What is the vision and purpose of the Golf 20/20 Diversity Task Force?

The vision of the GOLF 20/20 Diversity Task Force is “to be a catalyst for making golf look like America.”  Our immediate focus is to increase gender and ethnic diversity and inclusion in competitive and recreational play, as well as in the business of golf.

Have the diversity and inclusion efforts in golf been effective?

Yes, but more progress needs to be made. Yes, as there are positive signs that golf industry leaders are taking diversity and inclusion seriously, and have increased their efforts to hire a more diverse workforce.

More progress needs to be made because the percentage of females and minorities participating in golf has been stagnant since 2000, when the industry began collecting and reporting data.  I was fortunate to work on behalf of the Diversity Task Force, and authored the Diversity & Inclusion Report for the World Golf Foundation in 2009, and again in 2015.  Each report took an inventory of the golf industry in terms of ethnic and gender participation rates in recreational and competitive play, and golf’s workplace.  I hope to do the report a third time, and am optimistic that we’ll see improvements.

What other diversity and inclusion initiatives are you actively involved with?

Outside of family time, nearly every facet of my life is dedicated to diversity and inclusion.  In addition to serving on the Diversity Task Force, I maintain close relationships and communications with several grassroots program leaders, with the personal goal to connect them to golf industry leaders.  I also serve on the Board of Directors with the Advocates Professional Golf Association, the National Black Golf Hall of Fame and Women of Color Golf.

The PGA Board of Directors announced renaming the Horton Smith Award, which had been presented annually since 1965, based upon review of its namesake. Horton Smith, a two-time Masters Champion who served as PGA President from 1952-54, was a defender of the “Caucasian-only” membership clause, which was regrettably included in the PGA Bylaws from 1934-61.

The PGA Professional Development Award retains the previous criteria that showcases individuals who have demonstrated achievements in professional education.

“In renaming the Horton Smith Award, the PGA of America is taking ownership of a failed chapter in our history that resulted in excluding many from achieving their dreams of earning the coveted PGA Member badge and advancing the game of golf,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “We need to do all we can to ensure the PGA of America is defined by inclusion. Part of our mission to grow the game is about welcoming all and bringing diversity to the sport. With the new PGA Professional Development Award, we will recognize effective inclusion efforts and honor those across our 41 PGA Sections who continue to promote and improve our educational programs. We look forward to doing more of both as we move forward.”

The first PGA Professional Development Award will be presented Oct. 27-30, during the PGA’s 104th Annual Meeting in Hartford, Connecticut.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals who daily work to grow interest and inclusion in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

With the Covid-19 pandemic alive and well, naturally many people are beginning to think about next year’s Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas.

The GCSAA is currently exploring a handful of options that vary depending on what the conditions are in seven months in Las Vegas and throughout the rest of the country.

Those options include:
> Scenario One (low threat): Business as usual.
> Scenario Two (minimal threat): Live event in Las Vegas with social distancing and large-gathering restrictions in place.
> Scenario Three (moderate threat): Hybrid with a live event in Las Vegas and virtual event options.
> Scenario Four (substantial threat): An all virtual event.
> Scenario Five (significant threat): Event postponed or canceled.

We talked this week with GCSAA chief executive officer Rhett Evans about these various scenarios, the timeline for decision-making and other issues associated with the show … and the virus.

Q: We have read through your contingency plans for the Golf Industry Show. Are you confident the Golf Industry Show will take place, and if so, in what format?

A: “I’m confident it’s going to happen. In terms of what scenario it takes place in is to be thought through, meaning a physical show as it has been in the past is highly unlikely. That’s not going to happen. A physical show with modifications, such as social distancing, the governor of Nevada yesterday in his press conference announced that masks are now mandatory in all public places. They are seeing increased cases for the last four weeks. We have an uphill battle, but fortunately we have seven months, and a lot of things have changed in just the last two months, for good or bad. I’m confident we are going to have a show, but I don’t know what that show will look like, and that is why we are working on all five of these scenarios.”

