LOS ANGELES (USA): The Professional Golfer Association of America (PGA) donated $5 million to launch the Golf Emergency Relief fund on Monday for the coronavirus pandemic.
The body, whose flagship event the US PGA Championship has been postponed from May amid the shelter-in-place policies designed to slow spread of the virus, pledged to match up to an additional $2.5 million given by other groups.
A statement said the PGA of America contribution included all members of its executive team voluntarily reducing their compensation. The board of directors pledged personal donations.
“There’s pain everywhere,” PGA chief executive Seth Waugh said. “It’s how to get to the other side. The government is doing extraordinary things. The Fed actions last week were stunning. The loan programs are very clever to keep people employed. The bad news is it may not be enough depending on how long this lasts.
“What we’re saying is, ‘How can we create an additional safety net?’”
The PGA said other organizations, including the US PGA Tour and the LPGA, the US Golf Association are supporting the fund, as are groups representing course superintendents, course owners and merchandisers.
Applications are to be accepted starting from Thursday.
The first phase will distribute $500 grants for basic needs and $1,500 grants for critical needs.
A second phase will make funds available up to $3,500 depending on need.
