Monthly Archives: May 2020
Women’s Golf Day to receive R&A support
By the R&A
• The R&A will provide support to the Women’s Golf Day
• Women’s Golf Day becomes the latest signatory to The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter
• Women’s Golf Day will be held virtually on 3rd June
As part of its commitment to encouraging more women and girls to play golf, The R&A will provide support to the Women’s Golf Day (WGD).
Now in its fifth year, Women’s Golf Day will be celebrated, virtually, on June 3 2020, with entertaining videos from across the world of golf, social media engagement and a global charity auction supporting Médecins sans Frontiers / Doctors without Borders (MSF).
The physical event is currently scheduled to take place on September 1st, subject to international healthcare guidelines.
In 2019, over 900 locations in 52 countries held WGD events. With The R&A’s support the campaign aims to continue growing around the world by encouraging more locations to register events and inspiring more women to take up or return to the sport.
Women’s Golf Day signs The R&A Women in Golf Charter
Women’s Golf Day has also become the latest signatory of the Women in Golf Charter which is inspiring an industry-wide commitment to develop a more inclusive culture within golf.
Elisa Gaudet, Founder of Women’s Golf Day, said, “We are so encouraged to see The R&A dedicate resources to the expansion of women’s golf worldwide. When I look back to year one it is incredible to see how far Women’s Golf Day has come, and I am excited to see where we can go from here with their support.”
Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Golf Development and Amateur Championships, The R&A commented, “The R&A is committed to ensuring golf is thriving 50 years from now. The Women in Golf Charter is reflective of our desire for more women and girls to be involved in every level of the sport and we are very supportive of initiatives like Women’s Golf Day which encourages this.”
Find out more and get involved at womensgolfday.com
Whaley Breaks Down ‘Back2Golf’ Three-Phased Approach on Morning Drive
By PGA
PGA of America President Suzy Whaley joined Anna Whitley on the Morning Drive Wednesday to break down the three-phased approach of ‘Back2Golf.’
The ‘Back2Golf’ plan outlines operational guidelines for golf’s 16,000-plus facilities that adhere to nationally established protocols and best practices.
Whaley also spoke about the Golf Emergency Relief Fund, the PGA Championship and the 2020 Ryder Cup.
Check out the entire segment below.
Golf Emergency Relief Fund Delivers Over $4 Million in Phase 1 Grants
By PGA
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.
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 yesterday’s “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 will 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 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.
The second phase 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. 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,” 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 in various ways by 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.
For more information and to make a charitable contribution to the Golf Emergency Relief Fund, visit Relief.Golf.
Golf Industry Debuts “Golf and Social Distancing” PSAs Featuring Steph Curry, Matt Kuchar and Nelly Korda to Help America Get Back2Golf Responsibly
by PGA
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (May 18, 2020) – As America gets “Back2Golf,” a new 30-second PSA, “Golf and Social Distancing” starring NBA superstar Steph Curry, nine-time PGA Tour winner Matt Kuchar and three-time LPGA Tour winner Nelly Korda, will guide golfers on responsible ways to play the game. Back2Golf is an industry-wide collaboration to provide operational guidelines, designed in three phases and aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for the responsible playing of golf through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The video PSAs complement a suite of golfer-focused posters and social-media friendly assets that have been distributed across the game by WE ARE GOLF, a coalition of allied golf organizations that are leading the responsible return to golf — including the PGA of America, PGA TOUR, National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Club Management Association of America (CMAA), LPGA and USGA.
https://vimeo.com/418681501
The spot began appearing over the weekend on digital and broadcast outlets, including CBS, Golf Channel and CBS Sports Network, and will continue to circulate across the golf industry’s media platforms. Led by the PGA of America and created by Ideas United of Atlanta, the informative public service announcements stress the importance of social distancing practices that should be kept top of mind while playing golf.
Among the important messages delivered are the health and recreational benefits of golf that can be enjoyed while now applying social distancing. Golfers are instructed to always stay six feet apart, stay home if they’re sick, and avoid large gatherings anywhere on the course. They are encouraged to “try thumbs ups and fist pumps, not handshakes and fist bumps” and “when in doubt, just don’t touch, and wash your hands!” Golfers are also instructed to mark their balls clearly and to wear a cloth facial covering when taking a lesson. Curry closes by asking everyone to “respect your fellow golfers, and let’s be grateful for every swing.”
