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OGA, USGA Enter New Regional Golf Association Alliance

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. ­­– Fifty-nine regional golf associations, including the Oregon Golf Association, have entered into a new relationship with the United States Golf Association to enhance the golfer experience at the state and local levels in the United States.

These Allied Golf Associations (AGAs), supported by the USGA’s five existing regional affairs offices, will administer the USGA Handicap and Course Rating Systems within defined geographic areas across the country. In addition, they will serve as the community’s primary resource for USGA services such as championship qualifiers, governance, golf facility support and programs that help grow and improve the long-term health of the game.

“Regional golf associations are the lifeblood of the golf community and the USGA,” said Mike Davis, USGA CEO. “We felt that now was the best time to formalize this new alliance, in the spirit of working together on grassroots programs, improving how we serve golfers and providing a healthy foundation from which the entire golf community can grow.”

Newly recognized AGAs were identified through a nearly year-long discovery process that encouraged collaboration among existing golf organizations within each state and region, sharing best practices and leveraging programs that have made a positive impact.

The resulting relationship will enable AGAs to provide a variety of competitive playing opportunities that engage more golfers of all levels within their region. The AGAs will also serve as local experts for education on topics such as modernizing golf’s rules, the new World Handicap System and related governance functions.

Each AGA will also have direct access to USGA research, funding for programs such as USGA P.J. Boatwright Internships, data and technology, additional expertise to better serve the health of golf facilities and support of national grow-the-game initiatives including PLAY9.

One of the alliance’s most significant benefits to golfers will be the centralized computation of USGA Handicap Indexes in the United States to improve efficiency, consistency and governance oversight. The move to a more modernized, digital platform will also empower Allied Golf Associations to more deeply engage golfers within their community through rich, real-time player data.

An AGA Council has been formed to share information, help ongoing service delivery and provide continuous feedback directly to the USGA to better serve golfers and golf clubs. The 12-member council consists of AGA executive directors who will represent regions and markets throughout the United States. This council includes OGA Chief Executive Officer, Barb Trammell.

The alliance marks the latest step by the USGA to more deeply engage the local and regional golf community. It complements the USGA’s existing presence in all five major golf regions in the United States – Northeast, Great Lakes, Southeast, Central and West – where dedicated Regional Affairs directors currently serve in residence.

In addition to its five Regional Affairs directors, the USGA also supports golf clubs and facilities through the USGA Green Section, providing agronomic expertise through 13 regional offices.

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OGA-OGCSA Superintendent Spotlight – January 2018

The OGA-OGCSA Superintendent Spotlight is a new monthly feature which highlights one of the many outstanding superintendents across Oregon and Southwest Washington. The course superintendent does the yeoman’s work – they’re tabbed with keeping our region’s green grass facilites in top notch shape. Make sure to follow this monthly special to learn a little bit more about these unsung heroes.

This month’s edition features Rory Allison, who is wrapping up his first year as superintendent at RiverRidge Golf Course in Eugene.

Describe your facility in 10 words or less: 
A daily fee golf course that is fun to play.

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility? 
We are Audobon Certified.

What’s the biggest challenge your facility presents to you as superintendent?
Producing quality playing conditions without breaking the bank.

What led you down the path of becoming a superintendent? 
I am an avid outdoorsman who likes organization, being a superintendent you get to incorporate both.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a superintendent? 
Watch an employee drive a cart into a lake.

Do you have a superintendent dog? 
Yes, I have two that rotate turns coming to work. Maile and Pua (they are from Hawaii).

Ducks, Beavers or other?
I live in Eugene, I have to go with the Ducks.

Grapes, hops or milkshake?
Hops for the most part, Grapes on occasion.

Tiger or Phil? 
Tiger, he put the Wow in golf for a long time.

Jack or Arnie?
I love vintage Arnie, he was classy.

Excluding your current facility, what is your favorite golf course?
Kukio, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

What is your best 18-hole score at your facility? 
Withheld to protect the innocent.

What’s your favorite tool in your tool box?
I use my pocket knife for everything.

What’s your favorite major tournament?
U.S. Open

Let’s say there’s a three-day weekend coming up—what are you going to do?
I am getting outside in the wilderness. Activity dictated by what season we are in.

What would you invent right now to make your professional life easier?
Self driving golf carts that keep them in the right areas.

If your owner decided to plow up your course and make it a farm. What crops would you suggest?
I am a vegetable lover. Tomatoes and peppers.

Who is your idol in the golf world? 
The guys who changes holes at the Masters every year. That takes some skills.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to become a superintendent? 
Know that being a superintendent is more about employee management then it is about growing grass.

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Click here to learn more about the OGCSA

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Cambia Portland Classic Seeking Volunteer Marshals

The 2017 Cambia Portland Classic has openings for marshals and other volunteer positions. The tournament runs from August 31st to September 3rd at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland, Oregon.

Marshaling at the Cambia Portland Classic provides a rare opportunity to be inside the ropes with the best women golfers in the world. Additionally, volunteers are an essential part of the longest running professional golf tournament in the Pacific Northwest. Since 1972, the tournament has worked to raise needed funds for local children’s charities. None of that would be possible without the support of volunteers. Tournament Golf Foundation (TGF), the non-profit organization that conducts the LPGA event is committed to providing a memorable experience for all who volunteer.

