Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced a full field of twenty participants, the twentieth and final participant joining somewhat last minute and unexpectedly.
Mike Posby, son-in-law of Jim Warners, has accepted an invitation to the tournament. Mike's acceptance completes the field of twenty and enables two teams to evenly divide against each other at ten apiece. Plans are currently underway forming teams in advance of the tournament.
Mike will join Mark Oschenkehl and Cam Van Koevering as the tournament's three rookies. The tournament committee welcomes them all, in particular, Mike, who is one of only two participants in this year's tournament to actually hit from the correct side of the ball--the left. Welcome Mike!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
2012 Images
The 25th playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational is over but will long be remembered. It was a special gathering of friends, new and long-lasting, young and old to celebrate the game we love and to honor the one man who epitomized its lasting virtues of honor, love of the game, and deep lasting friendship.
Images compliments of Doc John Mulder who faithfully serves as the tournament's official photographer and whose images have greatly enhanced the tournament. Thanks Doc John!
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| Discussion ensues on the tournament's first day over "the replay." |
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| Friends are reacquainted at the Gathering, the evening before the tournament. |
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| The incomparable, Uncle Dick. Our tournament's most-loved octogenarian. |
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| 2012 MVP Ken Terpstra shows off his form and his legging. |
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| The swing of Phil Vandenberge, still oh, so silky after fifty years. |
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| Reliving Sr.'s Ace. |
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| No one even hit the green but many tried including Thom Anema, attempting the shot and recreating Sr. Vos' form as only he can do. |
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| Brian Van Hall tries to ace Reflections #16. |
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| Eventually we all kissed Ken Terpstra's feet as he dominated matches on his way to the 2012 Stroke Saver trophy. |
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| One of our tournament's well-loved Tall Timbers, Dave Tanis, toasts Jim Vos Sr. on Reflections #16. |
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| The moving event made us laugh and cry, celebrating one of our now gone co-founders. |
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| The Jim Vos, Sr. honorary tree, planted just to the left of Reflections #16. |
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| The plaque. |
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| The brothers Van Zee. |
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| Friends and tournament co-founders Jack, Mark, and Thom. |
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| Congrats to the winning Recovery Shots team of (back row l-r): Jack vos, Ken Terpstra, Don Van Zee, Jim Baker, Jim Warners, Jeff Stuk, John Mulder; (front row l-r): Bob Warners, Brian Van Hall, Chris Grek, Dirk Van Zee, Sam Vos, Dan Rosema, Jon Vos, Steve Elenbaas (not pictured.) |
FULL...at Nineteen
Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced it has closed participant invitations for the 2013 tournament, capping it at nineteen with the inclusion of the second rookie entered in the 26th annual tournament. Mark Ochsankel has accepted the tournament committee's invitation. Mark comes to the tournament through Chris "Vander Wal Killer" Grek. Welcome Mark!
Capping the number of participants at nineteen does mean slight formatting changes in tournament play, but none such that the tournament executive committee has not dealt with before. While not ideal, the committee assures the participants that number is very workable. Daily pairings will likely include one twosome playing against a single and a future "blind draw"--another team member's score randomly pulled out of a hat later that evening. This does add some drama to the tournament and some added pressure to the team with nine participants instead of ten. One's individual score, if drawn as the blind draw, could effect the outcome of not one but two matches.
Just over three weeks to go!
Capping the number of participants at nineteen does mean slight formatting changes in tournament play, but none such that the tournament executive committee has not dealt with before. While not ideal, the committee assures the participants that number is very workable. Daily pairings will likely include one twosome playing against a single and a future "blind draw"--another team member's score randomly pulled out of a hat later that evening. This does add some drama to the tournament and some added pressure to the team with nine participants instead of ten. One's individual score, if drawn as the blind draw, could effect the outcome of not one but two matches.
Just over three weeks to go!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Sam and Cam
Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee today announced the return of Sam Vos for his sophomore year in the tournament. Sam is the grandson and the tournament's namesake and the son of one its founders and original participants. Sam is part of a welcome set of young guns--a new generation of tournament participants that include Owen Tanis (son of Jeff and grandson of Dave), Kyle Vander Wal (son of Dan and nephew of Nick) and Dan Rosema (stepson of Doc John Mulder, the tournament's official photographer).
Much like Kyle Vander Wal in his first year, the 2012 crop of rookies seemed unphased by the pressure, posting impressive scores and records in the 25th anniversary tourney, perhaps most notably with Sam's scorching 79 on the difficult Monarch course at Garland, albeit with an asterisk by the score. His opponent that round, another rookie, Owen Tanis, withdrew after nine holes with back spasms.
Joining Sam this year will be pal, Cam Van Koevering, another young gun and the tournament's only rookie so far. The tournament committee welcomes Cam to his first tournament. With Cam's entry, the number of participants in the 2013 tournament is now eighteen with the expectation the number will grow to twenty.
