The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: FULL...at Nineteen

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

FULL...at Nineteen

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced it has closed participant invitations for the 2013 tournament, capping it at nineteen with the inclusion of the second rookie entered in the 26th annual tournament. Mark Ochsankel has accepted the tournament committee's invitation. Mark comes to the tournament through Chris "Vander Wal Killer" Grek. Welcome Mark!

Capping the number of participants at nineteen does mean slight formatting changes in tournament play, but none such that the tournament executive committee has not dealt with before. While not ideal, the committee assures the participants that number is very workable. Daily pairings will likely include one twosome playing against a single and a future "blind draw"--another team member's score randomly pulled out of a hat later that evening. This does add some drama to the tournament and some added pressure to the team with nine participants instead of ten. One's individual score, if drawn as the blind draw, could effect the outcome of not one but two matches.

Just over three weeks to go!