“We play the game for different reasons but one of the things that is best about golf is the recreational health and wellness benefits that can be enjoyed in a socially distanced environment,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “As we adapt social distancing to the golf course, golfers will learn from these PSAs how to smartly apply it throughout the game. We’re proud to debut these important and informative spots. Play responsibly, so we can all enjoy golf together.”
The campaign, which will also include a longer-form, 60-second spot that debuts later this spring, will turn to LPGA and PGA TOUR players, as well as notable celebrities who are passionate about golf, to provide some social distancing tips.
“The industry is coming together during this time in many ways, including the development and airing of these PSAs, as a way to promote a responsible return to golf,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Foundation, who oversees WE ARE GOLF. “We appreciate the PGA of America’s leadership and for the celebrities who leaned in to help us present this important message to the golf community.”
The Back2Golf plan is a specific, three-phased approach to golf that aligns with the federal government’s broader plan to re-open the economy. Each phase includes operational protocols when it comes to social distancing, the sanitation of physical facilities and the health of staff members.
Future Sites of the PGA Championship
by PGA
103rd PGA Championship
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Ocean Course
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
May 2021
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Ocean Course
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
May 2021
104th PGA Championship
Trump National Golf Club
Bedminster, New Jersey
May 2022
Trump National Golf Club
Bedminster, New Jersey
May 2022
105th PGA Championship
Oak Hill Country Club
East Course
Pittsford, New York
May 2023
Oak Hill Country Club
East Course
Pittsford, New York
May 2023
106th PGA Championship
Valhalla Golf Club
Louisville, Kentucky
May 2024
Valhalla Golf Club
Louisville, Kentucky
May 2024
107th PGA Championship
Quail Hollow Club
Charlotte, NC
May 2025
Quail Hollow Club
Charlotte, NC
May 2025
108th PGA Championship
Aronimink Golf Club
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
May 2026
Aronimink Golf Club
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
May 2026
109th PGA Championship
PGA Frisco
Frisco, Texas
May 2027
PGA Frisco
Frisco, Texas
May 2027
110th PGA Championship
The Olympic Club
Lake Course
San Francisco, California
May 2028
The Olympic Club
Lake Course
San Francisco, California
May 2028
111th PGA Championship
Baltusrol Golf Club
Lower Course
Springfield, New Jersey
May 2029
Baltusrol Golf Club
Lower Course
Springfield, New Jersey
May 2029
112th PGA Championship
Southern Hills Country Club
Lower Course
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Southern Hills Country Club
Lower Course
Tulsa, Oklahoma
113th PGA Championship
Congressional Country Club
Blue Course
Bethesda, Maryland
May 2031
Congressional Country Club
Blue Course
Bethesda, Maryland
May 2031
116th PGA Championship
PGA Frisco
Frisco, Texas
May 2034
PGA Frisco
Frisco, Texas
May 2034
PGA WORKS to Host First-Ever Virtual Career Workshop
by PGA
PGA WORKS, PGA REACH, and AIG will host the first-ever PGA WORKS Virtual Career Workshop on May 21st, 2020.
