The Archive
History
A Tradition Unlike Any Other
History of The Cup
From a quiet weekend in Pure Michigan to a sixteen-man championship — the story of how a buddies trip became a tournament.
2014 – 2017 · The Beginning
The Pure Michigan Golf Trip
It started simply enough. In 2014, Sam Varde rounded up a small group of friends for a long weekend of golf along Michigan's west coast. No bracket, no trophy — just a few rounds, good company, and the kind of stories that only get better the next morning.
For four years the group bounced from town to town — Grand Haven, Ludington, South Haven, Holland — refining the format, strengthening the friendships, and quietly building the foundation for something bigger.
2019 – 2023 · Growing the Tradition
Five Years, Five Battlegrounds
The Cup found its rhythm. Each August brought a new course, fresh rivalries, and new names etched into the record book.
2025 – Today
The Modern Era
In 2025 the Cup returned to Manistee National with the sixteen-player format firmly in place. In 2026 the tradition heads to Shanty Creek Resort — three courses, three days, one trophy.
What began as four friends and a tee time has become a tradition measured in years, not weekends. The Cup endures.
Browse
Past Cups
Honor Roll
Champions
The Field
Players