Important Note: To apply for assistance from the Golf Emergency Relief Fund and to find further details, visit relief.golf. Applications will be live this Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 2 p.m. ET.

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During these incredibly challenging times, many people working in golf, who are normally there for others, are now in need of help themselves. Our friends, colleagues and their families need our support right away. 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. 

In response to the severe challenges impacting golf communities nationwide, we are announcing today that we have established a brand new Golf Emergency Relief Fund. 

The fund is designed to provide short-term financial assistance to certain individuals working in the golf industry, including PGA of America Professionals, who are facing significant financial hardship right now, including those suffering as a result of COVID-19. 

For this relief effort, the PGA of America has made a lead pledge of $5 million, plus a matching fund for gifts from third parties of up to $2.5 million. The initial contribution includes every member of the PGA’s executive leadership team voluntarily reducing their compensation. Personal donations have also been made from our Board of Directors. With matching, we hope the fund grows to over $10 million. 

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 fund is managed by E4E Relief, an independent third-party public charity, which will provide 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. 

For a complete list of individuals that may be eligible, click here. 

  • The first phase of the fund will distribute two tiers of funding with $500 grants for basic needs; and up to $1,500 grants for critical needs, with applications being reviewed, approved and grants disbursed by E4E on a rolling first-come, first-served basis. 
  • A second phase, currently scheduled to roll out after the completion of Phase 1, will have a longer application process, and distribute funds of up to $3,500, as reviewed and approved by E4E, on a rolling first-come, first-served basis. 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. 

Further details around eligibility are forthcoming, with applications being accepted starting this Thursday, April 16 at 2 p.m. ET at relief.golf. 

To read the press release announcing the fund, please click here. 

FAQs as they become available will also be posted on relief.golf. 

We need to come to the aid of those who make this game we love so special, to help ensure their livelihood. We hope that you will help spread the word among your golf industry friends and colleagues about the availability of the new Golf Emergency Relief Fund. 

We are here for you, and we are here to help, because the golf industry needs our compassionate support now more than ever. 

Respectfully, 

Suzy Whaley, PGA Seth Waugh President CEO PGA of America PGA of America