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, December 1, 2019

Boy, Oh Boyne

Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced the 33rd playing of its annual event will be held June 3 through June 6 at Boyne Mountain Resort. This is the fifth time Boyne resorts have hosted the tournament, but only the second time the Boyne City, MI property has served as tournament headquarters. Previous tournaments were held at Boyne properties in 1990, 2006, and 2007 (Boyne Highlands) and in 1991 (Boyne Mt.).
Boyne Mt. Monument Course Hole #18
Boyne, and specifcially Boyne Highlands, has been at the top of most everyone's request list for years. Despite that, and despite obtaining package quotes from them most every year for the last 5-6 years, premium pricing demanded by the resort has made it difficult for Boyne Highlands to host. Price-wise, this year was no different. Boyne came in with an expensive package price. However, during the package negotiation process, the possibility of staying at Boyne Mt. emerged as a more economical way of having the resort host the 2020 tournament. And, while the per person package price will be higher than normal in 2020 (by approx. $100/person), the executive committee made the decision to accept Boyne Mountain's bid to host the 2020 tournament.

Consideration was also given to Pohlcat/Bucks Run in Mt. Pleasant and Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City. GTR was price restrictive, as usual. Pohlcat/Bucks Run was an interesting option but the committee tabled that option when it became clear Boyne Mt. was becoming a more affordable alternative. Both will be given consideration for hosting in 2021.

A preliminary course rotation has already been established for 2020 tournament. Plans call for the teams to face off Thursday morning, June 4 at 7:10am on the Alpine course, followed by afternoon play at 1:20pm on the Monument course, both at at Boyne Mt. Friday's (June 5) rotation takes place at Boyne Highlands (a 30-minute drive north) and features the Ross course (8:00am) followed by the Heather (2:00pm). The Saturday morning (June 6) finale singles matches will be played back at Boyne Mt. on the Monument course (10:00am tee time).

Note: Thursday and Friday tournament days are unlimited golf, so more golf can be played if desired. Plus work is being done to receive special pricing for any golf played on Wednesday, June 3 before the tournament begins. This still needs to be confirmed but it looks good as of this writing.

Lodging will be in the  Disciples Ridge condos on property at Boyne Mt. Resort.

Disciples Ridge
The tournament committee is anticipating another strong turn out for the 2020 event. The field has been opened to 28 golfers. Invitations will be extended in the coming weeks with participants expected to accept in ASAP with a $100 deposit, payable directly to the resort. Watch this website and your email for future notification and instructions to reserve your spot.

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