Disc golf tournament returns to Willmar
Aug. 5—WILLMAR — The Toys for Tots disc golf tournament at Robbins Island Regional Park is set to return for its eighth year on Saturday. It features one of the largest numbers of participants the tournament has ever had.
What started with originally 12 players has now grown into 100 participants. Players from Willmar, St. Cloud, Montevideo, Bemidji, Mankato and the Twin Cities are expected. Players from Wisconsin, Iowa and North and South Dakota also will play.
Steve Gralish, the organizer of the event, estimates that eight professional disc golfers might play as well.
"Believe me, it's exciting to see it grow like it has," Gralish said. "We got a lot of people now saying this is one of their favorite tournaments. I don't know how to explain the excitement that I get out of it.
"We got a lot of new people out there and that's part of what growing the sport is about. It's getting new people."
The tournament features two rounds of disc golf. The first is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and round two is approximately at 2 p.m. Lunch will be available following the conclusion of round one.
Silent auctions, a raffle drawing and games will be available throughout the day.
"One of the things that I try to do for my players is not allow them to be bored," Gralish said. "I do not like the dull times where you go to events and you sit around and you're twiddling your thumbs waiting for something to happen."
The event is free for spectators, but is $30 for athletes.
Half of the profits go to professional player's payouts in the pro division and top-notch 'players packs' for amateur players which include a bundle of disc golf equipment and bags that could be priced between $80-100. The remaining profits then go directly to Toys for Tots.
Gralish, who is also a Toys for Tots coordinator, says the non-profit organization earns between $2-3,000 each year from the all-day tournament.
"When I look at getting $2-3,000 coming into the door that I can go out and get toys with, is extremely satisfactional," he said. "It's unbelievable when you can see that much money coming in from an event. It's something to be proud of."
With COVID numbers beginning to rise, Gralish said there will be COVID precautions this year, primarily to wear a mask.
"Last year was really strict. We had everybody in gloves and masks before they entered anywhere inside of our building that we're using out there at Robbins Island Regional Park," Gralish said. "They didn't come in the door unless they had those on.
"The restrictions have obviously been lifted. But, with the concern about COVID coming back again ... I would like to ask everyone to please wear your mask when you come into the building. I've got my wife and some helpers serving food. I want respect for everyone that wants to wear a mask on. So please, when you enter the building, please put a mask on."
Gralish says the organization is looking forward to seeing wpectators and athletes enjoying the tournament and helping bring joy to children.
"I'm looking forward to the guys coming up to me and saying 'this is one of the best tournaments I go to,'" he said. "The rewards of their enjoyment and satisfaction, getting some prizes and raffle items that they're trying to get and stuff, that is what it's about."
Check-in for athletes is scheduled for 7:30-8:30 a.m. Saturday with a player meeting from 8:40-9 a.m. Round one begins shortly after.
Lunch will be available one hour after the final card is turned in with the second round then to follow.
