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What is the Golf Emergency 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 certain individuals facing significant financial hardship with an initial focus on those impacted by COVID-19. 

This relief effort was initiated through a lead pledge by the PGA of America. The effort is also being supported in various ways by other industry organizations.  Managed by E4E Relief, the fund will provide grants to industry professionals, inclusive of golf association members, employees of local/state golf associations, caddies and certain professionals playing on developmental tours to help offset financial hardships, such as living and medical expenses.

What types of assistance are available?

Phase 1 is closed. Phase 2 of the relief program will open on May 27th.

Phase 2 has a longer application process and will distribute grants of up to $3,500 as reviewed and approved by E4E as applications are submitted. Individuals who received grants or were denied grants in 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.

Assistance for expenses in Phase 2 include: food, clothing, childcare, housing, utilities, medical/funeral, and needs resulting from loss of spouse income. Documentation will be required for the additional expenses so make sure to have these (bills, statements, receipts, invoices showing payment, etc.) available when you apply. Applicants’ total income and resources will be considered.

Please note those who were deemed ineligible during the initial pre-screening questions will have the opportunity to review the information they provided to ensure the accuracy of information and submit an application if deemed eligible.

What is the deadline for my application?

The relief fund is limited and will be dispersed as applications are approved on a rolling basis. There is currently no deadline to apply, however, should funds become low or unavailable we will provide an update on this site.

How long will it take to process applications and disbursement for Phase 2?

Applications will be reviewed and approved within 21 business days (beginning from the date the application is submitted) and may take longer depending upon the receipt of required documentation and application materials and available funding.

Program Eligibility

We’re here to help. The first step is to determine if you qualify for assistance from the Golf Emergency Relief Fund. Questions to ask yourself include:

1) Am I an individual in one of the following groups?

• 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 the following caddie companies (qualifying employers and their subsidiaries are: Caddienow, Caddiemaster, 4C Caddies, Premier Caddies, ClubUp, CaddieU, Circuit Caddie, My Caddy 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 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

2) Have I been significantly impacted by a hardship understanding that the current focus is around those individuals impacted by COVID-19?

3) Am I currently in significant need without other means or savings to account for basic and critical expenses?

Expenses include: food, clothing, childcare, housing, utilities, medical/funeral, and needs resulting from loss of spouse income.

If you have answered ‘yes’ to all three questions, you are eligible to apply for a Golf Emergency Relief Fund grant which will have multiple phases. Please note - your eligibility will be verified through our authentication process.

How to Apply

Step 1 Click the apply button - Create an online account or log in (if you have already created an account) to access the application page, complete the application with the requested information.

Step 2 Submit your application - Complete the requested information and upload the required supporting document and submit for review.

Step 3 Stay tuned - A grant specialist will review your application and contact you if more information is required.

What Happens Next?

Once your application is received you will receive a notification confirming your application has been submitted. If additional information is necessary to move forward you will receive an email outlining what documentation our team needs. Upon receipt of all supporting documentation, a grant specialist will review and make a decision regarding your request. If approved, a grant distribution will be made based on your payment preference selected in the application. Check back daily to see the progress of your application as it moves through the review process.

What if I am a professional in the golf industry but not a member of one of the groups listed?

Although we have tried to make this an inclusive effort to professionals in the industry, due to limitations of funding and verification we are unfortunately not able to further broaden the eligibility at this time.

What if I am a professional in the golf industry and a member of one of the groups listed, but not a US resident?

Unfortunately, due to a number of limitations at this time, we are unable to open the fund up to non-US residents. We would recommend you reach out to organizations based in the country you reside to see what support programs may exist.

If I am currently registered as a student or apprentice or associate of one of the member-based eligible groups, what date do I use for member eligibility on my application?

Please use March 1, 2020 as your hire date on your application.

Why do you need to know my financial position?

For all grants supporting long-term relief and recovery, it is required by the Internal Revenue Service that E4E assesses your financial need.

To provide proof of income, how recent of a paystub do applicants need to provide?

A paystub that is dated September 1, 2020 or later is required.

Do members of the member organizations listed need to provide a paystub?

The option to upload a paystub is optional and is not a requirement for member organizations applicants.

If independent contractors apply, what proof of employment or payment/income is required?

Independent contractors will need to show proof of payment from one of the eligible organizations that are covered under the program. Verification may be required.

If approved, how quickly will funds be disbursed?

For Phase 2, the approval and disbursement process will take approximately 6-8 weeks.

Who reviews my application?

Trained staff at E4E will review your application. Decisions will be made by E4E and will be based upon completeness of your application, the demonstrated need and available resources.

How will I receive assistance?

If approved, a grant distribution will be made based on payment preference selected in the application. If awarded assistance, you have the option to select receiving a digital disbursement via Zelle or check. Zelle (a peer to peer money transfer system like Venmo or CashApp) is typically processed within 2-3 days from an approved application, checks may take up to 10 business days to be received. If you do not have a checking or savings account, we encourage you to select check as your method of payment. Pay cards (a prepaid card that employers may use to pay employees) are not eligible for Zelle transfers and will cause delays in getting your funds to you.

What if I have insurance?

The fund cannot provide assistance for losses already covered by insurance.

What is "liquid savings?"

Savings in the form of a liquid asset which is something you own that can quickly and simply be converted into cash while retaining its market value. Some examples of assets that would be considered liquid are: cash, checking or savings accounts. Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, and 401(k)s are retirement savings accounts designed to hold your money until retirement and technically are not liquid assets, unless you have reached retirement age

What additional documentation do I need to have on hand while applying to prove expenses?

Bills, statements, receipts, invoices showing payment, etc.