This year we are being asked to prepay the tournament fees, which were due May 1. If you have not yet paid your 2013 entry fee, please do so at your earliest convenience. Payment arrangements can be made directly with the Hawk's Eye Golf Resort. Contact Alana Sowers at alana@golfbellaire.com.
Joining Sam this year will be pal, Cam Van Koevering, another young gun and the tournament's only rookie so far. The tournament committee welcomes Cam to his first tournament. With Cam's entry, the number of participants in the 2013 tournament is now eighteen with the expectation the number will grow to twenty.
This year we are being asked to prepay the tournament fees, which were due May 1. If you have not yet paid your 2013 entry fee, please do so at your earliest convenience. Payment arrangements can be made directly with the Hawk's Eye Golf Resort. Contact Alana Sowers at alana@golfbellaire.com.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Sixteen...and counting
Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee announced today it has received commitments from sixteen golfers filling all the available spaces in less than a week from when the invitations were sent out.
Returning for their 26th consecutive year are tournament co-founders Jack Vos and Mark Rice. Continuing the youth movement is the return of Dan Rosema for his sophomore year. Young Dan joined last year for the 25th anniversary and played fearlessly on the tough Garland courses. He should again be a force whatever team he's on.
On the opposite end of the age spectrum the committee heartily welcomes back two of the tourney's most senior members, Rodg Rice and Dave Tanis. These well-loved "Tall Timbers" of the tournament continue to impress with their longevity, game, and endurance. Everyone not-so-secretly hopes they have the stamina and the swings of these two fine gents when they reach life's three-quarter century mark. In particular, a return to The Chief would not be the same without Dave Tanis, whose legendary mano-a-mano rain-soaked singles match vs. Jon Vos the last time the tournament was played at The Chief is part of the tournament's legend. A honorable and well-earned nod to both Dave and Rodg.
Making up the final three spots are the familiar names of Brian Van Hall, Jon Vos, and Donovan Van Zee. All have great history with the tournament, are incredibly tough competitors on the course and fine friends off the course. They have that wonderful quality of wanting to beat the tar out of you when playing against you, but win or lose, when the last putt drops, the caps are off, smiles and handshakes all around, reflecting the the true spirit of tournament's namesake himself.
Welcome this year's sixteen tournament participants:
Chris Grek
Jim Baker
John Mulder
Ken Terpstra
Jim Warners
Dan Vander Wal
Kyle Vander Wal
Nick Vander Wal
Dan Rosema
Brian Van Hall
Jack Vos
Jon Vos
Mark Rice
Don Van Zee
Rodg Rice
Dave Tanis
But, we are not full yet. Interest remains from several other new and previous participants including the young Sam Vos, tournament rookie last year. And, the tournament committee is still waiting to hear from the other brother Warners: Robert. The rumor is the number will rise to twenty participants. Stay tuned for later developments. The tournament committee has stated it will do everything it can to accommodate additional participants and is working with the host club on logistics.
Returning for their 26th consecutive year are tournament co-founders Jack Vos and Mark Rice. Continuing the youth movement is the return of Dan Rosema for his sophomore year. Young Dan joined last year for the 25th anniversary and played fearlessly on the tough Garland courses. He should again be a force whatever team he's on.
On the opposite end of the age spectrum the committee heartily welcomes back two of the tourney's most senior members, Rodg Rice and Dave Tanis. These well-loved "Tall Timbers" of the tournament continue to impress with their longevity, game, and endurance. Everyone not-so-secretly hopes they have the stamina and the swings of these two fine gents when they reach life's three-quarter century mark. In particular, a return to The Chief would not be the same without Dave Tanis, whose legendary mano-a-mano rain-soaked singles match vs. Jon Vos the last time the tournament was played at The Chief is part of the tournament's legend. A honorable and well-earned nod to both Dave and Rodg.
Making up the final three spots are the familiar names of Brian Van Hall, Jon Vos, and Donovan Van Zee. All have great history with the tournament, are incredibly tough competitors on the course and fine friends off the course. They have that wonderful quality of wanting to beat the tar out of you when playing against you, but win or lose, when the last putt drops, the caps are off, smiles and handshakes all around, reflecting the the true spirit of tournament's namesake himself.
Welcome this year's sixteen tournament participants:
Chris Grek
Jim Baker
John Mulder
Ken Terpstra
Jim Warners
Dan Vander Wal
Kyle Vander Wal
Nick Vander Wal
Dan Rosema
Brian Van Hall
Jack Vos
Jon Vos
Mark Rice
Don Van Zee
Rodg Rice
Dave Tanis
But, we are not full yet. Interest remains from several other new and previous participants including the young Sam Vos, tournament rookie last year. And, the tournament committee is still waiting to hear from the other brother Warners: Robert. The rumor is the number will rise to twenty participants. Stay tuned for later developments. The tournament committee has stated it will do everything it can to accommodate additional participants and is working with the host club on logistics.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
2013 Tournament Filling Up. Surprise Return of A "Third" Vander Wal
Byron Center, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational tournament committee announced today that in just two short days since invitations to the 2013 tournament were sent, commitments have been received by eight players--half the available slots.
