virtues of honor, love of the game, and deep lasting friendship.

Images compliments of Doc John Mulder who faithfully serves as the tournament's official photographer and whose images have greatly enhanced the tournament. Thanks Doc John!

Discussion ensues on the tournament's first day over "the replay."

Friends are reacquainted at the Gathering, the evening before the tournament.

The incomparable, Uncle Dick. Our tournament's most-loved octogenarian.

2012 MVP Ken Terpstra shows off his form and his legging.

The swing of Phil Vandenberge, still oh, so silky after fifty years.

Reliving Sr.'s Ace.

No one even hit the green but many tried including Thom Anema, attempting the shot and recreating Sr. Vos' form as only he can do.

Brian Van Hall tries to ace Reflections #16.

Eventually we all kissed Ken Terpstra's feet as he dominated matches on his way to the 2012 Stroke Saver trophy.

One of our tournament's well-loved Tall Timbers, Dave Tanis, toasts Jim Vos Sr. on Reflections #16.

The moving event made us laugh and cry, celebrating one of our now gone co-founders.

The Jim Vos, Sr. honorary tree, planted just to the left of Reflections #16.

The plaque.

The brothers Van Zee.

Friends and tournament co-founders Jack, Mark, and Thom.

Congrats to the winning Recovery Shots team of (back row l-r): Jack vos, Ken Terpstra, Don Van Zee, Jim Baker, Jim Warners, Jeff Stuk, John Mulder; (front row l-r): Bob Warners, Brian Van Hall, Chris Grek, Dirk Van Zee, Sam Vos, Dan Rosema, Jon Vos, Steve Elenbaas (not pictured.)