James E. Vos Memorial Invitational 2016

James E. Vos Memorial Invitational 2016

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, March 12, 2017

Full House

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational executive committee today announced the 30th anniversary tournament will be played at its full capacity of twenty-eight participants. What started with Jim Baker's registration--the day after invitations were sent--ending on Friday after John Topliff called in his registration and paid his deposit. Registrations are now officially closed. Twenty-eight participants ties the all time record, set in 2012 at the 25th anniversary tournament.

The 2017 tournament will once again feature its eclectic mix of well-loved regulars, old friends returning, our tall timbers, and newcomers.

The executive committee welcomes back several friends who have been absent: Ken Terpstra, Mark Vandenberge, Phil Vandenberge, John Topliff, Chris Grek, Dan Vander Wal, and John Anema. Ken has been a regular and friend of the tournament almost since it's inception. Other commitments caused him to miss the 2015 tournament. Ken wanted to play in the 2016 tournament but the tournament filled up faster than he expected and, unfortunately, he was left as first alternate. But he's back and the committee is thankful.

Terp
John Topliff also missed the 2016 tournament due to scheduling conflicts. John has been with the tournament for the last decade. His sweet spirit and smooth swing will be felt once again in 2017.

John Topliff
Mark and Phil Vandenberge has also been regulars for years. Unfortunately, the last decade has seen their attendance become a bit more sporadic. Mark last played in the 2015 tournament (The Homestead). Phil, one of the tournament's tall timbers, has not played since the 25th anniversary event, also held at Garland.

Many participants will be unfamiliar enough with John Anema to consider him a newcomer even though he is not. In fact, John is one of the tournament's earliest participants. John played in the 1989 tournament--it's second year! Alas, we have not seen him since. John is also the brother of tournament co-founder, Thom, and the son of tournament tall-timber, Uncle Dick. Welcome back John!

Dan and Chris have been regulars since their first appearances here, and their absence is felt the rare times they have missed. Both are previous tournament MVPs and both will again appear in 2017, hopefully beginning another long run of consistent tournament showings.

V-Dub
Grekster
Rookies have always been encouraged and welcomed to the tournament and this year is no different. Three rookies will join this year's matches, all part of a father-son combo, and all continuing the youth movement started about eight years ago when young Kyle Vander Wal first joined. The tournament committee warmly welcomes Tyler Vos (son of Jim), Max Vos (son of Jon), and Anthony Vroon (son of Tony).

And, finally, the tournament committee is thrilled it's "tall timbers" return once again. The 2017 tourney will feature no less than four tall timbers. These men are the ageless wonders, the backbone of the event, and its most cherished members. All over seventy years old, they return most every year, log all the miles, play 36 holes a day, battle through matches just like everyone else who is younger, and never once complain. They make us laugh, they make scratch our heads in amazement, they inspire us to enjoy the game for its most simplest and purest pleasures: friendship, fun, and the great outdoors. Welcome back Dave Tanis, Rodger Rice, Dick Anema, and Phil Vandenberge!!!!










Sadly, several friends and tournament "longtimers" are not able to attend this year. We will very much miss the presence of John Mulder and Don Van Zee. Both of these fine men have been tournament stalwarts and have rarely, if ever, missed a year since they started. They bring life, joy, laughter, and good competition every time they play. We will miss you both very much. And, specifically, we will miss Doc John's photo journal of the trip.

Doc John


Donvan "Dyno-mite" Van Zee
The 2017 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational welcomes the following participants:

Dick Anema
John Anema
Thom Anema
Jim Baker
Chris Grek
Steve Elenbaas
Mark Rice
Rodger Rice
Dan Rosema
J.D. Rosema
Dave Tanis
Jeff Tanis
Owen Tanis
Ken Terpstra
John Topliff
Mark Vandenberge
Phil Vandenberge
Dan Vander Wal
Jack Vos
Jim Vos
Jon Vos
Max Vos
Sam Vos
Tyler Vos
Tony Vroon
Anthony Vroon
Bob Warners
Jim Warners
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