The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: December 2015

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.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Treetops Resort to Host 29th Annual James E. Vos Memorial Invitational

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational executive committee today announced the 2016 tournament will return to Treetops Resort. This will be the fourth time the tournament has been played at Treetops, and the first time since 2005 when the Fairway Finders prevailed 10-8 and Rodger Rice won the Stroke Saver MVP award. Treetops Resort also hosted the tournament in 2004 and in 1989--the tournament's second year.

Treetops has long been a player favorite, consistently ranking as one of the top three tournament sites, and in the same company as Boyne and Garland, among the players picks. Until this year, bringing the tournament to Treetops has been cost-prohibitive, with per player rates for golf and lodging exceeding $500. This year's rate will be under $400.

The tournament will be held over three days, from June 9 through June 11, 2016. Players will be expected to arrive Wednesday evening, June 8 and depart Saturday afternoon, June 11, after the singles round.

Three Treetops courses will host tournament play, in the following order and formats:

Thursday, June 9
Jones Masterpiece, 2-man best ball match play
Smith Tradition, 2-man scramble

Friday, June 10
Fazio Premier, 2-man best ball, match play
Fazio Premier, 2-man best ball, stroke play

Saturday, June 11
Jones Masterpiece, singles match play

In addition, a special $28 rate has been negotiated for play on Threetops, the resort's spectacular par 3 course and former host to ESPN's par 3 Shoot Out. A block of tee times has been reserved for Wednesday afternoon, June 8 beginning at 3pm for those who wish to take advantage of the late June sunsets and this spectacular rate.

Shortly after January 1, 2016 tournament invitations will be sent out. Twenty-four spots are available for the 2016 tournament. As in previous years, a $100 per player deposit will be required by March 1 to reserve a spot in the tournament.