For Immediate Release:
Joe Machens Toyota’s Mid-America Open Moves to Contingency Venue
Columbia, MO – April 20, 2021: Joe Machens Toyota’s Mid-America Open presented by Discraft has been moved to its contingency venue, the Back Course at Albert Oakland Park, due to poor weather conditions that has led the course conditions at Harmony Bends to deteriorate.
The decision has been made by tournament director Joseph Douglass and the Disc Golf Pro Tour after the condition of the originally planned course, Harmony Bends, became unplayable after recent snow. With potential rain during the Friday and Saturday rounds of the event, the staff determined the risk of unprofessional conditions on the course is too high to proceed.
The Back Course at Albert Oakland Park was set as a contingency venue if poor weather conditions made the original course, Harmony Bends, unplayable. Columbia’s recent unseasonable winter weather conditions, combined with the rain forecast later in the week, sparked the decision to move the tournament to the contingency course. While Harmony Bends has dealt with flooding issues, the City of Columbia has recently installed new drainage systems as part of a continued effort to invest in the world-renowned course, designed by John Houck, to increase its durability in the face of severe weather.
“We are disappointed that we are unable to play at Harmony Bends, one of the highest rated courses in the world” said DGPT Director & CEO Jeff Spring. “However, we knew this was a possibility and prepared to move forward if this scenario were to arise. We are happy to still be able to offer our competitors the opportunity to play a Silver Series event and earn tour points.”
The Back Course at Albert Oakland Park is currently in good condition and set up in its tournament layout and competitors will have two full days to practice for the event, which starts on Friday.
The Mid-America Open is a phase two event, therefore limited spectating and caddies are allowed. VIP Spectator passes that were purchased will still be valid at the new venue, however general admission tickets will be refunded. There will be a few general spectator areas at the new venue, but with the changing experience, a refund will be offered. Any VIP spectator or competitor that would like to receive a refund due to these changes will be able to receive one.
The Joe Machens Toyota’s Mid-America Open presented by Discraft will be Friday, April 23 – Sunday, April 25. The final round will be broadcast on Disc Golf Network.
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For media inquiries, contact DGPT’s Marketing & Communications Manager Baker Helton at baker@dgpt.com.