Q: We have heard you are polling members in August about their interest and concerns about the show. Is that still your plan?

A: “Yes, and we’re probably going to do two of those. Because things change so quickly. We’ll do one in August to see where everyone is at with their travel restrictions, or their comfort level; share with them where we’re at with the venue, what would be required, I think that’s fare to tell everybody you have to wear a mask, or in the classrooms you have to be 6 feet apart, there would be no major social gatherings. Whatever that status is in August, we’d let them know and they’d tell us they were good to go, or were not. And if a vast majority or large group is not going to come, then we’ll pull the lever and go into a virtual setting.

“If it’s looking like a lot of people are still on the fence, we’re going to do a follow-up survey at the end of September, first of October, and that would be kind of our drop-dead time. At that point, we’d have to have a go or no-go decision if we’re going to go physical, have a hybrid show or go virtual.”

Q: How often have you reached out to vendors, and what is the feedback you have received from them?

A: “We have a group called the Industry Advisory Council made up of a cross section of exhibitors from big to small, and we’re taking their pulse on this. Right now, we have some significant companies, including some large ones, such as Bayer for example, that have a global travel ban on their company and have announced that they are not exhibiting in 2020 for the rest of the year. Having said that, as we go into 2021, they are looking into January to reassess that, so were in that window, and since our show is not until February 2021, they are all still moving forward as planned primarily because we have guaranteed that if you get your booth and select it and we do not do a show, everybody will be 100 percent completely refunded, so everyone is moving forward knowing that things could change, and more than likely, they will.”

Q: You’ve said that vendors would be refunded their deposits if the show is canceled, but if under a worst-case scenario it is impossible to hold next year’s show, is the GCSAA on the hook to lose any money?

A: “It’s a bit of a complicated situation the way that the contract is worded, and the way these things typically get negotiated. If there a reasonable opportunity for us to host the show in Las Vegas, for example meaning there is not a government mandate that you cannot have a group of people over 45, or let’s say they move it to 100, or whatever that number is, if those are not in place and we have a history of our event being much larger than that, our attorneys have said that we would have a very good chance of utilizing that as for force majeure, where we would be able to get out of our contract. In talking with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau and the hotels, they are very aware of that and are working diligently to make that work. They certainly want you to keep that event and keep it in the city, even if it is at a later time. That’s problematic for us. Once you get past that February window, and get into the golf season, it doesn’t work for us, so we would have to cancel the show.”

Q: What would a virtual Golf Industry Show look like?

A: “Obviously these things have come a long way. We’ve watched or participated in a half-dozen to a dozen demonstrations. They are much more complex than a Zoom call, or Skype call. They do a good job of getting you in the moment. Meaning let’s take the General Session for example, you’re virtually walking into a ballroom or auditorium. It’s really a visual virtual production; the curtain opens, in comes your speaker and the session begins.

“The other thing is they’ve done a good job of creating a community. One of the things we value in those physical settings with our education is for our members not only to learn in a classroom setting, but following that to interact with the instructor to ask questions, to talk to that superintendent sitting next to you. In a virtual setting, you think once it’s over, it’s over, and I’m not going to be able to experience that, but there are ways to build communities for you and I to interact on that platform. So, we are in the beginning stages of that. We have an RFP out, and we have narrowed it down to four vendors we are looking at, and we believe even if we go physical, this will provide an opportunity for those who still may be in the vulnerable category, or are just never able to attend the show, and we know not all of our members have the means to go, so, we think this in the future will give folks the ability to experience education and even the networking and the tradeshow component as well – there are virtual booths in which you align customers with vendors where they can see product demonstrations and they can have that dialogue with a vendor.”

Q: We know the Golf Industry Show is the GCSAA’s largest generator of revenue. In a worst-case scenario of a canceled show, how do you make up that kind of lost revenue?

