Helping Our Golf Community Navigate COVID-19
Our COVID-19 page provides the latest news and resources to help our Members and golf community plan, prepare, and respond to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Section News
COVID-19 NOPGA Facility Playbook for Safe Operations
Information contained in this operational playbook is for general education and knowledge. It is not designed to be, and should not be used as, the sole source of information when analyzing operation plans. As the situation surrounding COVID-19 is evolving quickly and the subject matter contained herein may be subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations, we urge you to consult legal counsel to assist in developing your specific operational plans. While the intent is to move forward through each phase, it may be necessary based on health conditions or poor behavior by golfers to take a step backwards.
The Northern Ohio PGA has developed a “Facility Playbook for Safe Operations” to assist Northern Ohio PGA facilities to safely and successfully operate during COVID-19.
COVID-19 NOPGA Section Tournament Playbook
The Northern Ohio PGA Staff & Tournament Committee have created policies & procedures which everyone will need to abide by as we conduct events during COVID-19. Check back frequently. These policies and procedures will be updated as warranted.
COVID-19 NOPGA Junior Tour Tournament Playbook
The Northern Ohio PGA Staff and Junior Golf Committee have created policies & procedures which everyone will need to abide by as we conduct junior golf events during COVID-19. Check back frequently. These policies and procedures will be updated as warranted.
Golf Relief Fund
In response to the severe challenges impacting golf communities nationwide, the Golf Emergency Relief Fund has been established to 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.
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 relief.golf. More Information
NOPGA Social Media Webinar – April 17, 2020
A NOPGA Social Media Webinar was held on Friday, April 17, 2020. NOPGA Members Todd Casabella, PGA; Joe Meglen, PGA; Brian Tolnar, PGA; and Jimmy Beers, PGA disucssed how they utilize Social Media to engage their customers and to grow their business. To view a recording of the webinar, click here
To receive 1 MSR credit for attending the webinar on Friday or viewing the webinar, please click here to complete the Social Media Webinar MSR Reporting Form.
NOPGA & SOPGA Video Conference Call – April 7, 2020
A NOPGA & SOPGA Sections Video Conference Call was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. District 5 Director Brian Jones, PGA and Keith Fisher, PGA Career Consultant hosted the call. PGA of America President, Suzy Whaley and PGA Chief Membership Officer, John Easterbrook joined the PGA Members on the call. To view a recording of the video conference call, click here.
MSR Period Extended
The PGA of America has extended the MSR cycle deadline from June 15, 2021 to June 15, 2022, for all Members. This is due to a number of MSR activity opportunities – meetings, education, tournaments, player development – that could be postponed or canceled. Additionally, this relieves pressure on Sections and Members to conduct or take part in these activities during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.
PGA PGM Acceptable Progress
The PGA of America has extended the Acceptable Progress deadlines of all PGA Associates by one year. As travel to the PGA Education Center is currently curtailed, PGA Education staff is exploring online opportunities. With the uncertainty of testing sites remaining open, this provides flexibility with regard to Associates meeting their deadlines.
PGA PGM Seminar Cancellations
The PGA of America has cancelled pending seminars at Port St. Lucie through April. 81 individuals were impacted and we are refunding everyone’s registration fee and charging them back at a discounted rate. The team is looking into online options that could be adopted in the future. Teaching & coaching and Executive Management is offered on a quarterly basis and therefore have not been impacted.
PGA Member Assistance Program
People are understandably concerned about their health, jobs and future. During these unprecedented times, the PGA Member Assistance Program provides confidential, professional counseling and online services for a wide array of personal and well-being concerns. We encourage you to remind your fellow Members they can seek help at resources.pga.org. In addition, online guidance on preventive health and safety measures we can all take are available from the CDC.
Section Cancellations/Postponements
| Date | Event | Status | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/16/2020 | NOPGA Spring Meeting | Cancelled | More Info |
| 04/06/2020 | Toledo Chapter Spring Meeting | Cancelled | More Info |
| 04/20/2020 | 36 Hole Pro Pro Premier | Cancelled | More Info |
| 04/27/2020 | Pro Pro Scramble | Cancelled | More Info |
| 04/28/2020 | Associate Roundtable & Stableford Series #1 | Cancelled | More Info |
| 05/04/2020 | Pro Pro Shoot Out | Rescheduled to June 8 @ Lakewood CC | More Info |
| 05/11/2020 | Pro Pro & Season Long MP | Pro Pro Cancelled. Season Long MP Registration Will Be Taken Online | More Info |
| 05/18/2020 | Stroke Play #1 | Cancelled | More Info |
COVID-19 Resources
PGA of America
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- Disaster Relief (For PGA Members Only)
Federal & State Authorities