The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2014 Tournament Prices and Options...Take 2

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, January 5, 2014

2014 Tournament Prices and Options...Take 2

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational Executive Committee today announced it had narrowed its options from five to two and is again seeking input from tournament participants.

Based on an earlier straw poll, Lakewood Shores is the clear front runner and one of the final two that are being considered. While the farthest away of all the possible tournament venues, Lakewood Shores has always boasted fine courses and its rates were by far the most competitive.

In a surprising turn of events, Tullymore/St. Ives has become the second option being considered. This, thanks to superb reconnaissance work done by executive committee member, Jim Warners.

Tullymore had turned in a quote of approximately $450 and had received no votes on the tournament website. Last week, Warners had several conversations with his own contact at Tullymore. Turns out, the main reason for the $450 price tag was the tournament's Saturday night stay. Warners discovered that if we were willing to move the tournament's matches ahead just slightly, we could eliminate the Saturday night stay and greatly reduce the price from $450 to $365. That's right, $365.

To guarantee this price, the new tournament schedule would look like this:

-NO Saturday night arrival/stay.
-Tournament begins with 18 holes on Sunday afternoon.
-36 holes on Monday
-36 holes on Tuesday
-Depart Tuesday evening

The executive committee believes the close proximity of Tullymore/St. Ives to West MI makes the elimination of a Saturday night stay and the addition of an afternoon round on Tuesday worth considering.

The executive committee will give this further consideration this week and plans to make its final decision next weekend. However, it is again looking for the input of tournament participants.

A NEW SURVEY has been posted on the tournament's website asking for player's preference between Lakewood Shores and Tullymore/St. Ives. If the tournament is held at Lakewood Shores it would follow the same schedule as the past few years:

-Saturday night arrival
-36 holes on Sunday
-36 holes on Monday
-18 holes on Tuesday morning
-Depart for home Tuesday afternoon.

The survey will be open on the tournament website until Friday noon, January 10. The executive committee thanks you in advance for your interest and your vote.