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.

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.

After review from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), golf leaders and medical experts, the game’s national organizations have adopted a three-phase approach for golf’s careful reopening, focused on prolonged social distancing and enhanced sanitization practices. Using measures set by the CDC and the Federal Government “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” plan, the recommendations will progress at various paces depending on geographic location.

“The Back2Golf Playbook and Guidelines that the PGA of America and golf’s allied organizations have put together are both comprehensive in nature and, most importantly, lay out a responsible way to get back on the golf course,” said Dr. Bradley Connor, clinical professor of medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College and an attending physician at the New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell campus. “The guidelines emphasize social distancing and other preventative measures in alignment with the plan established by the Federal Government and CDC. Golf is a terrific recreational outlet that offers a number of physical and mental health benefits.

“While we all must remain vigilant and continue to take precautions, this plan allows golf to be played in keeping with social distancing best practices,” Dr. Connor continued. “I applaud the golf industry for helping to be part of the solution to get us back outdoors in a healthy and responsible manner.”

This industry-wide initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or will reopen soon, 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. Updates will be made as interim guidance on COVID-19 is issued by the CDC.

“The importance of social distancing and responsible behavior during this pandemic has become a part of everyone’s daily life,” says Seth Waugh, CEO of PGA of America, whose team took a leadership role in developing Back2Golf. “Reopening golf responsibly under strict social distancing practices is something we can all unify behind. While we recognize there is no perfect solution and various areas of the country will progress in these phases at a different pace, it is imperative that we reopen golf in a way that prioritizes the health and well being of the entire golf community.”

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. 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.

“Golf inherently provides many health and fitness benefits, including the opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends, which is needed now more than ever,” says Greg McLaughlin, CEO of World Golf Foundation. “It is a sport that naturally lends itself to social distancing and the ‘Back2Golf’ guidelines. We greatly appreciate the collaboration between all the allied golf organizations. It represents another example of our industry coming together for the greater good as our game has done so many times before.”

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

About WE ARE GOLF

Administered by the World Golf Foundation as a coalition of golf’s leading organizations, WE ARE GOLF was established to unite the industry and advocate in the game’s best interests. Through this platform, WE ARE GOLF promotes engagement and inclusivity among the sport’s participants, while ensuring the health and prosperity of the $84 billion golf industry and the more than two million jobs are protected. Participating partners include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, GCSAA, NGCOA and CMAA.

PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, with 29,000 professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

USGA

Founded in 1894, the USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf, while conducting many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open.

PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Series-China.

LPGA

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla., the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 Members representing more than 30 countries.

GCSAA

Founded in 1926, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide.

NGCOA

The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management.

CMAA

Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally.

On Sunday, May 17, from Seminole Golf Club, TaylorMade Driving Relief will feature two-time FedExCup champion and World No. 1 Rory McIlroy and 20-time PGA TOUR winner Dustin Johnson, teaming up against two Oklahoma State University alumni: PGA TOUR superstar Rickie Fowler and 2019 first-time TOUR winner and 2019 NCAA National Champion Matthew Wolff. The competition will follow strict CDC social distancing guidelines, local mandates and will utilize appropriate testing measures to help protect the health and safety of the golfers, production crew and others on site.

Additionally, Farmers Insurance® has pledged $1 million to back a birdies-and-eagle pool to benefit Off Their Plate, a charitable organization helping COVID-19 healthcare workers and impacted frontline shift employees.

Building upon this initial fundraising of $4 million, PGA TOUR Charities will announce a Text-To-Donate activation and online donation platform powered by GoFundMe to allow viewers to make additional contributions and raise funds for COVID-19 relief.

EVENT INFORMATION:

• Players: All four golfers will donate their time for the 18-hole, two-man 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. ET
• 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.
• 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.

“We are excited about the safe and responsible return of live golf and the opportunity to raise significant funds for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic through the TaylorMade Driving Relief event,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “With four of the PGA TOUR’s top stars in Rory, Rickie, Dustin and Matthew of Team TaylorMade participating and UnitedHealth Group serving as the foundation of charitable giving, and Farmers Insurance providing an additional bonus pool, golf fans around the world can look forward to a unique, interactive and entertaining event that will help those in need.”

