Tournament will return July 11 – 17, 2021
MIDLAND, Mich. (May 15, 2020) – Dow, Inc. (NYSE: DOW) announced today that the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational (Dow GLBI) has been cancelled for 2020, and that planning has already begun for a 2021 return. Based on health and safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 global pandemic, Dow and tournament officials have concluded that the health risks of hosting such a large-scale event remain high.
“The decision by Dow and the LPGA to cancel was certainly not easy,” said Dow Chairman and CEO Jim Fitterling. “We explored all available options, and the LPGA has been working with us every step of the way. We are convinced that moving toward planning an incredible tournament in 2021 is the right decision to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Our goal is to grow and improve each year, and we look forward to accomplishing that next year.”
MIDLAND, MICHIGAN – JULY 20: General view of the 18th green during the final round of the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational at Midland Country Club on July 19, 2019 in Midland, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
One of the newest tournaments on the LPGA Tour, the Dow GLBI is a unique team-based competition that saw 142 of the best players in the world team up for the inaugural tournament. The event took home top honors as the LPGA Tournament of the Year in 2019.
“The Dow GLBI is so much more than just a golf tournament,” said Dow GLBI Executive Director Chris Chandler. “The event showcases the Great Lakes Bay Region on a worldwide scale and went to great lengths to positively impact our communities, including an estimated $12.7 million economic impact from the 2019 event. We want to thank each of our fans, partners, players, and volunteers. We can’t wait to work with you to build on the success of the inaugural tournament and come back better than ever in 2021.”
Dow and the LPGA entered a five-year agreement in 2019. In light of this year’s cancellation, the agreement will extend to 2024.
“Our tournament theme is ‘#TeamUp’,” said Chandler. “This speaks to the unique team-based tournament format, but even more so to the incredible teamwork by our 250+ partners, 1,000+ volunteers, fans, and businesses throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region in order to host an event of this magnitude.”
More than 600 volunteers had already signed on to assist with this year’s tournament. They will be contacted regarding how to obtain a refund and sign up for the 2021 event. In addition to the Dow GLBI cancellation, the Eat Great Food Festival, originally scheduled to take place in Downtown Bay City on July 12 and 13, is also cancelled. Ticket sales for Eat Great have been suspended and current ticket holders will be contacted regarding refunds.
For more information on the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, visit www.dowglbi.com.
