Bobcat Hosts 60th Annual North Dakota Open in Fargo

The 60th annual Bobcat North Dakota Open again brought exciting professional and amateur golf to the Fargo Country Club, Aug. 23 to 25, while also supporting The Village Family Service Center, a local non-profit agency dedicated to improving the lives of area children and families.

Brady Calkins of La Quinta, Calif., won the tournament. Calkins has played in this tournament several times; this was his first Bobcat North Dakota Open win. Coming in second place, behind Calkins, was Caleb Vanarragon of Blaine, Minn. Will Grevios of Sioux Falls, S.D., came in third.

Jacob Skarperud of Fargo, N.D., topped the amateur division of the tournament. Ian Simonich was the amateur division runner-up, coming in a close second to Skarperud following a playoff to settle a tie. Skarperud made a birdie on hole 13 for the win. Skarperud also was the 2020 Bobcat North Dakota Open Amateur Champion.

This year’s event marked the 40th year that Bobcat Company has served as the lead corporate sponsor for the tournament, which has resulted in raising more than $1.291 million in support of The Village’s community outreach services.

“Bobcat Company is proud to again support this annual tournament, which has become a favorite tradition in the Fargo community,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “For decades, the Bobcat North Dakota Open has been a great way to showcase pro and amateur golf talent, while also giving back to our community by helping The Village build brighter futures for area kids and families who need our support.”

A large field of amateur golfers were paired with pros. The tournament’s events also included a kick-off celebration, barbeque and a Big Brothers Big Sisters program golf clinic for children who each received a set of junior golf clubs courtesy of the North Dakota Golf Association.

The three-day, pro-am golf tournament concluded Aug. 25 with an awards presentation during which Bobcat representatives presented a check to representatives of The Village representing Bobcat’s total donations while serving as the annual tournament’s title sponsor.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Bobcat Company and other generous sponsors,” said Kelly Olson, president and CEO of The Village Family Service Center. “The generosity of our sponsors and the community is truly making a difference in the lives of the people we serve, and we look forward to continuing this important partnership in the years to come.”

In addition to Bobcat Company serving as the tournament’s title sponsor, other major sponsors this year included Bell Bank, Bremer Bank, D-S Beverages, J & M Printing, Lapham-Hickey Steel Corp and Swanston Equipment Corporation.

The 60th annual Bobcat North Dakota Open is a part of the Dakotas Tour, a 20-event, professional golf tour played in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.