Ohio Golfer Ailes Ends Six Years of Near-Wins in the Bobcat North Dakota State Open

Print this Article | Send to Colleague

Ailes, the Dakotas’ money leader coming into Fargo, had rounds of 69-65-68–202 and further staked his claim to the Tour’s top player. Ailes claimed the $10,000 first prize plus a $4,500 entry fee to the PGA Tour Qualifying tournament, or Q-School as it is known. That’s the next step for Ailes. His best previous North Dakota Open finish was third place.

"I just never put it together late in the tournament," Ailes said. "Then I started pressing and missing putts. Today, I made them."

Mike Barge and Ben Kern finished in a tie for second at 207. At 9-under, it was the 55-year-old Barge’s best North Dakota Open score.

The North Dakota State Open — in its 46th year — benefits The Village Family Service Center of Fargo and is a notable stop on the Dakotas Tour.

Dakotas Tour
The Dakotas Tour is a developmental tour that has served as a starting point for many young pros coming out of college, wanting to sharpen their game prior to a shot at the PGA or Nationwide tours. Others use the Tour to hone their skills for a run at the Champions Tour. The Dakotas Tour runs July through August, and the Bobcat North Dakota State Open is the last event before the championship at the end of the month.

The Village Family Service Center
The Village Family Service Center has been working with children and families since 1891, when it was established as the North Dakota Children’s Home Society. Through the mid-1960s, the organization’s primary emphasis was to provide for homeless children through foster care and adoption. Over the years, its services have changed and expanded to keep up with the changing world and the changing needs of our community. Today, The Village provides a full range of services, including counseling programs, adoption, financial counseling, unplanned pregnancy counseling, child care, and mentoring programs like the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.