The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: December 2013

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, December 29, 2013

2014 Tournament Prices & Options

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament executive committee is seeking input as to where to hold the 2014 tournament. Multiple options have been explored with five emerging as the top candidates. The five host clubs have emerged in keeping with the tournament executive committee's strategy of continuing to explore new venues and keep costs down.

The five clubs currently under consideration are:

1. Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, MI
http://www.crystalmountain.com/golf/home

2. Garland Resort in Lewiston, MI
http://www.garlandusa.com/

3. Tullymore/St. Ives in Stanwood, MI
http://www.tullymoregolf.com/about-us/directions.html

4. Lakewood Shores Resort in Oscoda, MI
http://www.lakewoodshores.com/

5. Northern Indiana
http://www.greatindianagolf.com/

An online survey is available on this blog page and it includes the posted package price. For voting purposes, please assume the package are basically equal and include:

1. Five rounds of golf
2. Three nights lodging
3. Use of range, practice areas
4. All applicable taxes

There are some slight differences and they are marked with asterisks on the survey and noted here:

*Garland's package price INCLUDES 3 BREAKFASTS. This was mandatory with the quote.
**Lakewood Shores Resort price is very robust and includes UNLIMITED GOLF, free use of their 9-hole par 3 course, discounts on future stay&play, and discount pricing on a rounds at the nearby and private Indianwood Country Club.
***The Northern Indiana package is through a local hotel and INCLUDES 3 BREAKFASTS.

Please vote at your earliest convenience.

Also, please note, this survey is to be informative to the executive committee. It will not, by itself, determine which club hosts the 2014 tournament. The executive committee will take the results of this survey under advisement as it makes its selection.

Happy New Year.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

2014 Tournament Dates and Possible Host Venues Announced; Sr. Vander Wal Again Forced to Play over Wedding Anniversary

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational Committee today announced the dates for the 2014 tournament will continue the non-traditional Sunday through Tuesday schedule. The tournament will be held beginning Saturday evening, May 31 through Tuesday morning, June 3, 2014.

The tournament committee also announced they are considering several venues for the 2014 tournament. All are newcomers to the tournament rotation. This continues the recent trend to expand the tournament to newer, untried venues in an effort to keep prices competitive and giving tournament participants variety. Current venues under consideration are:

1. Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, MI. http://www.crystalmountain.com/golf/home
2. Tullymore/St. Ives in Stanwood, MI. http://www.tullymoregolf.com/about-us/directions.html
3. Lakewood Shores Resort in Oscoda, MI. http://www.lakewoodshores.com/

4. Great Indiana Golf: a golf package website for seven different courses in northern Indiana. http://www.greatindianagolf.com/
5. Garland Resort. A perennial favorite. Included here because they contacted me and I invited them to quote. http://www.garlandusa.com/

One or two others may also be invited to bid (e.g. Hawk Hollow/Eagle Eye). The tournament committee will explore package options with each club and make a decision in December with an plan to announce the venue in early January 2014.

Thanks and a huge shout out to Dan Vander Wal who must surely deserve an all-time MVP award for once again planning to attend the 2014 tournament despite it being over his wedding anniversary.