BROADCAST: PGA TOUR Entertainment will produce live coverage, which will feature commentary from NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico from his home in Michigan, as well as analysts Paul Azinger and Gary Koch and play-by-play with Rich Lerner from an off-site production facility. On site at Seminole Golf Club will be on-course reporters Jerry Foltz and Steve Sands.

“NBC Sports is proud to raise awareness for these charities that are directly making an impact on COVID-19 relief,” said Pete Bevacqua, President, NBC Sports Group. “We’re grateful to the four exceptional PGA TOUR players for donating their time, as well as all the sponsors for helping elevate this unique fundraising event, which will feature the first worldwide broadcast of a golf competition from Seminole Golf Club.”

“Seminole Golf Club is honored to host this charitable event and welcomes all golf fans and sports enthusiasts to tune in to the broadcast to see these world-class players take on our course,” said Jimmy Dunne, President of Seminole Golf Club.  “This match is a pure public service, with all money raised providing COVID-19 relief to those most in need in Florida and around the country, and Seminole is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause at this difficult time.”

FUNDRAISING AND IMPACT: Thanks to a pledge from UnitedHealth Group, the primary charitable component will see the teams compete in a $3 million charity skins match as each team will compete for one of two charities, the American Nurses Foundation and CDC Foundation.

“The 325,000 people of UnitedHealth Group continue to work tirelessly every day to support the health and safety of the people we are privileged to serve and to contribute to the resolution of this pandemic,” said David S. Wichmann, UnitedHealth Group Chief Executive Officer. “This additional financial support for the American Nurses Foundation and the CDC Foundation advances our commitment to take care of those who care for us by helping to meet the clinical, emotional and mental health needs of our frontline heroes, doctors, nurses and all health care workers. We’re pleased to be a part of this event designed to bring attention to and encourage further financial support for those on the leading edge of fighting this pandemic.”

Additionally, Farmers Insurance also kicked off fundraising efforts with a $1 million pledge, to back a birdies-and-eagles pool to benefit Off Their Plate, whose work creates a conduit for local communities to provide nutritious meals to the hospital teams we depend on and economic relief to local restaurant workers who have been most affected by COVID.

“For more than 90 years, serving our customers and helping communities impacted by disasters around the country has been in our DNA, and that remains true now more than ever. On behalf of everyone at Farmers, we’re proud of first responders and frontline workers for what they continue to do every single day during this unprecedented situation,” said Farmers Insurance CEO Jeff Dailey. “It’s a privilege to support this event, alongside our brand ambassador Rickie Fowler, and provide much needed funds to Off Their Plate, so they can continue to help those most impacted in this uncertain time.”

COMPETITORS: TaylorMade brings four of the world’s best and most exciting players to the event, and all are donating their time to be a part of the COVID-19 relief effort.

“While all of us navigate through the impact of this pandemic, we wanted to do our part for first responders and nominated COVID-19 charities. After speaking with our Team TaylorMade athletes, we are thrilled to make this TaylorMade Driving Relief event happen with our partners at the PGA TOUR and NBC Sports,” said David Abeles,CEO, TaylorMade. “The return of live golf and the opportunity to raise money for those affected is simply fantastic.”

Rory McIlroy, TaylorMade and UnitedHealth Group Health Ambassador:

• The reigning FedExCup champion and 2019 PGA TOUR Player of the Year is currently ranked No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking. McIlroy has 18 PGA TOUR victories and an additional nine wins worldwide including four major championships, the 2019 PLAYERS Championship, three World Golf Championships and the 2019 and 2016 FedExCup titles.
• “It’s been difficult to witness what so many are enduring over the last several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m excited and thankful to TaylorMade and UnitedHealth Group for making this event possible and providing us with the opportunity to show our support of those on the frontlines. I hope that we can provide some respite and entertainment for those tuning in across the globe. Dustin and I will have a lot of fun together and our games will fit well as we push to raise funds and awareness on May 17.”

Dustin Johnson, TaylorMade Ambassador:

• Johnson, a 20-time PGA TOUR winner, is currently No. 5 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Johnson’s 20 victories include the 2016 U.S. Open, six World Golf Championships events and four FedExCup Playoffs events.
• “I’m really excited to team up with Rory and to get back out on the golf course. Seminole is a great venue and it will be cool to show it to the world through this event. I’m sure Rickie and Matthew will be ready for us, but hopefully Rory and I can take them and help generate a lot of money and support for charities and those affected most by COVID-19.”

