The James E. Vos Memorial Golf Invitational: COVID-19 Puts 2020 Tourney on Lockdown

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.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

COVID-19 Puts 2020 Tourney on Lockdown

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....