Byron Center, MI--For the first time in its 33 year history the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational will not be held. Due to current shelter-in-place restrictions, resort shutdowns, and general health concerns for the players caused by COVID-19, the tournament executive committee agreed to cancel the 2020 tournament. Email notices went to all confirmed players last week.
The announcement was received by the players with great sadness, but overwhelming support. Said one Tall Timber, "I'm going to miss the James E. Vos Invitational, but postponing until 2021 was definitely the right decision."
Boyne Resort, which was set to host the 2020 tournament, has agreed to serve as host for the 2021 tournament. Dates for the 2021 tournament are confirmed. The tournament will be held June 9-12, 2021. All twenty-to players confirmed for the 2020 tournament are automatically extended a permanent spot for 2021, leaving just two remaining spots to fill the tournament capacity.
As a small consolation, the tournament executive committee is planning a one-day, 36-hole event on Friday, June 5. The event will be held in West Michigan and all James E. Vos Memorial Invitational participants--past and present--will be invited. Check your email for details in the coming days.
Here's to 2021....
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
COVID-19 Update #2
Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational executive committee continues to monitor the developing golf situation at Boyne Resorts. As of this writing, the resort is not currently open. According to resort officials, they are slowly moving forward, and are discussing plans to open the Heather course this weekend for walking only. Their current plan is to open on May 15 for the golf season. They are coming up with different health and safety plans and procedures, allowing them to open in a more limited capacity.
The executive committee met today to discuss options. While no decision has been made, the committee agreed the likelihood of playing the 2020 tournament is dimming. The health and safety of our players is paramount. We simply will not risk the long-term health and safety of our players for the sake of playing golf. Additionally, questions abound about how a tournament would be staged at all, given the current state health restrictions and social distance guidelines. Will carts be allowed? Will restaurants be open? Will non-family members be willing (or even allowed) to share lodging? What about our out-of-state players? Will they be willing to fly? Finally, it's recognized that even if the tournament could be played within state health guidelines, based on what we know, it simply wouldn't be the same tournament. Our gatherings would be restricted, social distancing would need to be maintained. Without the hugs, high-fives, and back-slaps, much of what brings joy to this tournament, and brings us all together--laughter, love, friendship, brotherhood--would be missing.
We continue to hold out hope things may change, and at the same time we continue to explore other options such as asking Boyne to rebook us all into 2021 for the same package price as 2020. We'll know more in a couple weeks--when Boyne opens and when the current state of Michigan shelter-in-place order expires.
The executive committee met today to discuss options. While no decision has been made, the committee agreed the likelihood of playing the 2020 tournament is dimming. The health and safety of our players is paramount. We simply will not risk the long-term health and safety of our players for the sake of playing golf. Additionally, questions abound about how a tournament would be staged at all, given the current state health restrictions and social distance guidelines. Will carts be allowed? Will restaurants be open? Will non-family members be willing (or even allowed) to share lodging? What about our out-of-state players? Will they be willing to fly? Finally, it's recognized that even if the tournament could be played within state health guidelines, based on what we know, it simply wouldn't be the same tournament. Our gatherings would be restricted, social distancing would need to be maintained. Without the hugs, high-fives, and back-slaps, much of what brings joy to this tournament, and brings us all together--laughter, love, friendship, brotherhood--would be missing.
We continue to hold out hope things may change, and at the same time we continue to explore other options such as asking Boyne to rebook us all into 2021 for the same package price as 2020. We'll know more in a couple weeks--when Boyne opens and when the current state of Michigan shelter-in-place order expires.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
COVID-19 Update
Byron Center, MI--Many have inquired about the 2020 tournament, given the disruption that COVID-19 is causing around the world and, as it relates to this tournament, the golf community. Plans for the 2020 James E. Vos Memorial Invitational are still in place with the tournament planning to run as scheduled on June 3-6. Tournament officials have been in contact with Boyne Resorts. Boyne's current plan is to reopen on May 1. Obviously, the situation is still very fluid and Boyne has promised to keep tournament officials updated on any changes to the plan. For now, stay home, Stay safe. Here's to the hope of future golf, very soon.
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