Rickie Fowler, TaylorMade Ball and Farmers Insurance Ambassador:

• Fowler owns nine victories worldwide, including his memorable win at THE PLAYERS Championship in 2015 when he played the finishing stretch of holes 15-18 in a 5-under total of 11 strokes.
• “When I heard about this event, I couldn’t get involved fast enough. It’s special to be able to have an impact and raise charitable contributions through our sport and to do it with Matthew as a partner. I know how much I have missed sports and golf, especially, so to be one of the first events returning to television is very exciting and I’m proud to have Farmers, one of my sponsors, be a partner of this event as well. Playing aggressive has never been a problem for Matthew and me so we should have no issue testing the birdies-and-eagles bonus pool that has been backed by Farmers Insurance $1 million pledge.”

Matthew Wolff, TaylorMade Ambassador:

• Wolff turned professional last June and by July, he earned his first career PGA TOUR victory at the inaugural 3M Open. Playing on sponsor exemptions, he needed just four starts to capture that first title and earned his PGA TOUR card at age 20. Wolff became the third player to win the individual title at the NCAA Championships and a PGA TOUR event in the same year, joining Ben Crenshaw and Tiger Woods.
• “I’m fired up to play alongside Rickie and raise money to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts. Rory and DJ have welcomed me to team TaylorMade with open arms and become great friends so I can’t wait for a fun competition against us Cowboys. Rickie and I are ready to bring our best and more importantly help the frontline heroes getting us through this extremely difficult time. Special thanks to the PGA Tour, NBC, Taylormade and all our partners for the opportunity. See you at Seminole!”

This relief effort 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. The PGA contribution 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 GCSAA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA, NGCOA and AGM.

Managed by E4E Relief, an independent third-party public charity, the fund will provide grants to certain industry workers, inclusive of 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.

Further details around eligibility are forthcoming, with applications being accepted as early as Thursday, April 16 at 2 p.m. ET at https://relief.golf.

“The golf industry is in an unprecedented crisis, and our friends, colleagues and their families need our help right away,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley, PGA. “People throughout golf are driven by a strong desire to help others every day. 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. Eventually, golf will return, but we first need to reach out and help people in our industry during this national emergency.”

“The golf industry steers $4 billion to charity each year,” added PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “Now, we need to come to the aid of those who make this game we love so special, to help ensure their livelihood. Our leadership team is so passionate about this that each has volunteered to take a substantial reduction from their own compensation to support the PGA’s efforts. With matching, our goal is to raise at least $10 million for this important effort.”

“The Golf Emergency Relief Fund is designed to assist those who need our help right away. These associations and their respective members run the game locally across the country, and the players seeking to make a career at the highest level are at the heart of the dream. These are the people who are the backbone of making sure our game continues to thrive. Supporting them through this difficult time is not only the human thing, but it is also the smart thing to do to ensure our industry rebounds quickly.”

Individuals eligible to apply for aid through the Golf Emergency Relief Fund are:

• PGA of America Professionals (includes Members, Students and Associates)
• LPGA Professionals (includes Members and Students/Apprentices)
• Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Members
• Employed or contracted as a caddie of one of the following caddie companies
  (qualifying employers and their subsidiaries) Caddienow, Caddiemaster, 4C Caddies, Premier Caddies, ClubUp, CaddieU, Circuit Caddie and Caddy King
• Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) members
• Players in developmental tours operated by the PGA TOUR
  (Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada, PGA TOUR China Series)
• Players in developmental tours operated by the LPGA (Symetra Tour)
• Employees of United States Golf Association (USGA) authorized Allied Golf Associations
• Employees of PGA of America Sections
• National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Members

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 rollout 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.

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

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, with nearly 29,000 professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGAofAmerica on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

About E4E
For 20 years, E4E Relief has been the leading provider of charitable employee relief funds, rapidly responding to employee disaster and hardships on behalf of corporations. As an independent third-party public charity, we have been empowering global companies and employees to provide, and receive, meaningful financial relief when it’s needed most, creating a strong sense of engagement and community. Through best practice grantmaking and industry expertise, we have received over $105 million in donations and awarded over $70 million in charitable grants in just the past five years alone, supporting relief efforts for 4 million people worldwide. For more information about E4E Relief or any of our programs, please contact us at https://relief.golf or find us on LinkedIn or Facebook.