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| Jones Masterpiece, Hole #6 |
Treetops was a dark horse for consideration this year as the tournament committee had previously determined to give strong consideration to Boyne Highlands, Gull Lake View, and Grand Traverse Resort, in that order, and based on input from the tournament's participants. The committee worked diligently with Boyne on several package options but the negotiated package price from Boyne eventually skyrocketed to over $600/person, putting Boyne out of the running for further consideration. Both Gull Lake View in August, MI and Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, MI were very interested in hosting, but were completely booked with large-scale events during the tournament's 2019 dates.
Two other dark horses emerged about the same time as Treetops: Tullymore/St. Ives and Charlevoix, MI area courses. Both bids and locations were intriguing as neither had ever hosted the James E. Vos Memorial tournament in the past. While these two options were being pursued, Treetops became proactive in getting the event back and, in the end, their bid was a full $120/person less expensive than either Tullymore/St. Ives or Charlevoix. That, plus the high caliber course rotation and a completely renovated Treetops Inn made Treetops the clear favorite over the other contenders.
While they didn't get the 2019 tournament, Grand Traverse Resort, Boyne, and even Charlevoix are intriguing options and will be given consideration for 2020 and beyond. In particular, the Charlevoix bid included a chance to return to Belvedere CC which remains tournament players favorite, despite having played it only once in the tournament's history (2010).
A preliminary course rotation has already been established for 2019 tournament. Plans call for the teams to face off Thursday morning, May 30 at 7:16am on the Jones Masterpiece course, followed by afternoon play at 1:24pm, also on the Jones course. Friday's (May 31) rotation includes the Rick Smith Tradition (most likely, the scramble round) in the morning (6:50am) followed by afternoon play on the Fazio Preimer (12:33pm). We are the FIRST tee times on both Thursday and Friday mornings. Saturday morning (June 1) finale singles matches will be played on the Fazio Premier (8:42am).
The committee has also received preliminary notice that additional early evening rounds on any of the resort's courses, including Threetops, are complimentary. Plus work is being done to receive special pricing for any golf played on Wednesday, May 29 before the tournament begins. This still needs to be confirmed but it looks good as of this writing.
The committee has also received preliminary notice that additional early evening rounds on any of the resort's courses, including Threetops, are complimentary. Plus work is being done to receive special pricing for any golf played on Wednesday, May 29 before the tournament begins. This still needs to be confirmed but it looks good as of this writing.
The tournament committee is anticipating another strong turn out for the 2019 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.
