Mike Ortega Elected President of the SCGA

November 02, 2022

Mike Ortega, an SCGA member through Skylinks Men's GC and Gauchos and Gringos, was selected President of the Association at its Annual Meeting, held virtually this morning. He succeeds the SCGA's first teaching professional and female President, Nikki Gatch.

The Torrance native formerly served as President of the Public Links Golf Association (PLGA) in 2003 and becomes the first person to have been elected President of two Southern California golf associations. He is also the first Hispanic President of the SCGA.

“I am extremely humbled by the honor to become the President of the SCGA,” Ortega said. “I’m confident that with our excellent board and staff, we will continue to heighten the golf experience for our members and clubs. In doing so, we will also strive for further inclusion, diversity and access.”

His passion for volunteerism includes nearly 40 years supporting numerous professional events at Riviera CC and throughout the Southland. Ortega was introduced to the game of golf in 1972 when he served in the United States Army.

“I always tell people to take the time to introduce at least one person to our game,” Ortega said. “It changed my life and it can do the same for others.”

Since joining the SCGA Board in 2011, when the PLGA merged with the SCGA, Ortega has demonstrated his dedication to the game through several committees, including Board Development, Championships & Golf Operations, Member Services, and Strategic Planning. He is a longstanding Pacific Coast Golf Association Director and remains active as an SCGA Rules Official and Course Rater.

Joining Ortega on the 2022-23 SCGA Executive Committee are Vice President Huy Dang, Griffith Park GC, Secretary Zack Moran, Golf Course Superintendents Club & Olivas Links GC as well as Treasurer Lynne Haraway, Porter Valley CC. Ortega will lead a diverse board representing a cross-section of clubs, backgrounds, skills and geography. Also serving on the 2022-23 board are:

  • Jorge Badel, PGA, South Bay Pub Links GC
  • John Fischer, The Los Angeles CC
  • John Kobara, Screaming Eagles GC
  • Kathy Kurata, Friendly Hills CC and Mission Hills Ladies
  • Azucena Maldonado, Latina Golfers GC
  • George Mallory, Rancho Park GC
  • Bob Osborn, MeadowlarkGC and Old Ranch CC
  • Tom Reul, Briarwood GC
  • Larry Stein, Brentwood CC
  • and Immediate Past President Nikki Gatch, PGA, SCPGA Tour Alumni

The Annual Meeting also acknowledged the Association’s strong financial position, highlighted by an all-time high in membership and event participation. In addition, the Association noted the robust Public Affairs and Communications statewide campaign to defeat legislation detrimental to public golf. The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation also reported record participation in youth programming.

Later this year, in two separate videos, the Association will present its 2022 SCGA Service Award recipients, announce its four Players of the Year and provide a look ahead to the 2023 championship season.



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