The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: And Then There Were...23

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 11, 2014

And Then There Were...23

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced the 2014 tournament will boast yet another father-son combination. Following the footsteps of Jack Vos, Dan Vander Wal, Rodger Rice, Dave Tanis, Jeff Tanis, and so many others in the tournament's grand history, the youth movement continues and a new order begins when Don Van Zee, uh, now Don Sr., brings his son, Donovan Van Zee, Jr.

Dyno-mite Van Zee, Sr.

That's right. The one and only, Dynomite Van Zee is bringing Dynomite, Jr. According to tournament reconnaissance, the young Van Zee is a twenty-eight year old southpaw. The lad began playing golf when he was twelve and plays to about a 20-22 handicap index. Welcome Don Jr.!

With the addition of Don Jr., the tournament is almost to capacity and will close at a cap of twenty-for participants. Anyone interested in filling the last spot should contact the tournament executive committee.

The tournament is only three weeks away. Please pay attention to the website for future news and information on teams and pairings which will be made in advance due to the larger than anticipated number of participants in the 2014 tournament.