By Oregon Golf Association
Continued from May article: A New Era in Oregon Golf: Growth and Challenges
By the early 1970s, the OGA had grown significantly, boasting 53 member clubs, with computerized handicapping systems in 35 clubs, serving 8,621 golfers. This number steadily increased, reaching 65 clubs with 21,539 golfers by 1979.
The 1970s and '80s were transformative decades for the OGA. The Association saw constant changes and steady growth. Junior golf flourished under the diligent guidance of Bob Norquist and Mrs. Sullivan. Mrs. Sullivan, affectionately known as "Bobs," not only managed myriad office duties but also nurtured two generations through an ever-expanding junior program until her retirement in 1989. Sponsorship contributions, especially from Tournament Golf, Inc., played a crucial role in supporting the junior program. The Oregon Junior program and the Hogan Cup's expansion led to the inception of the Junior America's Cup matches, which became prominent for both girls and boys.
The growing workload necessitated additional personnel. In 1983, Dave Ingham was hired as assistant executive director. Patty Abel joined the staff in 1984, and Charlotte Plank came on board a couple of years later. The Association was incorporated in 1973, and Jerry Pearson, a CPA from Waverley, restructured the books on an accrual basis in 1979. Pearson, elected treasurer in 1980, made significant contributions that continue to this day. The by-laws were restructured in 1984, allowing a president to serve a maximum of three years, ensuring much-needed continuity.
A monumental change occurred in 1986 with the adoption of the USGA's new 'Slope System' course rating. This system recognized the vast differences in golf course difficulty and provided portable handicaps expressed to the tenth of a stroke. By 1986, all OGA courses had been measured and re-rated, a task undertaken by Ingham and a dedicated team of volunteers.
One of the most significant developments of the '70s was the establishment of a Golf Course Acquisition and Usage fund in 1976. This fund aimed to accumulate resources to buy, lease, or build a golf course for conducting tournaments, reducing the demand on member club facilities. Although the fund initially accumulated only $19,000 in its first year, it had grown to $713,430 by the end of 1989. Despite several failed attempts to acquire a course, the OGA's perseverance paid off with the eventual establishment of the OGA Member's Club at Tukwila.
The contributions of individuals like Krieger, Norquist, Huenergard, Fisk, Pearson, and Bader were invaluable. George Gant provided gratis legal counsel for almost two decades, Fran Brinkman served as treasurer for nearly as long, and Dorothy Campbell was the first ladies' advisory chairperson, ensuring the women's field remained a vital part of the Oregon Amateur.
The players of this era also left an indelible mark. A new generation of champions emerged in the '70s, including Mike Davis, Fred Haney, Dave Glenz, Peter Jacobsen, John Fought, Pat Fitzsimons, Bob Allard, Bob Gilder, Craig Griswold, Brent Murray, Jeff Sanders, Mitch Mooney, Randy Mahar, Marcia Fisher, Pam Fox, Kathy Young, Mary Lou Mulflur, and Mary Budke. Budke, in particular, became a standout, winning eight Oregon Am crowns in nine years and becoming Oregon's first national amateur victor in 1972. Other notable achievements included public links championships by Haney and Allard and the 1977 amateur title by Fought.
Stay tuned for the next decade in our series... up next is 1984-1993 in July.