The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: COVID-19 Update #2

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.

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.