Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America has launched the Golf Emergency Relief Fund to provide short-term financial relief to golf workers suffering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The organisation has pledged $5 million (£4 million/€4.6 million) for the fund and will be matching third-party donations up to $2.5 million (£2 million/€2.3 million).
Other organisations including the PGA Tour, Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and United States Golf Association (USGA) are supporting the effort.
The PGA of America contribution to the fund “included every member of the executive
E4E Relief, an independent charity, will manage the fund and eligible individuals can apply for assistance from April 16.
Certain golf professionals, caddies and employees of state golf organisations are among those who qualify for funding.
To start with, $500 (£400/€460) grants for “basic needs” and up to $1,500 (£1,200/€1,370) grants for “critical needs” will be approved, with plans for a second phase to offer more money.
“The golf industry is in an unprecedented crisis, and our friends, colleagues and their families need our help right away,” PGA of America President Suzy Whaley said.
“People throughout golf are driven by a strong desire to help others every day. 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 we first need to reach out and help people in our industry during this national emergency”, she concluded.
The USGA last week announced an emergency relief fund for its 59 Allied Golf Association members worth $5 million (£4 million/€4.6 million), with those organisations able to apply for up to $100,000 (£80,000/€92,000) in assistance.
