Fairway Tales: PGA of America President Suzy Whaley Breaks Down the Golf Emergency Relief Fund

Announced on April 13, 2020, the PGA of America established the Golf Emergency Relief Fund with a lead pledge of $5 million and a matching fund for gifts by third parties of up to $2.5 million. This fund will provide short-term financial assistance to workers in the golf industry who are the backbone of our sport and face significant financial hardship, including those suffering as a result of COVID-19.

Suzy Whaley joined Fairway Tales to elaborate on what the Golf Emergency Relief Fund is and how eligible golf industry professionals can benefit from it. She also gets real about what life looks like for her right now: as a mother, as the Director of Instruction at the Country Club at Mirasol and as the President of the PGA of America.

In a time of crisis, Suzy Whaley opens up about what has helped her navigate this time of uncertainty and lead effectively. With so many golf industry professionals being impacted by COVID-19 - both for better or for worse - there are many needs and circumstances to cater to. She explains how communication has been key over the last several weeks and identifies what else it will take to get to the other side of this global pandemic better and stronger.

Suzy Whaley ends with some powerful words of encouragement to those experiencing setbacks from COVID-19. The Golf Emergency Relief Fund is one resource to financially assist PGA Professionals and other golf industry professionals during this time of uncertainty. While Phase 1 of the fund has closed, information on Phase 2 will be available after the grants for the first phase have been processed.

Phase 2 will have a longer application process and distribute grants of up to $3,500 as reviewed and approved by E4E. 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.

For more information, you can visit the Golf Emergency Relief Fund FAQs or contact E4E, the sole group reviewing or disapproving all applications, by email golf@e4erelief.org or by phone at 833-386-0338 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET.

The episode is also available on Apple Podcasts.