Federal Way, Wash. – The Washington State Golf Association has re-branded itself as Washington Golf, with the transition taking effect today. The most immediate and visible aspects of the re-branding are the Association’s new logo and new website.

In 2015, the Association hired a consultant to guide the organization through its first-ever strategic planning process. A team of leaders within the organization and industry met to discuss, analyze, and create a roadmap for the future. The result was a five-year plan to ensure fiscal success, membership growth, increased participation, and reestablish the organization as leaders in the golf community.

“Over the past four years, our Association has been successfully achieving the initiatives and goals that were established in our strategic plan,” says Troy Andrew, Washington Golf CEO and executive director.  “We have provided more opportunities for golfers, increased participation, and have grown our membership by adding many new valuable benefits and partnerships. This is just the beginning of a very bright future for our organization and the game of golf.

“The launch of our re-branding as Washington Golf is a continuation of the efforts of the past four years.”

Earlier this year, the Association partnered with Buffalo Agency for consultation with the initial phase of the re-branding process. “Their systematic approach and professional consultation through our branding strategy was impressive,” said Marilyn Esguerra, Washington Golf director of marketing. “Buffalo Agency helped position us better to serve our mission and be more inviting to all types of golfers in our region.”

“Yes, our Association has a great history of the game in our state,” said Doug Rohner, president of Washington Golf. “But we really want to start focusing on the game’s future. To grow the game, to ensure its future, we know we need to have it appeal to the younger generation of golfers, as well as to those who are not aware of who we are and what we do for the game. We are more than just a handicap service. We really do make the game more enjoyable for everyone, for anyone who sets foot on a golf course in the entire state.”

As completion of the Association’s five-year strategic plan nears (in 2020), as well as its upcoming centennial anniversary (2022), the timing is ideal for Washington Golf to further enhance its image across both internal and external communication channels including digital, social media and marketing collateral.

Founded in 1922, Washington Golf has evolved into one of the largest amateur golf associations in the United States, providing member benefits and services to nearly 70,000 golfers, more than 650 member clubs, and over 260 golf facilities throughout Washington and Northern Idaho. Washington Golf conducts 14 statewide championships, as well as other events for golfers of all abilities and levels of interest. Along with the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, Washington Golf co-owns and operates The Home Course in DuPont, Wash.

A 501c4 non-profit organization, Washington Golf is governed by a board of volunteer amateur golfers and employs a full-time staff of 15 people. Washington Golf is an allied partner of the United States Golf Association (USGA), is the statewide representative of the USGA and an authorized provider of the USGA GHIN Handicap System.

Washington Golf membership supports golf advocacy and growth initiatives with contributions to programs such as Youth on Course, The First Tee, Evans Scholarship Program, Northwest Turfgrass, First Green and the Golf Alliance of Washington.

The core services of handicapping, course rating, championships, and being a formal partner of the USGA will always be key functions of Washington Golf as it continues to explore and broaden its services and benefits.

Washington Golf’s mission continues to be to “Enrich the lives of people in Washington and Northern Idaho through the many social, recreational and lifetime benefits of the game of golf.”