  • Every volunteer receives the following, all included with the $28 volunteer fee:
  • Adidas Golf Shirt (marshal uniform)
  • Free Parking
  • Admission to the tournament and 1 guest pass for all tournament days
  • Access to the volunteer tent overlooking the practice facility
  • Fresh coffee and donuts each morning
  • Daily lunch from a rotation of providers, including some of Portland’s best food trucks
  • Invitation to the volunteer party (featuring refreshments provided by Salty’s)

Marshals are needed Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 31st -September 3rd). You must sign up for at least three shifts and uniforms are mandatory.

To register, and for more information on marshaling duties and available shifts, visit PortlandClassic.com or contact Tournament Golf Foundation at 503-626-2711. Also, follow and like us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more information on the Portland Classic.

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May Named Oregon Golf Month by Governor Brown

May is once again Oregon Golf Month as announced in a State of Oregon Proclamation made recently by Governor Kate Brown. This marks the third consecutive year May will be Oregon Golf Month, a proclamation which highlights the important and crucial benefits of the golf industry to the State of Oregon.

An Oregon Golf Economic Impact Study commissioned by the Oregon Golf Alliance & GOLF 20/20 prepared by SRI International details the role the golf industry has in the region. Amongst the study’s key findings are:

  • A total economic impact of $2.0 billion annually in Oregon
  • The golf industry in Oregon supports more than 21,000 jobs with $576.4 million of wage income
  • Contributions of $31.8 million annually to Oregon charities
  • Economic impact comparable in size to other important industries in the state, such as paper manufacturing, greenhouses/nurseries and software publishing
  • More than 259,000 Oregonians include golf as a part of their healthy lifestyle

“With the results of this study, we hope to educate the masses that golf is much more than a game. Not only does it contribute significantly to Oregon’s economy and provide thousands of jobs, but it also affords social, recreational and health benefits to all those who play it,” said OGA CEO Barb Trammell. “In addition, golf’s acres of green spaces have a positive impact on our environment and serve as a habitat for local wildlife.”

The Oregon Golf Economy Impact Study was commissioned by the Golf Alliance of Oregon and GOLF 20/20. Partnering associations of the Golf Alliance of Oregon are the Oregon Golf Association; Oregon Golf Course Owners Association; Oregon Golf Course Superintendents; Pacific Northwest PGA – Oregon Chapter and Club Managers of Oregon.

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Oregon Turfgrass Foundation Holding Bandon Dunes Raffle

otf-small-logoThe Oregon Turfgrass Foundation is holding its 2016 Bandon Dunes Raffle. The winner receives two nights stay at Lily Pond Lodging (for four people) AND eight rounds of golf at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. The total rewards package is valued at $3,800

Click Here for Bandon Dunes Raffle Flyer

The drawing is slated for Dec. 8 at the Oregon Convention Center OGCSA Pest Management Seminar. Need not be present to win. No more than 499 tickets will be sold.

The raffle support turfgrass research and educational programs. For tickets contact the OTF via email at otf@oregonturfgrassfoundation.org or by phone at 503-303-7459.

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Awbrey Glen Golf Club Hires New Superintendent

 

BEND, ORE. (November 15, 2016) – Awbrey Glen Golf announced that Kyle Watt will be joining their team as the new Golf Course Superintendent in early January.  Watt has been the Superintendent of the Fazio course at Pronghorn since 2007.

Working in the turf and landscape maintenance field has been a big part of Watt’s life since his first work on golf courses at the age of fourteen when he caddied at Columbia Edgewater, Waverly and Portland Golf Club. Watt attended Central Oregon Community College in the landscape and turf grass management program. While attending COCC Kyle worked for the golf maintenance department at Broken Top. After completing the two year program at COCC, Watt tansferred to Washington State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in turf maintenance.

While at WSU he had a summer internship at Coeur d’ Alene Resort and worked during the school year at the Washington State University Golf Course. After graduating from WSU, Watt moved back to Bend and started working at Pronghorn Golf Club Nicklaus course in 2004 and was promoted to the Assistant on the Fazio course in 2005 and the Superintendent in 2007.

“We are excited to have Kyle as part of our Awbrey Glen team,”  Mark Amberson, Awbrey Glen Golf Club General Manager/COO said. “Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to us and we are looking forward to him being part of Awbrey Glen.”

Awbrey Glen’s only Superintendent prior to Kyle was Doug Feher who is retiring at the end of this year after 25 years at the Club.

Awbrey Glen Golf Club is nestled into the historic pines of Bend’s west side. Membership includes unlimited golf on their 18-hole championship golf course which plays from 5,400 yards to over 7,000 yards. The course appeals to all types of golfers: young and old, expert and beginner, families and retirees. The Golf Learning Center, one of the finest practice facilities in the state, includes a unique 5-hole, par 3 loop course.  Memberships to Bend’s premiere private golf club can be obtained by calling Barbara Malcom directly at 541-385-6011. As Awbrey Glen members say, “Come for the Golf, Stay for the Friendships.”