The Northern Ohio Golf Association (NOGA) and the Toledo District Golf Association (TDGA) announced today their plan to unify operations and governance beginning in January 2021.
Under the proposed agreement, the combined organization will retain the name of the Northern Ohio Golf Association and continue to serve as a United States Golf Association (USGA) designated Allied Golf Association (AGA) for 35 counties across Northern Ohio and parts of Southeast Michigan. The USGA partners with its AGAs to serve millions of recreational golfers across the country by increasing engagement and participation and improving the golfer experience.
Through the consolidation, the NOGA will serve approximately 27,000 golfers and 171 member clubs.
“After collaborating informally for several years, it became clear to both associations that we could better utilize all of our resources by working together,” said Robb Schulze, Chief Executive Officer of NOGA. “By consolidating our operations and sharing our assets – staff, volunteers and finances – we hope to enhance the membership services and benefits we provide to golfers and golf facilities across our combined region.”
While the TDGA name and logo will continue to be visible for some time, NOGA and TDGA will transition to one uniform brand and logo in the future.
“Our board of directors, after numerous meetings with Robb and the NOGA leadership team and much due diligence, believes strongly that this is the right opportunity for the TDGA to preserve its history and do what is best for its members,” said Marianne Reece, TDGA Executive Director. “Given our close proximity and shared borders, our existing relationships and informal collaborations over the years, we are convinced this is the right decision for the TDGA.”
Unanimously approved by both associations’ Boards of Directors, the consolidation of these two associations will foster stronger golf communities and improve the quality of programming and services offered to the region’s golf clubs as well as its’ individual member golfers. By joining forces, the unified association’s goal is to offer its membership an expanded list of future tournament venues and events, as well as having the opportunity to play more courses in Northern Ohio beginning in 2021.
“This consolidation provides both NOGA and TDGA members the opportunity to benefit from the combined strengths of both organizations,” said Howard Essner, President of the NOGA. “The NOGA and the TDGA were formed in 1917 and 1921, respectively, with very similar missions. As a result of this union, we are both in a better position to continue that shared mission to grow the game and serve all golfers across our combined region.”
ABOUT THE NOGA
The Northern Ohio Golf Association is dedicated to its mission of promoting and preserving the game of golf in Northern Ohio. Founded in 1917 to establish interclub competitions for its original eight member clubs, the NOGA has grown to 111 member clubs and 21,000 individual golfing members throughout Northern Ohio. As the Allied Golf Association of the United States Golf Association in its region, the NOGA conducts numerous tournaments and USGA Championship qualifiers, administers the USGA Handicap System for its members under the new World Handicap System, conducts course ratings for its member clubs and governs the game with officials that administer the Rules of Golf.
ABOUT THE TDGA
The Toledo District Golf Association was organized in 1921 for the betterment of golf in the Toledo area with four original Member Clubs. As the TDGA prepares for its centennial year, it remains dedicated to making the game of golf more enjoyable for its approximate 6,000 individual golfing members and 60 member clubs. The TDGA acts as the liaison between its golfers and the USGA, issues handicaps through the USGA Handicap System, conducts seminars on the Rules on Golf and the Handicap System, conducts course ratings for its member clubs and holds qualifying tournaments for USGA championships.
