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, April 15, 2018

2018 Tournament Invitations - CLOSED

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational executive committee today announced applications are no longer being accepted for 2018 tournament. From Anema to Warners, twenty-four participants have accepted the tournament's invitation. Registrations are now closed.

The 2018 tournament will once again feature its eclectic mix of well-loved regulars, old friends returning, our Tall Timbers, and has been the norm, rookies.

The executive committee welcomes back tournament co-founders Jack Vos and Thom Anema. The Vos and Anema families have been linked to the tournament's history since the beginning in 1988.

Thom Anema - 2015 MVP

Tournament co-founder, Jack Vos
Both Thom and Jack are tournament MVPs. Thom is a 2x winner (2000 & 2015). Jack shared the honor with Dirk VanZee in 2007. Jack has never missed a tournament. Thom, who lives in Colorado, attends as often as he is able, and now returns for his fourth consecutive year.

Families have always played a huge part in the tournament. The tournament's rich history includes such long-standing family names as Anema, Vos, Warners, Tanis, Van Zee, VanderWal, Vandenberge, Rice, Mulder/Rosema, and so many more. Fathers, sons and brothers have been represented since the tournament's inaugural year when Jack Vos played alongside his dad, James E. Vos, Sr.--the tournament's namesake. In 1989 Thom Anema was joined by his brother, John. In 1990 Thom's dad joined. And on it goes.

This year is no different. No less than seven families will represent. The executive committee, as always, is grateful for the small armies that are the Tanis and Vos tribes, both of whom bring their own foursomes to the 2018 event.

Tall Timber, Dave Tanis

Led by Tall Timber, Dave Tanis, the Tanis tribe once again includes son Jeff, and grandsons, Owen and Dirk. Welcome back!

Sam Unleashes!
Joining the Vos foursome are co-founder Jack, son Sam, brother Jon, and tournament rookie, Max Vos, Jon's son. WELCOME MAX!



Just short of a foursome are the Anema's. Joining Thom are his brother John, and his dad, the ageless Dick Anema. Dick Anema is the oldest of the tournament's Tall Timbers at 88 years old. He, along with Dave Tanis (78) and Rodg Rice (80) are the tournament's real stars. Relentless, tough as nails and, most of all, gentlemen through and through. We all aspire to become men like them.

Rounding out the families are the great friends of the tournament: the Warners, Vroon's, and Elenbaas'. Brothers Bob and Jim Warners have been been permanent fixtures on the tournament for years. Jim serves on the tournament executive committee and Bob was the 2015 tournament MVP.

Bob Warners, 2015 MVP

The executive committee is thrilled Tony Vroon is returning for the fourth consecutive year and he will once again bring his son, Anthony "A-Dog" Vroon. Longtime friend, Steve Elenbaas also returns and this year we get an Elenbaas two-fer. For the first time ever, Steve brings his son and tournament rookie, Ben. WELCOME BEN!

Steve Elenbaas

Last, but certainly not least, this year's singles include:

-The incomparable Dan VanderWal--the tournament's ONLY 3x MVP (2002, 2009, 2013) and fresh off two hip surgeries within the last seven years.

Gimpy VW
-The hard-hitting, competitive, yet always gracious, Jim Baker.
-Tenacious, tough as nails, yet also always gracious Ken Terpstra.
-The man with the big heart, John Topliff.

And, finally...

with hearts full of thankfulness to our Creator, the tournament welcomes back with cheers, high-fives, and a loud "WOOT!", our own dear, Dr. John Mulder. Most of you know Doc John is one year removed from lung transplant surgery. One year ago we were praying for a body that wouldn't reject its new lung, let alone a return to this tournament. Doc John is the 2014 MVP, our tournament's official photographer, our tournament physician, but most of all...our friend. Welcome back, my friend. We missed you.

Doc John

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