Oregon Golf Association (OGA) - History of the OGA

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History of the OGA

Today the OGA has developed into a non-profit entity of more than 270 public, private and associate clubs throughout Oregon and SW Washington with over 50,000 individual members. As guardian of the game in our region, our mission is to foster the enhancement and expansion of the game of golf by leading in the development of member and information services, the promotion of opportunities for all that want to play, and protection of the game’s integrity and valued traditions.

Although the OGA of today has many facets and areas of activity (even owning its own golf course), its only original purpose was the conduct of championship tournaments. The OGA was founded 80 years ago because one man, Ed Nuestadter of Tualatin CC thought the three clubs in Portland which had been conducting the Oregon Amateur championship (Tualatin CC, Waverley CC and the Portland Golf Club) needed some help.

The Oregon Amateur started in 1904 when 11 men and 13 ladies competed at Waverley CC. Waverley was the only course in the Portland area at the time and it continued to hold the event every year through 1916. It was played at Gearhart GL in 1917, cancelled in 1918 due to World War I and played at Waverley, Portland GC and Tualatin from 1919 through 1923. As the years passed and fields grew larger, and as new courses were built, it became evident that the clubs could use some help with the tournament; and so the Oregon Golf Association formed.

Many of the individuals who were involved with association activities are mentioned in the Four Part History of the Oregon Golf Association written by original Executive Director Dale Johnson. We greatly thank Dale for the many hours he took in researching, compiling and writing this history.

OGA History - Part I

Covers the years from the OGA’s formation in 1924 until 1941, when World War II brought about cancellation of OGA activity until after peace was signed in 1945.

OGA History - Part II

The second part covers the years from resumption of tournaments in 1946 until the Association was restructured in 1969-70.

OGA History - Part III

The third phase looks at the years 1970 to 1989, during which the OGA restructered itself to better accomodate the needs of the Association and its members.

OGA History - Part IV

The final look into OGA History covers the years from 1990 to the present, highlighting the OGA’s most recent developments and accomplishments.