COVID-19 update

Following last night’s Government announcement (23.03.20), The PGA is fully coordinated with golf's other governing bodies and is wholly supportive that golf cannot continue to operate within these government restrictions. It is an unprecedented time for us all and the health and wellbeing of our members and their families comes first. It's on that basis, and following the Government guidelines, that golf clubs, pro shops and courses must now be closed. These measures are designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus and restrict the pressure on the National Health Service.

The entire PGA staff is now working remotely and will continue to monitor Government announcements in what is a rapidly changing situation. Some aspects of the current guidelines are unclear but hopefully there will be more clarity in the coming days.

Since the outbreak of the virus, we have been working closely with our industry friends at the GCMA and BIGGA to provide up to date guidance and advice during this challenging time.

The COVID-19 Resource Hub, located on the PGA website, continues to provide up to date information for our Members.

In addition, a dedicated Member support helpline will be launching by Monday March 30th and we will release more detail later this week. This will be open to all PGA Members. Run in partnership with the GCMA, the objective of the helpline is to advise golf clubs, golf facilities and PGA Professionals, and help them to understand what Government financial support might be available.

Read more about the helpline.

I would also like to draw your attention to the following:

Further guidelines setting out of the financial help which is currently available to UK based PGA Professionals. Once the Irish Government releases more information, we will get it to you as quickly as we can. More news is expected later this week around the financial help for self-employed and this will be communicated as quickly as possible
All tournaments and pro-ams will be cancelled until the end of May
All CPD face to face workshops will be cancelled until the end of May
The PGA Head Office and Regional Offices are now closed with immediate effect. Please visit the PGA website for more information.

Please rest assured that we will do whatever we can to support you through these difficult times. The lines of communication have never been more important. Whilst all PGA offices remain closed, we remain committed to supporting our Members in the best way we can and our staff are working remotely to ensure this continues. Social media will also be used to alert members to any announcements and signpost them to more advice. We have also published a list of departmental direct dial telephone numbers on our website.

Our best wishes to you and your families. Please stay safe and well.

Robert Maxfield
Chief Executive