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 45,000 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.

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I would like to thank each and every volunteer handicap chairperson. The time and dedication that you put in to your duties helps to ensure fairness in the game of golf.

By Gretchen Yoder on 01/06/2009

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Great Benefit for the Membership.
It should grow the Membership for the Local clubs and the OGA as well as the USGA. Been a USGA member for many years. Job well done.
Thanks
Paul

By Paul Spanbauer on 02/03/2009

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GO VINCENT !!!  I used to work with his dad at Glendoveer golf course.  Vincent was only about 10 years old, but already pretty good and VERY intense !!  GO VINCENT !!!!

By steve rhinefrank on 02/03/2009

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My son Ryan Mort played golf for South Medford H.S. competting against Vincent and graduating in 2005. We look forward to watch his progress as a PGA professional.  Good Luck Vincent!

By Timothy Mort on 02/10/2009

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The benefits are good, but our local course members are complaining about the increase in OGA dues.  Our members simply want a GHIN handicap.  You should keep the membership dues below $25 per year.
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Tony –
Thanks for your input.  GHIN is simply a computation service offered exclusively through licensed golf associations to provide a USGA Handicap Index.  It is just one of many tangible benefits and services offered along with membership in the Oregon Golf Association. Please visit http://www.oga.org/docs/OGA_Member_Benefits_Flyer.pdf for a comprehensive list detailing your benefits as a member of the OGA.

 

By Tony George on 02/20/2009

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I am excited about all the OGA is offering this year.  In a time when so many things seem to be imploding you are expanding, and only for $10 more a year.  I am sure I can fine several foursomes from Newport that will come over to play the OGA Course.

By Larry Beggs on 02/20/2009

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Great to have added benefits—especially the round of golf.

By Billie Bagger on 02/23/2009

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The most common excuse I hear is “I only played 9 holes”.  Our course has each nine rated.

By Buddy Luft on 03/02/2009

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Very good article. Thanks for some sound advice.

By Moni on 03/13/2009

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Great post!! Information provided in the post is true and knowledge providing. Since long I was looking for such type of post.

By Joseph on 04/01/2009

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I remember on TV when a PGA tournament was rain and wind delayed this year when the announcers discussed that a ball moved by the wind had to be replaced.  The officials can’t get it right and TV commentators can’t get it right either.

By Tony George on 04/08/2009

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Tony,

This was a tricky scenario - I have amended the post a bit to better address your comment.

Thanks you for your interest in the Rules of Golf - regards,

Craig

By Craig Winter on 04/08/2009

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What if:  after the penalty stroke, marking the ball on the green, and replacing it:  it moved again, and again into the hazard??

Question;  in ‘placing’ the ball after marking it;  can you press it down a bit to help it not move again???

By Jim on 04/08/2009

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I was above the hole on slick green.  After marking it and replacing it, the ball moved, much closer to the hole.  An official told me I had to replace it since I had marked, cleaned, replaced it;  I could only leave if not marked.  Incorrect?

By Tim on 04/08/2009

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Jim,

If you have not yet addressed the ball (stance &
grounding club) and the ball moves on its own, even after replacing it, the ball must be played at the new location.  Pressing the ball into the green would be a two stroke penalty (Rule 13-2). Craig

By Craig Winter on 04/08/2009