The Bobcat North Dakota Open Combines Competitive Golf with Community Support
Back for another year, the 61st annual Bobcat North Dakota Open brought together top regional golf professionals and amateurs while advancing its mission to support the Fargo community. Hosted at the Rose Creek Golf Course, the event was a stop on the Dakotas Tour — a professional circuit spanning Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.
This year’s tournament was held August 22-24 and continued its longstanding support of The Village Family Service Center — a local nonprofit that provides counseling, addiction recovery, mentoring and other essential services to children and families throughout the region.
“The Bobcat North Dakota Open is a much-anticipated event for golf fans and the greater Fargo community,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “We’re proud to celebrate 41 years as the tournament’s title sponsor and even prouder of the positive impact it has made through Bobcat Company’s partnership with The Village. Congratulations to this year’s winners and thanks to everyone who helped make the event a success, both on and off the course.”
Tournament Highlights
According to the press release, the Bobcat North Dakota Open featured a talented field of 50 professional golfers and 100 amateurs from across the country. The schedule offered much more beyond the tournament play. Community-focused events such as the Pro Junior Shoot Out, Pairings on the Patio and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf Clinic were also included. The clinic gave a unique opportunity for youth and mentors to experience the game together.
From the press release:
Angus Flanagan of Woking, England, won the tournament. This marked his fourth professional win this year and his first Bobcat North Dakota Open victory. Former North Dakota State golfer Nate Deziel of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, finished in second, three shots behind Flanagan, in what was the best tournament of his professional career to date.
Chun-Ta Wu of New South Wales, Australia, won the Amateur division with a final score of 11-under-par of 199. Wu’s impressive final-round 64 helped him surge past fellow University of Minnesota golfer Jack Wetzel, who finished at 8-under. Wu’s score also tied him for third place in the overall competition.
On Sunday, Aug. 24, the tournament wrapped up with an awards presentation recognizing top finishers, as well as a check presentation from Bobcat Company to representatives of The Village.
Years of Support
According to the press release, the Bobcat Company has served as the tournament’s lead corporate sponsor for 41 years, helping raise more than $2.4 million to support The Village’s mission of strengthening local families.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity and support from Bobcat Company and all tournament sponsors,” said Kelly Olson, president and CEO of The Village Family Service Center. “The commitment of everyone involved helps us strengthen individuals and families in the communities we serve, enabling us to address the increasing needs surrounding behavioral health. We are incredibly thankful for this event and the lasting positive impact it makes.”
While the Bobcat Company served as the tournament’s title sponsor, these other major sponsors helped make the event possible:
- Bell Bank
- Bremer Bank
- D-S Beverages
- J & M Printing
- Lapham-Hickey Steel Corp
- Redda Group
Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.