A: “The show is our largest revenue source. Memberships dues are second, and sponsorships is a close third, but the show creates the fuel that feeds our programs, whether it’s advocacy, whether it’s government affairs, environmental programs, etc., so obviously we’ve got to figure out a model that produces and fills that void. So, we believe if we cannot have a physical show that the virtual capabilities and the education offerings that we can do on that platform, while they certainly won’t be as robust as being physical, but we do believe we’d be able to make up quite a bit of that lost revenue. Having said that, I think we’ve done a pretty good job over the last decade-plus in our reserve fund, and we and our board of directors, and this was probably 10 years ago, established a rainy day fund … realizing that, hey insurance isn’t going to cover everything, we’ve got insurance for a natural disaster, but we didn’t have insurance in our rider for a pandemic – not many people were thinking there was going to be a global pandemic – we went ahead and set aside enough reserve funds to cover a year’s worth of show loss. So, worst-case scenario, if we did not do a show, were not able to do a virtual one and could not make up any of the revenue, we would still be able to move forward with all of the services and programs in 2021.

“Now, that would give us another year to figure things out, but if this thing goes in a different direction and we’re unable to do a show in San Diego, we’d be having a different discussion.”

The 2020 championship was originally scheduled for June 18-21 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., but now will be contested Sept. 17-20.

Original programming and encore championship telecasts will air across USGA-owned platforms, including usopen.com, USGA social media channels and the USGA streaming app, as well as Fox Sports (FS1) and Golf Channel.

Highlights of the week include four Virtual Watch Parties of classic U.S. Open finishes, with past champions Gary Woodland, Jordan Spieth and Jack Nicklaus providing firsthand commentary on their career-defining victories. Recorded through Cisco Webex, all will be available on usopen.com, Facebook (facebook.com/USOPEN), Instagram (@usopengolf), YouTube (usga) and the USGA streaming app.

Fox Sports (FS1) will maintain a Father’s Day viewing tradition on Sunday, June 21 with 4½ hours of USGA programming, including two U.S. Open films and a condensed broadcast of the 2019 final round at Pebble Beach.

Golf Channel will be celebrating the U.S. Open with multiple programs featuring hours of lookbacks, highlights and historical coverage throughout the week.

USGA Digital and Social Channel Content

New U.S. Open “week of” content will premier throughout the week on USGA-owned platforms, including usopen.com, Facebook (facebook.com/USOPEN), Instagram (@usopengolf), YouTube (usga) and the USGA streaming app.

Monday, June 15

1980 U.S. Open Watch Party, Jack Nicklaus/Michael Bamberger, 6 p.m. EDT

On the 40th anniversary of his final U.S. Open title, four-time U.S. Open champion Jack Nicklaus provides insights into his 1980 victory at Baltusrol Golf Club with Golf.com senior writer Michael Bamberger.

Tuesday, June 16

2005 U.S. Open Watch Party, Jason Gore/Carson Daly, Noon EDT

Longtime friends and golf buddies Jason Gore and television personality Carson Daly relive Michael Campbell’s improbable win in the 2005 U.S. Open. Gore played in the final group with Retief Goosen on that Sunday at Pinehurst Resort.

Wednesday, June 17

History Makers: Johnny Miller’s Final-Round 63 in 1973 U.S. Open, Noon EDT  

A look at Johnny Miller’s final-round 63 at Oakmont Country Club in the 1973 U.S. Open. Miller was six strokes behind the leaders following the third round, but he birdied the first four holes on Sunday and was on his way to victory and championship history.

Thursday, June 18

2019 U.S. Open Watch Party, Gary Woodland/Joe Buck, 6 p.m. EDT

Gary Woodland and Fox Sports lead play-by-play broadcaster Joe Buck break down Woodland’s thrilling shots and final-round 69 to win the 119th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, to be followed by a Q&A session featuring questions submitted by U.S. Open Victory Club members.

