OGA appoints Mark Felder as executive director

Mark Felder has been appointed executive director of the Oklahoma Golf Association by the board of directors.

Felder, who has been the OGA's tournament director since 2002, will continue to direct OGA championships in addition to his new role.

Felder, who also has a background in golf as a PGA professional as well as an OGA administrator, replaces Steve Eckroat, who was "terminated for cause" in December according to earlier OGA statements. SCG has learned that Eckroat was released for financial irregularities relating to his accounting duties with the OGA.

The rest of the OGA fulltime staff includes Jay Doudican, director of technical services including golf course ratings, GHIN handicap services, the OGA website and tournament results and publicity; and Morri Rose, director of the Oklahoma Junior Golf Tour.

"I'm tickled to death," Felder said. "We're entering our 100th year as an association. We're excited to have Morri on board with the junior tour. And we have great sites this year for our major tournaments."

The State Amateur is at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow, the State Senior is at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, the Stroke Play Championship is at Quail Creek Country Club and the Mid-Amateur at the new Patriot Golf Club in Owasso. A complete schedule of OGA events is at www.okgolf.org.

Felder was the head pro at Twin Hills Country Club in Oklahoma City for 13 years prior to joining the OGA in 2002. He was at John Conrad Golf Course for five years prior to his stint at Twin Hills.