by Rex Nelson, USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern
Leading the way in Washington Golf’s membership department is Audrey Orem, whose weekly schedule rarely features two days that are alike. Whether through helping Washington’s golfers or supporting its clubs, Audrey plays a pivotal role in the success of golf in Washington. Audrey has worked for WA Golf for six years now and is the current Manager of Membership and Handicapping.
In her role at WA Golf, Audrey manages the overall support of all members, facilities, and any other troubleshooting necessary from the membership standpoint. She helps manage MemberPlanet, a software program which assists in communicating with members, troubleshooting and resolving issues. She also helps clubs with handicapping questions, and works with the national office of Youth on Course in guiding the WA Golf Youth on Course program.
During her time here she has helped grow the association’s membership to over 97,000 golfers statewide. In addition to individual members, she supports more than 500 WA Golf clubs, helping them navigate everything from member engagement to USGA handicap services and club administration.
Growing up in Bellingham, Wash. and raised by avid golfers, Audrey was surrounded by the game her entire life, though she never showed serious interest until high school. It was during those years that she developed a passion for the game.
That passion would quickly bear fruit as she proved to be a standout player, so much so that she earned a spot on Western Washington University’s women’s golf team. During her time there she deepened her connection to the game, both competitively and professionally. She met fellow student-athletes and future colleagues in the golf industry, such as Lexie VanAntwerp, the current Manager of Member Services for the Idaho Golf Association (IGA), whom she met while competing in a PNGA Women’s Amateur Championship.
Audrey collaborates with colleagues in other golf associations around the U.S., in discovering best practices in providing services to WA Golf members. She usually attends the annual International Association of Golf Administrators conference, to discuss the latest trends and exchange ideas. Audrey, along with Lexie at the IGA, were proactive in establishing the popular Ladies Golf & Wine Getaway, which they administer and make available to members of several regional golf associations.
It was through connections like this that Audrey shaped her beliefs on the importance of collaboration and community in the golf industry.
Top 5 questions that Audrey receives from WA Golf members, and her responses to them:
Q: Can I get a copy of my child’s Youth on Course membership card?
Audrey: Yes, you can! (Audrey then mails the card to the member)
Q: My GHIN is inactive. How do I reactivate it?
Audrey steers the inactive member towards the membership that is the best fit for them, and explains the different options of club membership.
Q: I accidentally created a second GHIN number when I was trying to renew my membership. Can you help me?
Audrey merges the two GHIN records together to return it back to one record.
Q: How is my Handicap Index calculated?
Audrey: Handicap Index is calculated by the average of the lowest eight score differentials of the most recent 20 scores.
Q: I am unable to see any of my friends’ scores on GHIN. How does that work?
Audrey: If the friends are not part of the same club membership, they will be unable to see the scoring details.