The OGA Marches Towards its Centennial Anniversary (2014-2023)

Continued from September article: A Decade of Expansion and Engagement (2004-2013)

Between 2014 and 2023, the Oregon Golf Association (OGA) entered a phase defined by innovation, leadership, and a steady dedication to its members and the growth of the game. Throughout this period, OGA evolved with a focus on modernizing its offerings and creating a robust foundation for future success.

A defining figure in this era was CEO Barb Trammell, who joined the OGA in 2007 and announced her retirement in 2022. With a golf career that spanned both the business and sporting sides of the game, Trammell’s leadership was instrumental in expanding OGA’s presence and impact across the state. Under her guidance, OGA made strides in elevating tournament management, expanding community outreach, and introducing numerous initiatives aimed at making the sport more inclusive and accessible for all Oregonians.

The completion and enhancement of the OGA Golf Course in Woodburn was one of the period’s signature achievements. A venue that now hosts various championship tournaments and events, the course became a core site not just for competitions but for junior development. This investment in a permanent home for the OGA reinforced its commitment to providing an elite venue while offering members a quality experience.

This period also saw OGA’s junior golf programs surge, with participation numbers climbing each year. The launch of the Youth on Course initiative offered discounted rounds to junior players, giving young golfers access to the game at an affordable rate. OGA worked closely with schools, community centers, and local golf clubs to create a structured pathway for juniors, fostering a new generation of Oregon golfers.

Technology was another area where the OGA advanced significantly. Moving with the times, the association developed an interactive online platform, enabling members to access tournament information, sign up for events, and view live scores from their devices. This improved connectivity with its members and streamlined access to handicaps and tournament scheduling, making it easier than ever for golfers to engage with the OGA.

Under Trammell’s leadership, OGA also prioritized inclusivity and outreach. Initiatives were established to engage more women in the sport, while other programs worked to bring golf to traditionally underserved communities. The association’s focus on inclusivity mirrored broader trends in the sport and contributed to an increase in both diverse membership and participation rates.

As Barb Trammell concluded her tenure in 2022, she left behind an association that had become more inclusive, technologically advanced, and dedicated to growing the game at all levels. Her legacy of leadership set the stage for continued growth and progress. In 2022, Rick Rangel was named as Trammell’s successor, bringing over a decade of experience within the OGA and a strong commitment to maintaining the Association’s values while exploring new opportunities for growth.

As the OGA moves into the future under Rangel’s guidance, it does so on the strong foundation of a decade marked by transformative leadership, technological progress, and an unwavering commitment to Oregon’s golfing community.

Thank you for following along as we celebrated the OGA's Centennial, here's to the next 100 years!

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About the Oregon Golf Association:

The Oregon Golf Association (OGA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit membership association. Founded in 1924, the OGA was originally established with the sole purpose of conducting the Oregon Amateur Championship. Since its founding 100 years ago, the OGA has expanded its efforts to tirelessly to promote, foster, and grow the game of golf providing a multitude of benefits and services to more than 55,000 individual men, women, senior, and junior members at more than 300 member golf clubs throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.