The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: January 2017

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, January 17, 2017

Grand Garland: The Love Affair Continues. 30th Anniversary Tournament Host and Schedule Announced

Lewiston, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced the 30th playing of its annual event will be held June 7-10 at Garland Lodge and Resort. This is the eleventh time the resort has hosted the tournament--a record.

While not the site of the 1988 inaugural event, Garland played a role in the 1989 rotation when then Garland East (later split into Swampfire and Monarch) was visited by eight golfers on a very cold, rainy May day as part of a 36-hole day that included the then brand-new Michaywe Lakes golf course. Since then Garland has been in the event rotation ten more times--six consecutive (1992-1997) and more than any other northern Michigan golf resort--and remains the sentimental favorite site of many of the invitational's regular participants. The tournament was last held at Garland five years ago in 2012--its 25th anniversary year.

James E. Vos Memorial Tree

Garland and its four courses have created countless memories for the JEV Tourney. It was in 1996 on the Reflections course when tournament co-founder and namesake, James E. Vos, Sr. carded the first of only two aces ever recorded in the tournament's 29-year history on hole #16, a downhill par 3 of 175 yards. The jubilant cheers were heard throughout the property. A cherry tree, planted in James E. Vos' honor in 2012, now stands as a sentinel guarding the 16th green lest anyone try and replicate the amazing feat.

A record twenty-eight participants played in the 2012 25th anniversary event and many consider it one of the tournament's all-time best years, fitting that it was played at...Garland.

A preliminary course rotation has already been established for the 30th anniversary event. Plans call for the teams to face off Thursday morning, June 8 at 7:30am on the Swampfire course, followed by afternoon play on at 1:30pm on the behemoth Monarch course. Friday's (June 9) rotation includes Swampfire again in the morning (7:30am) followed by the traditional 2-man scramble round on Reflections (1:30pm). Saturday morning (June 10) finale singles matches will once again be played on Monarch (7:00am).

The tournament committee is anticipating another strong turn out for the 2017 event. The field has been opened to 28 golfers. Invitations will be extended in the coming weeks with participants expected to accept in February/March with a $100 deposit, payable to the resort. Watch this website and your email for future notification and instructions to reserve your spot.