The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 22 & Counting; Friends Return; Tanis Brings Four

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, March 13, 2014

22 & Counting; Friends Return; Tanis Brings Four

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational executive committee today announced all but two of the available twenty-four spots has been reserved. This year's tournament will max out at twenty-four participants. Twenty-two participants have reserved their places in the 2014 tournament so far.

Robert Warners

Among the elite who have guaranteed a spot in the field is Robert Warners. Warners, the younger and better looking sibling to James, returns after a one-year absence. Both Bob and Jim have are long-time fixtures in the tournament and have contributed significant tournament improvements. Bob's ideas have led to improved handicapping methods, a creative and workable solution to handicapping two-man scramble teams, and the creation of an executive committee for which yours truly is especially grateful. Brother Jim serves on the executive committee.

The 2014 field will also boast the most-ever direct line descendants in tournament history. Previous tournaments have boasted two and even three family members. The Warners, Van Zee's, Rice's, and Vandenberge's have consistently brought two family members. The Tanis', Vos', Vandenberge's, Anema's, and Spoelhof's have even brought three family members from time to time. This year, the Tanis family will bring its own foursome--a feat matched only one other time by the Vos family in the mid-1990's.

Iron man, Dave Tanis

Led by iron man and tournament tall timber, Dave Tanis, the tournament also welcomes back son Jeffrey, grandson Owen...

Jeff (far left) and Owen (far right) Tanis

and proudly welcomes second grandson, Dirk, who will be a 2014 tournament rookie. Both Jeff and Owen last played in the 25th anniversary 2012 tournament. Jeff and Dave are also long-time tournament participants and dear friends of the tournament founders.

Filling out the tournament's current roster of twenty-two are:

Christopher Grek
Dave Tanis
Rodger Rice
Don VanZee
Jim Baker
John Mulder
Dan Rosema
Robert Warners
Jeffrey Tanis
Owen Tanis
Dirk Tanis
Mark Ochsankehl
Kyle Vander Wal
Dan Vander Wal
Jeff Stuk
Jim Warners
Ken Terpstra
Jon Vos
Jack Vos
Sam Vos
Cam Van Koevering
Mark Rice

The tournament committee is looking to fill its final two spots. It will do so on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in participating in the 2014 tournament and have not sent in your deposit, please do so immediately. The tournament will cap at twenty-four.