Friday, June 19

2015 U.S. Open Watch Party, Jordan Spieth/Hally Leadbetter, 4 p.m. EDT

Jordan Spieth and Discovery Golf producer Hally Leadbetter reflect on the highlights and drama behind the exciting finish on the closing holes at Chambers Bay.

USGA Streaming App

The USGA streaming app, launched in 2019 in partnership with Cisco, will provide 24-hour themed U.S. Open programming this week.

The USGA streaming app gives golf fans the opportunity to watch thrilling historical content, as well as rare footage of many of golf’s iconic moments, spanning the 125-year history of the USGA.

The free app is available in the channel stores on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

Monday, June 15

All-day marathon of the USGA’s library of U.S. Open highlight films, bookended by Jack Nicklaus at Oakmont Country Club in 1962 and Gary Woodland in 2019 at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Tuesday, June 16

Tiger Tuesday! All Tiger, all day. Vignettes, feature films and broadcast coverage from all nine of his USGA championship victories.

Wednesday, June 17 through Sunday, June 21:

Chronological schedule of final-round broadcasts of classic U.S. Opens.

Fox Sports (FS1)

Sunday, June 21

10 a.m.                  

U.S. Open 1980: The Day Jack Came Back

Memorable duel between Jack Nicklaus and Isao Aoki in the 1980 U.S. Open at Baltusrol

11 a.m.

U.S. Open 2002: The People’s Open

Tiger Woods’ victory at Bethpage State Park, a public golf facility, in 2002

Noon – 2:30 p.m.

2019 U.S. Open Final Round

All times Eastern

Golf Channel

Monday, June 15

11 a.m.                  

1990 U.S. Open Highlights: Hale Irwin at Medinah Country Club

Noon

1974 U.S. Open Highlights: Hale Irwin at Winged Foot Golf Club

12:30 p.m.

2006 U.S. Open Highlights: Geoff Ogilvy at Winged Foot Golf Club

7 p.m.

Celebrating the U.S. Open

9 p.m.

Golf’s Greatest Rounds            

2000 U.S. Open, Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach

Tuesday, June 16

5:30 a.m.

1982 U.S. Open Highlights: Tom Watson at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Noon

2000 U.S. Open Highlights: Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach Golf Links

1 p.m.

2002 U.S. Open Highlights: Tiger Woods at Bethpage Black

3 p.m.

1991 U.S. Open Highlights: Payne Stewart at Hazeltine National

4 p.m.

1999 U.S. Open Highlights: Payne Stewart at Pinehurst No. 2

7 p.m.

Celebrating the U.S. Open

9 p.m.

Golf’s Greatest Rounds

1974 U.S. Open, Hale Irwin at Winged Foot Golf Club

Wednesday, June 17

Noon

2008 U.S. Open Highlights: Tiger Woods at Torrey Pines Golf Course

4:30 p.m.

2011 U.S. Open Highlights: Rory McIlroy at Congressional Country Club

9 p.m. 

Golf’s Greatest Rounds

1999 U.S. Open, Payne Stewart at Pinehurst Resort

All times Eastern

USGAshop.com

Fans looking for their favorite gear can take advantage of U.S. Open “week of” savings with daily discounts on select apparel and headwear at USGAshop.com. Championship competition days (June 18-21) will feature site-wide savings.

U.S. Open “Week Of” Savings at USGAshop.com

6/14              20% Off U.S. Open Polos

6/15              20% Off U.S. Open Headwear

6/16              20% Off U.S. Open Outerwear (jackets, vests and pullovers)

6/17              20% Off U.S. Open T-Shirts

6/18-21         20% Off Sitewide

U.S. Open App

The U.S. Open App, powered by Cisco, has been updated for 2020 and is currently available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

The app features highlights from the 2019 U.S. Open as well as video on demand.  iPhone users can visit the Virtual Photo Booth, where fans can use their phone to bring the U.S. Open Trophy to life via augmented reality. Users can also use the Virtual Photo Booth to create a 3D “scenic selfie” photo with legendary Winged Foot Golf Club as the backdrop.

