Volunteer | OGA

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Benefits of Volunteering

Give back while having fun, making friends, and enjoying great golf and courses across Oregon and SW Washington. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just love the sport, volunteering with OGA offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, explore beautiful courses, and contribute to the golfing community. Join us and experience the joy of giving back while indulging in your passion for golf!

OGA Uniform and Apparel
Free Lunch while volunteering
Volunteer for 60 hours to get invited to the annual Volunteer Appreciation Day
Volunteer for 80 hours to earn an Exceptional Service Card, which offers free or discounted golf at many local courses.

Celebrating Volunteers

The OGA celebrates our volunteers and their invaluable contributions during the annual OGA Volunteer Appreciation Day. These awards highlighted those who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the organization.

Tournament and Course Rating Volunteers

Based on one’s level of previous experience, Championship and Tournament Volunteers are designated into one of the following categories TAG Team Volunteer or Rules Official.

For those interested in helping rate courses, it may not be what it seems, but it's an incredible way to contribute to the game by supporting OGA member clubs and ensuring the integrity of the Handicap System.

OGA TAG TEAM (Tournament Assistant Group) (needed for all OGA Events):

An excellent opportunity to participate in a Junior Golf or adult competition by taking on roles such as starters, fore-caddies, pace of play checkpoint officials, scoring officials, and other essential positions at each event. This provides a wonderful chance to gain valuable behind-the-scenes experience in all facets of golf administration.

Rules Officials (needed for all OGA events):

Offer on-course support to players concerning the Rules of Golf and maintaining the pace of play. The OGA selects Rules Officials based on their expertise in the Rules of Golf and their officiating experience.

Requirements for Current Rules Officials. Must fulfill at least ONE of the following exams:

- Completed either the Official 80-question or 100-question Rules exam, and obtained Expert or Advanced Certification within the past four years.
- Completed the official OGA 50-question Rules exam with a score of 85% within the last four years (qualifying individuals to officiate at selected OGA and OGA Junior Golf tournaments.)

Requirements to become an OGA Rules Official:

Participate in a USGA/PGA Rules Workshop or enroll in the PNGA Rules of Golf Six-Week Course, fulfill the requirements of either the USGA or OGA exam options, attend 2-3 events to shadow an OGA Senior Rules Official, and take part in an OGA Referee Orientation and Meeting of the Minds Seminars.

If you are interested in becoming a OGA TAG Team volunteer or Rules official, please contact Zane Balmoja.

Course Rating Volunteers:

The USGA Handicap System™ uses the Course and Slope Ratings to convert a players’ score into their Handicap Index®. The Handicap Index is then converted to a Course Handicap®. The goal is to provide all golfers an equitable opportunity to compete against each other regardless of gender of the tees they play. Course Rating Volunteers help OGA to assure that Course and Slope Ratings are accurate.

If you are interested in becoming a course rater, please contact Gretchen Yoder.