Guided by the North Star: Introducing a New Era for the Minnesota Golf Association

For 125 years, the Minnesota Golf Association has served as the governing body for the game in the North Star State. But honoring a storied legacy also requires a clear vision for the future. Today, we’re proud to introduce a revitalized brand identity that reflects both where we’ve been — and where we’re going.

Centered on a stylized monogram, the iconic North Star, and our founding year, the new visual identity balances institutional stewardship with a clean, modern aesthetic. Rather than leaning on traditional golf imagery, the updated mark signals leadership, credibility, and organizational growth through refined geometry and a sophisticated color palette.

To bring this vision to life, the MGA partnered with Seth McWhorter, who designed the new logo and leads his own creative studio, McWhorter Creative. With experience building thoughtful, enduring brands, McWhorter approached the project with deep respect for the MGA’s history and an eye toward its future.

“We wanted to recognize the rich history of the organization, but also provide a nod to the future and room for exciting expansion," explained Seth McWhorter.

The result is a brand that feels equally at home atop a championship leaderboard or stitched onto a member’s favorite hat. It’s a thoughtful evolution designed to ensure the MGA remains a guiding light for Minnesota golfers for the next century and beyond.

Distinctly Minnesotan

The new MGA logo draws inspiration from Minnesota’s character — its lakes, seasons, resilience, and community — while reflecting the organization’s history and vision for the future. Key elements include:

The North Star

Crowning the design, the North Star serves as both a beacon and a promise — a distinctly Minnesotan symbol of direction, constancy, and integrity. It reflects our guiding role in leading the game forward while honoring the values that have defined the MGA since 1901.

A Mark Rooted in Legacy

At the heart of the new design is a bold, interlocking MGA monogram — a tribute to more than a century of leadership, community, and commitment to the game. The connected letters symbolize the unity of Minnesota’s golfers, clubs, and volunteers, all bound by a shared purpose to grow and preserve the game we love.

Subtle Nods to the Game

Every detail of the mark carries meaning. The tops of the “M” and “A” subtly evoke golf tees, a quiet but unmistakable nod to the sport itself. Meanwhile, the gentle curves at the base of the letters mirror the movement of water, reflecting Minnesota’s identity as the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Our State

Anchoring the mark is 1901, a simple yet powerful reminder of where we began. It honors the visionaries who shaped the MGA’s early years and connects every modern golfer to the legacy that continues to define Minnesota golf today.

As we look toward our next century, this rebrand plays a critical role in moving the organization forward. It reflects our commitment to growth, sustainability, and advancing the game across Minnesota.

By creating a brand our members are proud to wear, we strengthen awareness, deepen connection, and build long-term value for golfers throughout the state.

The North Star has always guided us.

Now, it defines us.