The event will present individuals interested in a career in golf with the ultimate opportunity to connect with business and gold industry leaders to learn first-hand how to navigate through the current job market during these unprecedented times. Business experts will present on the following topics:
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Owning Your Job Search In Uncertain Times presented by AIG
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At-Home Networking Strategies presented by AIG
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Career Readiness Post COVID-19
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Personal Branding
Register Today: https://pgaimpact.org/pgaworksworkshop/
Panelists Include:
Host – Jonathan Coachman, Golf Channel, WWE, PGA TOUR Live Sportscaster
Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer, PGA of America
John Easterbrook, PGA, Chief Membership Officer, PGA of America
Suzy Whaley, PGA, President of the PGA of America
Arjun Chowdri, Chief Innovation Officer, PGA of America
Bill Whaley, National Director of Golf Operations, PGA TOUR
Nerissa Robinson, Manager of Diversity & Talent, PGA TOUR
DeAngelo Simmons, CEO of BDSSports & Core4
Dee Robinson, PGA REACH Trustee
Lamell McMorris, PGA REACH Trustee
Ulonda Crawford Eurey, Senior HR Business Partner, AIG
Freda Lee, Senior VP of Relationship Management, AIG
Yarmon Kennedy, VP of Strategic Planning, AIG
Kevin Hogan, AIG
Host – Jonathan Coachman, Golf Channel, WWE, PGA TOUR Live Sportscaster
Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer, PGA of America
John Easterbrook, PGA, Chief Membership Officer, PGA of America
Suzy Whaley, PGA, President of the PGA of America
Arjun Chowdri, Chief Innovation Officer, PGA of America
Bill Whaley, National Director of Golf Operations, PGA TOUR
Nerissa Robinson, Manager of Diversity & Talent, PGA TOUR
DeAngelo Simmons, CEO of BDSSports & Core4
Dee Robinson, PGA REACH Trustee
Lamell McMorris, PGA REACH Trustee
Ulonda Crawford Eurey, Senior HR Business Partner, AIG
Freda Lee, Senior VP of Relationship Management, AIG
Yarmon Kennedy, VP of Strategic Planning, AIG
Kevin Hogan, AIG
LPGA Tour Launches LPGA eTour Live with WGT by TopGolf
By LPGA Communications
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced today the launch of LPGA eTour Live, a match-play esports competition in an exclusive partnership with World Golf Tour (WGT) by Topgolf. Eight LPGA and Symetra Tour players will play head-to-head in a series of seven nine-hole, online matches twice a week beginning Wednesday, May 13, culminating with a championship match on Wednesday, June 3. All matches will take place at 2 p.m. EDT and will stream live on LPGA and Topgolf digital platforms.
Below is the LPGA eTour Live on WGT schedule with the following players:
FULL SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 13: Match 1 – Jessica Korda vs. Nelly Korda
Friday, May 15: Match 2 – Angel Yin vs. Lizette Salas
Wednesday, May 20: Match 3 – Jenny Shin vs. Tiffany Joh
Friday, May 22: Match 4 – Lucy Li vs. Jane Park
Wednesday, May 27: Semifinal – Winners of Matches 1 & 2
Friday, May 29: Semifinal – Winners of Matches 3 & 4
Wednesday, June 3: Championship: Winners of Matches 5 & 6
“We are excited for this partnership with WGT and Topgolf to present an entertaining and alternative golf experience for all fans alike during a time when many are starved for competition,” said Brian Carroll, the LPGA’s Senior Vice President of Global Media Distribution. “This new endeavor is a creative way to showcase our LPGA and Symetra Tour players in an innovative online format, thanks to WGT and its incredibly realistic video game technology.”
“With a heightened focus on offering innovative, virtual entertainment and bringing people together during this time, WGT is honored to partner with the LPGA to present these live eTour events. WGT’s ability to provide the best esports golfing platform combined with the LPGA’s unique series of competitions will create a powerful experience for players all over the world who can truly immerse themselves in the competition,” said Lincoln Silver, Vice President of Business Development for Topgolf Media.
The first match between Jessica Korda and Nelly Korda will feature Congressional Country Club’s Blue Course, home to the 2022 and 2027 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Players can choose from numerous famed courses in the WGT portfolio, including the Old Course at St Andrews (host of the 2007 and 2013 AIG Women’s British Open), Oakmont Country Club (1992 and 2010 U.S. Women’s Open) and Pinehurst No. 2 (2014 U.S. Women’s Open), as well as future U.S. Women’s Open venues Erin Hills (2025), the Lake Course at The Olympic Club (2021) and Pebble Beach Golf Links (2023).
The matches will stream live on the WGT Twitch, YouTube and Facebook accounts, LPGA’s Twitter, Facebook, YouTube accounts and LPGA.com, and Discovery’s GOLFTV Twitter and Facebook accounts, and will be available via VOD on Golf Channel’s YouTube and GolfChannel.com. GOLFTV’s Henni Zuel and Golf Channel’s Tom Abbott will add commentary during the Wednesday matches, with Golf Channel’s Karen Stupples commentating on Fridays.
