The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: 2017 Handicaps: A Mixed Bag

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, May 15, 2017

2017 Handicaps: A Mixed Bag

Byron Center, MI--While the 2014 and 2015 tournaments saw a general downward trend in player handicap indexes, the 2016 tournament stopped that trend completely. Going into 2017, most every returning player's index stayed level, or within 1-2 strokes of their starting 2016 handicap index. There were exceptions, however, as there always are.

Both Dan Rosema and Jim Vos will see their 2017 indexes plummet a full five (-5) strokes from 2016. Both played exceptionally well in the 2016 tournament.

Dan Rosema blitzed Treetops, going 85-77-78-80 for an 80 average, dropping his index from +11 to +6.

Jim Vos came in as a +12, based on a very old set of scores, and quickly kicked that old index to the curb. His opening round of 76 on the Jones course was the lowest round of the tournament (matched the next day by Sam Vos) and served notice to everyone that Jim Vos was BACK BABY!!!! He cooled off slightly but still put up a strong 76-82-85-82 for an 81 average and a 2017 index of +7.

Sam Vos had another super-strong tournament, going 79-76-77-83 for a 79 average and the lowest handicap index in the field (+5). Way to go, Sam!

Normally, sending one's handicap index upwards significantly is not a good sign, but two players perhaps know something the rest of us don't.... Both Jack Vos and Dick Anema will enter the 2017 tournament with indexes six strokes higher than they began the 2016 tournament.

The ageless Dick Anema went from +24 to +30.

And the Wise-one, Jack Vos, also sent his index up six strokes, going from +14 to +20. We normally don't celebrate those accomplishments, but here's the secret: this year's tournament will be played at Garland which historically has wreaked havoc on player scores and handicaps. The smart ones may well just be these two, who have set themselves up with higher-than-normal handicaps going into tournament play on some tough courses. We shall see.

All this sets up for a terrific 2017 tournament. Indexes and tee assignments are below. Tees assignment indicate tee played in the tournament to achieve the current handicap index. Rookie handicaps are estimated.

Name, Tee, Index
Dick Anema, Red, +30
John Anema, White, +26
Thom Anema, Blue, +14
Jim Baker, White, +14
Steve Elenbaas, Blue, +13
Chris Grek, White, +9
Mark Rice, Blue, +10
Rodg Rice, Gold, +22
Dan Rosema, Blue, +6
J.D. Rosema, Blue, +18
Dave Tanis, Gold, +12
Jeff Tanis, White, +10
Owen Tanis, White, +17
Ken Terpstra, White, +15
John Topliff, Blue, +16
Mark Vandenberge, Blue, +16
Phil Vandenberge, White, +20
Dan Vander Wal, Blue, +9
Jack Vos, White, +20
Jim Vos, Blue, +7
Jon Vos, Blue, +10
Max Vos, Blue, +11
Sam Vos, Blue, +5
Tyler Vos, White, +23
Anthony Vroon, White, +27
Tony Vroon, White, +20
Bob Warners, White, +17
Jim Warners, White, +16