For more information, visit usopen.com.

About the USGA
The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.

Story written by Jasmin Cunningham and Andrew J. Masterson

We as an organization have spent the last several days taking in the news and unfolding events happening around the country. It is truly disturbing and heartbreaking. Although disheartened, we are proud to work for an organization that is actively discussing how we can play a role in changing social injustices and better support our youth.

First Tee was created two decades ago to give kids access to golf who may have never had an interest or ability, and provide a space that makes them feel comfortable and accepted within their surroundings. In the process, they began learning life skills and building their inner-strength, confidence and resilience.

The words of our CEO, Greg McLaughlin, were a reminder of this. – “Our character is a compass, and it is the source of our words, thoughts and actions. Strong character stands against injustice.”

We are working on becoming more encouraging and uplifting during this time, but first and foremost, the best thing we can do right now is listen.

When societal change is needed, it is best to look to the stewards of our future, our participants and alumni. These young people are aware of the injustices and inequalities within our society. They refuse to turn a blind eye. They use their voices, platforms, lived experiences and actions to facilitate change, stand with one another and loudly and unapologetically condemn acts of racism and social injustice in our nation.

We challenged our youth to provide one word that describes their character and guiding light during this time of darkness. By listening to their perspective, we can all learn to examine our own conscience and open our minds and hearts to those around us.

To read full story, click here. 

A multitude of Major winners, including the greatest of all time – Jack Nicklaus – has contributed auction items and submitted videos that will be broadcast on the www.womensgolfday.com website throughout the day.  There will be golf tips, fitness and insider info from Tour players past and present and exclusive videos from household names like CBS’s Inside Edition’s Lisa Guerrero.

Elisa Gaudet, founder of Women’s Golf Day, is grateful for the international support that the virtual celebration is receiving: “The industry is pulling together to make sure that June 2^nd is still an incredible day.  I am so pleased that our long-term supporters around the world have been able to offer amazing auction prizes and we are thankful to every celebrity, golfer and supporter of the game who has provided the content that will make June 2^nd shine.  We can’t wait to show the world what virtual Women’s Golf Day is all about!”

The WGD Charity Auction goes live on May 28^th and concludes June 2^nd midnight EST and will include ‘must have’ lots from Real Club Valderrama, Experience Ireland Golf and Travel and the World Golf Hall of Fame, as well as memorabilia from players including Annika Sorenstam & Jack Nicklaus.  A full list of items and a schedule for the day will be revealed on May 28th.

Elisa concludes: “I have always believed that the power of golf is in its community and have been so impressed by the way it pulls together in times of crisis. We are raising funds for a very important charity and there is still time for businesses to donate an auction items or experiences.  We want people to celebrate the game we all love on June 2^nd safely on our website and dig deep for the auction to show how much our community cares for our healthcare workers.”

For more details about how you can personally get involved visit https://womensgolfday.com/virtual-golf-day/ or follow @womensgolfday on all social media channels.

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.

With input from leading industry organizations including USGA, PGA of America, American Junior Golf Association and First Tee, the addendum provides guidelines for Phase II, which include limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people, prohibiting physical contact of any kind, requirements of cloth facial coverings and other protocols related to registration areas, practice areas, food and beverage operations, equipment, restrooms, on-course play and departures.

“Golf is more than a game – it is a community, and this effort is one of the most recent examples of how we can all work together and provide the best support to our industry,” says Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “Back2Golf has helped our Allied Golf Associations and member facilities get back to work, provide continuity from state to state, and ultimately welcome back golfers to the course in a way that provides connection and great care for all.”