2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem Playing to Raise Funds for Golf Emergency Relief Fund
by PGA
The PGA Championship holds a special place in the heart of 2002 winner Rich Beem & he’s celebrating the championship this week by playing 72 holes to raise money for the Golf Emergency Relief Fund.
Beem posted a video to his Instagram Monday to share just how special his bond with the PGA Championship is and how he’s stepping up to help those affected by COVID-19.
Since he’ll have to wait until August to tee it up at TPC Harding Park, Beem will play spend his week playing four rounds at UT Golf Club in Austin, Texas, and donate $50 for every birdie & $100 for every eagle he makes.
To learn more about the Golf Emergency Relief Fund, visit https://relief.golf/.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CADuoLslkBX/?utm_source=ig_embed
Woods, Mickelson, QBs to Donate $10 million to Virus Relief
By Associated Press
HOBE SOUND, Fla. (AP) — The next match involving Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson involves a $10 million donation for COVID-19 relief efforts, along with plenty of bragging rights in a star-powered foursome May 24 at Medalist Golf Club.
Turner Sports announced more details Thursday for “The Match: Champions for Charity,” a televised match between Woods and Peyton Manning against Mickelson and Tom Brady.
Medalist is where Woods plays when he’s at home. Manning and Brady said they have played there before — Manning running out of golf balls before reaching the 18th, Brady posting a 106.
The format will be better ball for the front nine and modified alternate shot on the back nine, meaning both players hit tee shots and they take turns from there.
It will be simulcast on May 24 at 3 p.m. EDT on TNT, TBS, truTV and HLN, along with pre-match coverage available on the Bleacher Report app.
WarnerMedia and the four players will collectively make a charitable donation of $10 million to benefit various relief efforts locally and nationally. Turner said the match includes a partnership with the “All In Challenge,” an initiative that provides food for those in need.
Mickelson beat Woods in a playoff under the lights in Las Vegas over Thanksgiving weekend in 2018. This time, they are bringing in two of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks to add to the entertainment.
The announcement came with a video interview by TNT’s Ernie Johnson of the four players, in which Brady said he wanted Woods as a partner until Manning’s father called to switch the teams.
The match will be held one week after live golf returns to television for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the PGA Tour and other tours around the world. Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson will play a charity match against Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff at Seminole Golf Club, one of Florida’s most famous courses that will have a televised event for the first time.
Tee It Up in Charleston for the 2021 PGA Championship
by PGA
Charleston, South Carolina — voted America’s #1 Small City, nine years and counting. Where world-class golf courses are situated on breathtaking coastal terrains, ranging from true links style to tight wooded Lowcountry layouts.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich coastal culture, hop on a historic tour, splash in the waves or feast on Southern flavors, you’ll find what you are looking for in Charleston in May during your visit to the 2021 PGA Championship at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
To help you plan your schedule next May, we wanted to provide you with a few schedules to consider…
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Begin your morning on Kiawah Island at the PGA Championship before visiting the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island on your way to walk the Ravenel Bridge to catch a glimpse of the Charleston sunset.
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Start your day with a sunrise stroll down The Battery and stop for a flavorful, Southern brunch on the peninsula before spending the afternoon on Kiawah Island at the PGA Championship. Head downtown for a late dinner on King Street and rooftop drinks.
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Wake up to the surf of Folly Beach. Grab lunch in this local, seaside town before watching the world’s best golfers compete in the 2021 PGA Championship on Kiawah Island. On your way out of town, stop by Bohicket Marina for a bite to eat on the water while enjoying a Charleston sunset.
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Wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston in search of your dream historic home, taking in the sights of Rainbow Row and King Street. Cruise to Kiawah Island in the afternoon and saunter around The Ocean Course in pursuit of your favorite golfer’s autograph at the PGA Championship.
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Hit the golf course early at PGA Championship then head to Shem Creek for an oceanfront happy hour. End your day with a sunset cruise and set sail on Charleston’s harbor.
