The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: Young & Restless: 2013 Handicaps Announced

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 26, 2013

Young & Restless: 2013 Handicaps Announced

Bellaire, MI--The youth movement has officially arrived at the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational as the young guns have firmly taken up residence in the low handicap slots. On their heels, however, are the cagey veterans who will not relinquish their positions so easily.

Heading into the 2013 tournament young guns Kyle Vander Wal, Sam Vos, and Dan Rosema make up half the low six handicaps. Kyle has been in single digits since his rookie year and again finds himself the low man at +7 after rounds of 78, 83, 79, and 83. Kyle is followed closely behind by 2012 rookie Sam Vos who comes to the 2013 tourney a +8 after solid scores last year including a scorching 79 on the tough Monarch course at Garland.

Dan Rosema

Dan Rosema fills out the trio at +10 with 2012 rounds of 86, 90, 81 and 81. Most impressive about Dan's handicap is he remains the only 2013 participant who LOWERED his handicap. That's right. Every other player in this year's field of 20 who played last year has a higher handicap. More on that later. Congratulations Dan.

Kyle Vander Wal

Sam Vos

Joining Dan, Sam, and Kyle in the top six are veterans and past MVP winners Dan Vander Wal (+9), Donovan "Dynamite" Van Zee (+9), and rookie Mark Ochsenkehl whose +8 is an estimate. Little is known about Mark's game but we know the stellar games of Don and Dan very well. Despite their being in the top six, both saw their handicaps soar this year; Van Zee from +5 last year to +9 this year and the elder Vander Wal from +6 to +9.

Don "Dynamite" Van Zee

They weren't the only ones. Every 2012 returnee has a 2013 handicap higher than last year save the young Rosema, a reflection of the difficult, unforgiving Garland courses, home to last year's tournament. The lucky ones only went up a stroke or two. Sam Vos, Kyle Vander Wal, and 2012 MVP, Ken Terpstra, will see only a one stroke increase, followed closely behind by Jack Vos, who went from +17 to + 19, and Chris Grek, going from +12 to +14.

For some it was significant. Tipping the scales on the other end was Jim Baker who went from +15 in 2012 to a mighty +23 going into this year's tournament, an increase of 8 strokes. Dave Tanis went up seven strokes going from +10 to + 17, and both Rodg Rice and Doc Mulder went up five strokes; Rodg from +20 to +25 and Doc Mulder from +19 to +24. BE WARNED: these gents are to be feared in the 2013 tourney.

The always dangerous, Dave Tanis

All this sets up for a terrific 2013 tournament. Indexes are below. Tees indicate tee played in the 2012 tournament to achieve the current handicap index. Rookie handicaps are estimated as are the tees from which they play.

Name, Tee, Index
Jim Baker, blue tees, +23
Chris Grek, white, +14
John Mulder, white, +24
Mark Ochsenkehl, blue, +8 (rookie)
Mike Posby, blue, +15 (rookie)
Mark Rice, blue, +12
Rodger Rice, white, +25
Dan Rosema, blue, +10
Dave Tanis, white, +17
Ken Terpstra, white, +14
Dan Vander Wal, blue, +9
Kyle Vander Wal, blue, +7
Nick Vander Wal, white, +18
Cam Van Koevering, blue, +9
Brian Van Hall, blue, +13
Donovan Van Zee, blue, +9
Jack Vos, white, +19
Jon Vos, blue, +11
Sam Vos, blue, +8
Jim Warners, blue, +16