The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2016 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational Tournament Teams Announced

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.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

2016 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational Tournament Teams Announced

Gaylord, MI--The tournament executive committee today announced the teams for the 29th playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational, now just a few weeks away. The executive committee made the decision to select the teams in advance to save time and create event efficiency in what will be a very busy weekend with tight schedules.

Like last year, and in what is becoming a kinder gentler version of The Hatfield's vs. McCoy's, families will face off against families. This year, the Rice's, Anema's, Tanis', and Van Zee's will tee it up against the Rosema's, Vos', and Warners. Both teams have additional "adopted sons" to round out them out and even the competition. In tallying up each participants handicap index, only two strokes separate the two teams. All that adds up to what should be another tightly contested tournament.

Herewith the teams for the 2016 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational.

Team A/Handicap (final team name tbd; see below)
Anema, Dick, +24
Anema, Thom, +15
Rice, Mark, +13
Rice, Rodger, +19
Tanis, Dave, +10
Tanis, Dirk, +10
Tanis, Jack, +16
Tanis, Jeff, +7
Tanis, Owen, +16
Van Zee, Don, +10
Van Zee, Jr., Donovan +20

Vandreumel, Kellen, +10

Team B/Handicap (final name tbd; see below)
Baker, Jim, +12
Mulder, John, +20
Rosema, Ben, +19
Rosema, Dan, +11
Rosema, J.D., +17
Vos, Jack, +14
Vos, Jim, +12
Vos, Jon, +11
Vos, Sam, +5
Vroon, Tony, +19
Warners, Bob, +18

Warners, Jim, +15

Team names will be selected at the Wednesday evening Gathering event (approx. 9:30pm Saturday evening, details to follow in another post). It is a tournament tradition the reigning MVP retains the right to select his team's name between either the Fairway Finders or the Recovery Shots. We will wait to see what reigning MVP, Thom Anema, chooses.

To save time and create efficiency, the executive committee will also develop in advance the pairings for the entire tournament. Stay tuned for further details.