“As different regions of the country re-engage at separate paces, our goal is to ensure we are equipped with the appropriate tactics to responsibly operate amateur competitions and junior programs,” says Greg McLaughlin, CEO of World Golf Foundation and First Tee. “Our focus is on the well-being of all involved – whether you’re working at a course, playing in competition or signing your child up for programs, we want to ensure the industry has collaborative, responsible guidance.”

Back2Golf Operations Playbook v3.0 was designed by the industry’s leading organizations as a general operational framework, while course owners, administrators, program and event providers and golfers are encouraged to observe state, county and local government health protocols first and foremost. All organizations, facilities and staff should continue to follow sanitization and social distancing guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Announced in early May, Back2Golf is driven by key stakeholders of WE ARE GOLF, a division of the World Golf Foundation created in 2010 to spearhead initiatives on behalf of the game. Supporting organizations include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and Club Management Association of America (CMAA), among others.

The industry-wide Back2Golf initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or recently reopened, do so responsibly to protect golfers, employees and all members of the community. Each organization has distributed “Back2Golf Guidelines” and the corresponding “Operations Playbook” to its respective audiences to implement and administer.

Back2Golf is a living, breathing initiative and interim guidance from CDC and/or feedback from the golf community will result in additional modifications to the Operations Playbook. Changes will be communicated through the various industry organizations via their websites and outreach to members.

For more information, please visit www.wearegolf.org/back2golf.

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.

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.

For more information about Back2Golf, visit wearegolf.com/back2golf.

TaylorMade Driving Relief is centered around a $3 million charity skins match supported by UnitedHealth Group to raise money and awareness for the American Nurses Foundation and CDC Foundation. The team of McIlroy-Johnson will compete on behalf of the American Nurses Foundation while Fowler-Wolff play for the CDC Foundation.

Farmers Insurance® also pledged $1 million to back a birdies-and-eagle pool to benefit Off Their Plate, a fundraising initiative through World Central Kitchen that helps both frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers and impacted restaurant shift employees.

PGA TOUR Charities’ online fundraiser is now live on GoFundMe, where fans around the world can come together and donate to support additional COVID-19 relief efforts in conjunction with TaylorMade Driving Relief, building upon the event’s initial $4 million raised. As they enjoy the competition on May 17, viewers located in the United States will also be able to donate to the fundraiser by texting ‘DRIVINGRELIEF’ to 41-411. Standard text rates apply.

PGA TOUR Charities’ GoFundMe will benefit qualified organizations providing or in need of COVID-19 relief.

For information about donating via PGA TOUR Charities’ fundraiser on GoFundMe, please visit PGATOUR.com/DrivingRelief.

For more information about PGA TOUR Charities Inc. and the programs it supports, see pgatourcharities.org

EVENT INFORMATION:

• Players: All four players will donate their time for the 18-hole, two-person team skins competition, with McIlroy/Johnson playing for the American Nurses Foundation and Fowler/Wolff playing for the CDC Foundation.
• Location: Seminole Golf Club (Juno Beach, Fla.). A majestic Donald Ross design with a clever routing on a rectangular site, each hole at Seminole encounters a new wind direction. Seminole has long been one of America’s most-revered clubs and this marks the club’s first-ever golf event broadcast. No fans or spectators will be permitted on site.
• Date/Time: Sunday, May 17; live coverage will air from 2-6 p.m. EST
• Television Broadcast: NBC, GOLF Channel, NBCSN, Sky Sports and other PGA TOUR global media partners
• Digital: Unauthenticated streaming of the entire event available via PGA TOUR LIVE (NBC Sports Gold and Amazon Prime Video), GOLFPASS, GolfChannel.com and GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR. Pre-match coverage as well as the first two holes of the event also will stream on Twitter.
• Radio: PGA TOUR Radio will provide live play-by-play coverage on SiriusXM and streaming on PGA TOUR Digital platforms.
• Safety measures: PGA TOUR will follow all guidelines, executive orders and mandates issued by the state of Florida, Palm Beach County and the city of Juno Beach.