The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: January 2018

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.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Dandy Shanty

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced the 31st playing of its annual event will be held June 6-9 at Shanty Creek Resort. This is only the third time the Bellaire, MI resort has hosted the tournament. Shanty Creek first hosted the tournament in 2001 and again in 2010.

The 2001 tournament is historic on many levels. It was one of the tournament's worst weather years--just terrible. Sadly, it was one of tournament co-founder, James E. Vos, Sr.'s last recorded rounds. And, sadly, it was the last year of the Spoelhof family. More on that in another post.

A preliminary course rotation has already been established for 2018 tournament. Plans call for the teams to face off Thursday morning, June 7 at 8:00am on the Cedar River course, followed by afternoon play on at 2:00pm also on the Cedar River course. Friday's (June 8) rotation includes The Legend in the morning (7:00am) followed by the traditional 2-man scramble round on the Summit course (2:50pm). Saturday morning (June 9) finale singles matches will be played on the Schuss Mountain course (8:00am).

The tournament committee is anticipating another strong turn out for the 2018 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.