In addition to the previously reported commitments received from Chris Grek, Jim Baker, and last year's MVP Ken Terpstra, the tournament committee gladly received commitments from several past tournament MVPs. The 2011 co-MVP and official tournament photographer, Doc John Mulder, returns as does the well-loved and long-standing participant and tournament executive committee member, Jim Warners. In the tournament's 26-year history, few have as much history here than JW.
In a surprise announcement, the 2013 tournament welcomes not two, but three MVPs with the name, Vander Wal. 2009 and 2010 winners, Kyle and Dan, return as hoped, but they bring with them 2002 co-MVP Nick Vander Wal. Tournament records show Dan first joined in 1995 followed the next year by brother, Nick. Nick was a participant and fierce competitor every year from 1996 to 2002, missing only the 2000 event. In 2002 he shared co-MVP honors with brother Dan. That year both men were literally unbeatable, both going 4-0-1 and leading the Fairway Finders to their third consecutive victory. Welcome back, Nick!
With the three commitments from the Vander Wal family, the current eight committed participants include:
Jim Baker
Chris Grek
Ken Terpstra
Doc John Mulder
Jim Warners
Dan Vander Wal
Kyle Vander Wal
Nick Vander Wal
In addition to the previously reported commitments received from Chris Grek, Jim Baker, and last year's MVP Ken Terpstra, the tournament committee gladly received commitments from several past tournament MVPs. The 2011 co-MVP and official tournament photographer, Doc John Mulder, returns as does the well-loved and long-standing participant and tournament executive committee member, Jim Warners. In the tournament's 26-year history, few have as much history here than JW.
In a surprise announcement, the 2013 tournament welcomes not two, but three MVPs with the name, Vander Wal. 2009 and 2010 winners, Kyle and Dan, return as hoped, but they bring with them 2002 co-MVP Nick Vander Wal. Tournament records show Dan first joined in 1995 followed the next year by brother, Nick. Nick was a participant and fierce competitor every year from 1996 to 2002, missing only the 2000 event. In 2002 he shared co-MVP honors with brother Dan. That year both men were literally unbeatable, both going 4-0-1 and leading the Fairway Finders to their third consecutive victory. Welcome back, Nick!
With the three commitments from the Vander Wal family, the current eight committed participants include:
Jim Baker
Chris Grek
Ken Terpstra
Doc John Mulder
Jim Warners
Dan Vander Wal
Kyle Vander Wal
Nick Vander Wal
Monday, April 8, 2013
2013 Tournament Invitations Announced
Byron Center, MI--Tournament Committee announced today invitations have been sent out for the 26th playing of the James E. Vos Memorial Invitational June 1-4, 2013 at Hawk's Eye Resort in Bellaire, Michigan.
Excitement is already building for the 2013 tournament and the tournament committee expects the sixteen slots will fill quickly. Early commitments have already been received from Jim Baker, who again receives this year's award for "first in," Chris Grek, and last year's MVP, Ken Terpstra.
The tournament committee will again strive to extend invitations to every past participant in the tournament's history as well as some tournament rookies. Receiving invitations this week are:
Excitement is already building for the 2013 tournament and the tournament committee expects the sixteen slots will fill quickly. Early commitments have already been received from Jim Baker, who again receives this year's award for "first in," Chris Grek, and last year's MVP, Ken Terpstra.
The tournament committee will again strive to extend invitations to every past participant in the tournament's history as well as some tournament rookies. Receiving invitations this week are:
Mark Rice (tournament executive committee)
Jack Vos (tournament executive committee)
Jim Warners (tournament executive committee)
Thom Anema (tournament executive committee)
Jack Vos (tournament executive committee)
Jim Warners (tournament executive committee)
Thom Anema (tournament executive committee)
Sam Vos
Jon Vos
Jim Vos
Dick Anema
Rodger Rice
Jeff Tanis
Dave Tanis
Donovan VanZee
Dirk VanZee
Bob Warners
Ken Terpstra
Joel Neiwenhuis
Doug Gulker
Tony Vroon
Mark Vandenberge
Phil Vandenberge
Brian VanHall
Steve Elenbaas
Jon Vos
Jim Vos
Dick Anema
Rodger Rice
Jeff Tanis
Dave Tanis
Donovan VanZee
Dirk VanZee
Bob Warners
Ken Terpstra
Joel Neiwenhuis
Doug Gulker
Tony Vroon
Mark Vandenberge
Phil Vandenberge
Brian VanHall
Steve Elenbaas
Ben Elenbaas
Dan Vanderwal
Kyle Vanderwal
Chris Grek
John Mulder
John Topliff
Steve Spoelhof
Scott Spoelhof
John Spoelhof
Randy Ruiter
Keith Baker
Ken Klunder
Scott Alfree
Rick VanDyke
David Zylstra
Jeff Stuk
Jim Baker
Dewey Ducharme
Dan Rosema
Dewey Ducharme
Dan Rosema
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