BY AAGD STAFF
June 6, 2020 — With the devastating impact that COVID-19 has had on individuals and businesses who serve the golf industry, a Golf Emergency Relief Fund was initiated by the PGA of America through a lead pledge of $5 million and managed by E4E Relief, an independent, third-party nonprofit. The fund also included a matching fund for gifts by third parties of up to $2.5 million.
With monetary help needed by the thousands of golf industry workers suffering from the impact of COVID-19, the Golf Emergency Relief Fund has awarded more than $4 million to more than 3,300 individuals seeking assistance during Phase 1 of the initiative. When the news was released about the Emergency Relief Fund, registration limits were reached within 24 hours after it opened on April 15. Phase 1 financial assistance included $500 in basic need grants; and up to $1,500 for critical needs grants.
According to PGA Magazine, in additional $1 million for the fund will be donated in connection with “The Match: Champions for Charity” ($500,000 from the PGA TOUR, matched dollar-for-dollar by the PGA of America’s already established matching fund). This is in addition to the PGA TOUR’s previous donation to the Golf Emergency Relief Fund from the “TaylorMade Driving Relief” event.
The fund is providing grants to certain industry workers, including golf association members, employees of local/state golf associations, caddies and certain professionals playing on developmental tours to help offset COVID-19 related financial hardships, such as living and medical expenses.
Starting on Wednesday, May 27, eligible workers had the opportunity to apply for Phase 2 grants of up to $3,500. Individuals receiving grants through the first phase will be eligible to apply for grants in the second phase but the maximum amount an individual can receive in aggregate from the first and second phase is $3,500. Those who were denied during Phase 1 are still eligible to apply for Phase 2, says PGA Magazine.
To help extend the assistance, there will be a longer application process and grants will be reviewed and approved for distribution by E4E Relief on a rolling basis. With the application process, there will be documentation required with variations based on the kind of expenses which are requested. Although Phase 2 is a needs-based analysis and not the same process as Phase I, grants will be approved on a rolling basis. Accordingly, applicants are encouraged to submit early in the process and make all requested expense-related documentation available to E4E Relief as soon as possible.
“As evidenced by the incredible demand, the need is critical,” PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said to PGA Magazine. “We will continue to turn to our friends both in and outside of golf who love the game for their generous and immediate financial support.”
To support the Emergency Fund, contributions were made by every member of the executive leadership team voluntarily, which reduced their compensation. In addition, many personal donations were made from the Board of Directors with support also arriving from a number of industry organizations, including the PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, National Golf Course Owners Association and the Association of Golf Merchandisers.
