Championships & Events Team: Who We Are and What We Do

Of course, you know our names and titles, but do you really know us or what we actually do? Well, whether you like it or not, you're about to find out exactly who makes up the OGA’s Championships and Events team.

Let's start with the basics: our names and titles. First, we have Zane Balmoja, the Championships and Events Operations Coordinator. Next, there's Spencer Sorensen, the Director of Championships and Events. And rounding out this threesome is Brent Whittaker, Senior Director of Championships and Events. We also have two interns in the process of being hired—yes, they're currently being grilled in interviews to make sure they pass your approval! Additionally, we have Lance Moncur, a freelancer who runs the OGA Tour competitions. And let's not forget all of you wonderful OGA TAG team members who help keep this department running smoothly!

So, those are the names and titles of the main three members of the OGA’s Championships and Events Department. Now, let’s dive into what each of us does in this department. This department of three is responsible for managing all the OGA’s championships, competitions, and programs. Specifically, this includes all adult and junior championships, USGA Qualifiers, OGA Tour, OGA Junior Summer Series/Winter Series, Women’s Interclub Play, EJ Playdays, Rules of Golf and Rules Education, and basically everything related to running golf competitions and events for Oregon and SW Washington. A lot, right? Let’s break down what everyone does.

We’ll start with Brent. As the Senior Director, Brent oversees the department but primarily focuses on adult-related events, as well as the Rules of Golf and Rules education. Have a question about the Oregon Amateur, OGA Tour, Women’s Interclub, or the Rules of Golf? Brent’s your guy. Now, Spencer, as the Director and the newest member of the OGA, is responsible for junior golf programs, including the Rules of Golf. Got a question about the Bob Norquist Junior Amateur or a junior summer series? Spencer’s got you covered. Then there’s Zane, the catch-all for this department and your point of contact as a volunteer. He helps administer the OGA Tour, Women’s Interclub, Summer Series, and EJ Playdays.

But really, any of us can answer your questions. While each team member has their specific focus, we’re all experts at running golf tournaments. You’ll often see one or all of us at either a junior or adult event. The team is interchangeable that way. In the past, there were separate departments for junior golf and adult championships, but this model was inefficient and led to staff turnover and burnout. Now, as a small but effective team, we can be more versatile and accomplish much more. What makes this model so effective is you, the OGA’s volunteers. Your wonderful, smiling faces are what participants see sometimes more than staff members. Whether you prefer working junior tournaments or adult ones, you become the face of the OGA as much as our staff sometimes. Knowing we can rely on you makes this model work. Without volunteers, the OGA couldn’t run such first-rate tournaments and events.

As we go into the season, we want to clear up any confusion about who you can expect to see onsite when you volunteer. The new signup program will list the staff onsite as you register. When assignments come out, they’ll also list who you can expect to see when you check-in. If you get questions, direct them to the onsite staff. If not, here’s your list: Brent – Adults, Spencer – Juniors, Zane – everything and anything!

Ok, so you know what we do. Let’s learn a little more about the team! You might think you know us, but do you really? Here comes the “Too much information” or “TMI” part!

Let’s start with Zane Balmoja. Originally from the beautiful islands of Hawaii, Zane made his way to Oregon to attend Portland State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. As the oldest of three children, he has a sister studying in Chicago and a younger brother finishing high school. Zane hails from Oahu and has a passion for cars and reggae music, though he’s open to all kinds of beats. A proud dog lover, he has a black Labrador named Mokes. His girlfriend will tell you he’s quite the chef, too! While Zane loves the outdoors, in true Gen Z fashion, he enjoys watching YouTube, Instagram reels, or TikToks of other people exploring nature!

Next, let’s get to know Spencer Sorensen, the OGA’s newest member. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Spencer attended the University of Utah, where he earned a degree in Public Relations. He didn’t stop there—he also holds a master’s degree from Texas Tech. As one of four children, Spencer has a rich family sports history, with his dad being a retired sportswriter in Utah. Spencer is a die-hard fan of Utah sports teams, but during his time in the Bay Area, he adopted the 49ers and Giants. Unlike Zane, Spencer actually hits the trails and goes hiking. He has a serious sweet tooth for chocolate chip cookies, so feel free to bake him a batch! Besides cookies, Spencer is a big fan of Asian and Mexican cuisine. He’s a huge Seinfeld fan and has impressively walked more than 10,000 steps every day for over 800 consecutive days!

Finally, let’s talk about Brent. He’s been with us so long that he’s practically an open book. Brent lives in Eugene with his wife Bekah and their two kids, Jackson and Hope. A proud graduate of the University of Oregon, he’s one of those Duck fans. Originally from sunny Southern California, his and his wife family live nearby. While Brent is certainly not a wine drinker, he’s never met an IPA he didn’t like! If you ask him where he wants to go for dinner, he’ll always suggest either Red Robin or a McMenamin’s. Like Spencer, Brent has an obsessive streak and has impressively maintained over 800 consecutive days on Duolingo!

So, there you have it! As we head into the season, we hope you’ve gotten to know the Championships and Events team a bit better. We’re excited to see you on the course soon and work together to make this season a success!

See you on the course very soon.

- OGA Championships and Events team