BY AAGD STAFF
April 14, 2020 — on Monday, the PGA of America announced the establishment of its Golf Emergency Relief Fund which will seek to distribute up to $10 million in grants to workers across the golf industry.
Managed by E4E Relief, an independent third-party public charity, the fund will provide grants to certain industry workers, inclusive of golf association members, employees of local/state golf associations, caddies and certain professionals playing on developmental tours, superintendents, and golf course owners to help offset COVID-19 related financial hardships, such as living and medical expenses.
The initial phase of grants will offer two tiers of funding: $500 for “basic needs” and $1,500 for “critical needs.” A second phase is expected to include distributions up to $3,500. All applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
If all goes as planned, the PGA of America’s Golf Emergency Relief Fund will provide short-term financial assistance to workers in the golf industry who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative was started with a $5 million pledge by the PGA and increased in dollars through matching gifts.
The grants will benefit various industry workers, golf association members, employees of local/state golf associations, caddies and some touring professionals on developmental circuits. Applications are being accepted beginning at 2 p.m. EDT Thursday, April 16 at this site.
Suzy Whaley, President of the PGA of America
“The golf industry is in an unprecedented crisis, and our friends, colleagues and their families need our help right away,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “We have to ensure that the heart and soul of our game – our people – are able to get back on their feet and continue to serve others down the road. Eventually, golf will return, but first, we need to reach out and help people in our industry during this national emergency.” The funds are the product of voluntary salary reductions from “every member of the executive leadership team” as well as personal donations from members of the board of directors.
The effort is also being supported in various ways by a number of industry organizations, including the GCSAA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA, NGCOA and AGM.
The announcement comes just days following a similar $5 million initiative launched by the USGA.
