The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Sam and Cam

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.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sam and Cam

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced the return of Sam Vos for his sophomore year in the tournament. Sam is the grandson and the tournament's namesake and the son of one its founders and original participants. Sam is part of a welcome set of young guns--a new generation of tournament participants that include Owen Tanis (son of Jeff and grandson of Dave), Kyle Vander Wal (son of Dan and nephew of Nick) and Dan Rosema (stepson of Doc John Mulder, the tournament's official photographer).

Much like Kyle Vander Wal in his first year, the 2012 crop of rookies seemed unphased by the pressure, posting impressive scores and records in the 25th anniversary tourney, perhaps most notably with Sam's scorching 79 on the difficult Monarch course at Garland, albeit with an asterisk by the score. His opponent that round, another rookie, Owen Tanis, withdrew after nine holes with back spasms.

Joining Sam this year will be pal, Cam Van Koevering, another young gun and the tournament's only rookie so far. The tournament committee welcomes Cam to his first tournament. With Cam's entry, the number of participants in the 2013 tournament is now eighteen with the expectation the number will grow to twenty.

This year we are being asked to prepay the tournament fees, which were due May 1. If you have not yet paid your 2013 entry fee, please do so at your earliest convenience. Payment arrangements can be made directly with the Hawk's Eye Golf Resort. Contact Alana Sowers at alana@golfbellaire.com.