What is the Pacific Northwest Golf Association?
The Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) was founded on February 4, 1899. It is a 501c3 charitable, international, amateur golf association dedicated to preserving the true spirit of golf by supporting its member associations, conducting quality championships, and promoting activities beneficial to golfers in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
The original purpose of the PNGA was to conduct a regional amateur championship. Since 1899, the Association has been a pioneer in developing competitions and services, and its mission has grown and evolved. Today, the PNGA remains committed to being a truly “regional” organization by providing additional benefits to the membership of each Member Association.
The PNGA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of three individuals from each Member Association, which includes the CEO or Executive Director of each respective association.
The Member Associations that comprise the PNGA are:
Combined, these Member Associations serve and provide benefits to approximately 175,000 members.
The PNGA shares a staff with Washington Golf and together they employ a full-time staff of 15, headed by a CEO/Executive Director, with offices located in Tacoma, Washington. Under the direction of the Board of Directors and in conjunction with a number of standing committees, the staff administers the day-to-day affairs of the Association.
Support of the Game
Through membership in the PNGA, your club and its members have the satisfaction of knowing they are assisting the PNGA in administering and supporting important programs and charities which benefit the game of golf throughout the region, such as:
- Support of Turfgrass research efforts at Northwest universities
- Support of Junior Golf development
- Support of the Evans Scholarship Program at Northwest universities
- The creation of Northwest Golf House, a permanent home for the PNGA and its history
Evans Caddie Scholarship Program
Working closely with the British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington golf associations, the PNGA serves as the administrative headquarters for the Evans Caddie Scholarship Program in the Northwest. Since the PNGA established the program in the region in 1948, more than 700 young men and women caddies from Northwest clubs, who have had excellent grades and a financial need, have attended major Northwest universities on a four-year, full tuition and housing scholarship, which is currently valued at $120,000, depending on the university.
The PNGA also coordinates a significant fundraising initiative throughout the region to support these Scholars. Along with Par Club, Bag Tag, and other special contributions, the PNGA works closely with the state associations to conduct two “Evans Cup” fundraising events each year. Since 1994, these events have raised over $3 million for the region’s Evans Scholars.
Pacific Northwest Golf Hall of Fame
The PNGA administers the Pacific Northwest Golf Hall of Fame and conducts induction ceremonies every other year recognizing outstanding Northwest golfers who have made extraordinary contributions to the game. Memorabilia from the PNGA’s past is displayed at Association headquarters and information about golf’s past in the Northwest can be accessed by PNGA members through Association resources.
PNGA Player of the Year Awards
Every year, the PNGA Championship Committee reviews the competitive records of players from throughout the region and recognizes the individuals who have compiled the most outstanding accomplishments and awards them the Pacific Northwest Player of the Year Award. One individual in each of the following categories is recognized: Men, Women, Men’s Mid-Amateur, Women’s Mid-Amateur, Senior Men, Senior Women, Junior Boys, and Junior Girls.
PNGA Distinguished Service Award
Every other year, a committee comprised of all living PNGA Past Presidents selects a recipient(s) of the PNGA Distinguished Service Award in recognition of meritorious service to amateur golf, not necessarily as a competitive player. Along with induction into the Pacific Northwest Golf Hall of Fame, this prestigious award is considered the Association’s highest honor.
