In the face of overwhelming need from workers across the golf industry suffering hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Golf Emergency Relief Fund has awarded over $4 million to more than 3,300 individuals seeking assistance during Phase 1 of the initiative. Registration limits were reached within 24 hours after the fund was opened on April 15.
Phase 1 financial assistance included $500 in basic need grants and up to $1,500 for critical needs grants.
Established in April to provide short-term financial assistance to workers in the golf industry who face significant financial hardship, the Golf Emergency Relief Fund was seeded by a lead pledge from the PGA of America and is being supported in various ways by a number of industry organizations.
The Golf Emergency Relief Fund is managed by E4E Relief, an independent, third-party nonprofit, and was initiated by the PGA of America through a lead pledge of $5 million and a matching fund for gifts by third parties of up to $2.5 million.
An additional $1 million for the fund will be donated in connection with May 24 “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 May 27, eligible workers have 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 with the maximum amount an individual can receive in aggregate from the first and second phase at $3,500. Those who were denied during Phase 1 are eligible to apply for Phase 2.
Phase 2 will have a longer application process and distribute grants as reviewed and approved by E4E Relief on a rolling basis. Documentation needed will vary based on the type of expenses 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. 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,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “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.”
The PGA’s contribution to the Golf Emergency Relief Fund included every member of the executive leadership team voluntarily reducing their compensation and, additionally, personal donations from members of the Board of Directors have been pledged. The effort is also being supported by 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.
For more information, go here.
Photo courtesy Quintero Golf Club
