By Oregon Golf Association
The OGA’s Championships and Events department is excited to announce the hiring of a Director and an Operations Coordinator as part of the Championships and Events team. These new hires will work in tandem with Senior Director Brent Whittaker, and two seasonal interns to administer the Championships and Events products and services for OGA members and the golf community within Oregon and SW Washington.
The position of Director of Championships and Events will be filled by Spencer Sorensen. He brings extensive experience and familiarity to this role as Spencer spent the last 11 years in various positions at the Northern California Golf Association. He first worked in communications before solidifying himself in the competitions department as the Manager of Tournaments. The experience he gained at the NCGA allows him to see the operations of a golf association through many different lenses. A graduate from the University of Utah, he also holds a master’s degree from Texas Tech, Spencer has a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help to elevate the OGA in his new role.
As the Director of Championships and Events, Spencer’s focus will be on the Junior Golf programs. OGA Junior Golf is one of the most highly regarded junior programs in the region. With Spencer’s at the helm the high caliber and consistency of its competitions will continue to be maintained, now, with a resurgence of fresh ideas. Not only will he be a great asset to the OGA Junior programs, but he will provide a welcome boost of support across all the OGA’s Championships and Events products and services.
The position of Championships and Events Operations Coordinator was filled by Zane Balmoja. A recent graduate from Portland State University, Zane has spent the last nine months as a USGA PJ Boatwright Intern for the Oregon Golf Association. During his short time with the OGA, he quickly learned and adapted to the OGA’s fast paced season of golf administration. Originally from Hawaii, Zane is excited to stay in Oregon and build a career at the OGA. Within his new role as the Operations Coordinator, Zane will support both adult and junior programs as well serving as the liaison for the OGA’s prodigious volunteer community.
Brent Whittaker, the OGA’s Senior Director of Competitions and Events, believes that these two hires will provide a much needed and immediate boost to the OGA’s Championships and Events department. The OGA will finally be able to deliver upon high operational standards across different programs. The timing of these hires is a huge benefit as the OGA prepares for the 2024 season. Not only will their impact provide a welcome sustainability but will allow the team to raise the bar even higher for the OGA’s championships and events for many years to come.
Beyond these notable hires, Lance Moncur will replace Rich Haaland as the OGA Tour Representative. Rich retired from this role after 10 years of dedicated service to the OGA Tour. Lance will be a great addition and provide a fresh perspective on the OGA Tour. Lance, who retired from Intel, has been participating in OGA Tour events since its inception and works part-time at Quail Valley Golf Course.
The OGA is excited to present these new members of the OGA’s Championship and Events team.
Questions and comments should be directed to events@oga.org