COVID-19

(3/30/20) Clarification to Friday’s Dues Payment Announcement

We understand this is a very confusing, scary and painful time. We promise that we have been, and will continue to work diligently on your behalf to provide whatever relief, information and connection we possibly can. In accordance with tax rules applicable to 501(c) 6 not-for-profit organizations, the PGA of America must collect annual dues. Please note that we will do so under revamped procedures that take into account the significant challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic for our Members and Sections.

It appears that we may have caused confusion rather than clarity in Friday’s announcement which we will attempt to clear up here. While we wish it was possible to waive dues for all members during these difficult times, we are unfortunately unable to do so consistent with tax rules applicable to the PGA of America as a 501(c) 6 not-for-profit organization. However, understanding the challenges facing our members and in close cooperation with our sections, last Friday we announced revamped procedures that extend the National dues payment deadline until October 31, 2020.

While our intent was to be helpful, we certainly could have been more clear regarding the steps we are taking to help our members and sections during these trying times. We apologize for any confusion and misunderstanding that followed. Please click here for the specific information on PGA.org regarding 2020 dues payment timing. After reviewing this information, please call the PGA Membership Department directly at 1-800-474-2776 with any questions you may have.

This is by no means our last attempt to ease the fear and pain that so many of you are feeling. As mentioned, we have other ideas we are working on that we are hopeful can help to get all of us to the other side of this crisis. We look forward to announcing our further efforts to help as soon as we possibly can.

Thank you,

Suzy Whaley, PGA
President

(3/27/20) MESSAGE FROM PGA LEADERSHIP

As your President and CEO, we continue to provide you with comprehensive updates from us on what we are doing as an Association in our response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

To that end, we are providing weekly video updates. To watch our latest video, which includes updates on PGA dues and loans for PGA Professionals and more, click here.

Note, you will need to be logged into PGA.org to view.

These videos are meant to address the issues that matter most to you all out in the field. If you have a specific question, please submit it here.

These updates are also meant to give PGA Professionals increased transparency into our processes and a look at the resources that are available to you during this time of crisis.

Please continue to check our resources page on PGA.org for the latest updates and continue to be safe, be healthy, be patient, be kind and be smart.

All our best,
Suzy and Seth

(3/20/20) MESSAGE FROM PGA LEADERSHIP

As your President and CEO, we want to continue to provide you with comprehensive updates from us on what we are doing as an Association in our response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

To that end, we will be providing weekly video updates that will begin with this one. To watch the video, you will need to be logged into PGA.org. Click here to watch video.

These updates are meant to give PGA Professionals increased transparency into our processes and a look at the resources that are available to you during this time of crisis.

Following today’s debut video, we will also be opening it up to questions from you to help us address the issues that matter most to you all out in the field. If you have a specific question, please submit it here. We may not get to all of your questions on next week’s update, but will try to answer as many as possible.

In the meantime, continue to check our resources page on PGA.org for the latest updates and continue to be safe, be healthy, be patient, be kind and be smart.

All our best,

Suzy and Seth

(3/16/20) MESSAGE FROM PGA LEADERSHIP

As the information surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we wanted to provide a central location that you and your facilities can use to find the latest and most up-to-date information from the PGA of America and our golf industry partners.

Coronavirus Resources for PGA Members

While we know that things vary across the 41 Sections and from facility to facility, we believe the resources page provides useful information and tools for any PGA Member, regardless of their role or location.

As this is a fluid situation, continue to check PGA.org for the latest information.

In the meantime, please be safe, be healthy, be patient, be kind and be smart.

Suzy, Jim, and John

(3/16/20) NOTICE FROM THE PGA OF AMERICA

PGA PROFESSIONALS, THEIR FACILITIES AND THE GOLF INDUSTRY
PGA HQ staff will be operating remotely effective Monday; while Valhalla and PGA Golf Club remain open to the public.  We also provided a set of common-sense recommendations for consideration by operators.  We have committed to keeping PGA Professionals up-to-date through “Five Things to Know” and PGA.org on a regular basis. From an MSR and education perspective, please note the following:

• MSR Cycle – Extend 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.
• Acceptable Progress – Extend 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 uncertainty of testing sites remaining open, this provides flexibility with regard to Associates meeting their deadlines.
• PGA Golf Management University Students – 14 of our 18 GMU’s have currently cancelled classes and have moved to online delivery.  PGA Education Staff will work with the universities directly in regard to needed accommodations within the Criteria and Standards.
• PGA Associates – We have 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.

(4/1/20) MESSAGE FROM CPGA – Jeff Abbot, Executive Director

Good afternoon!  I hope you and your families are safe during this challenging time.  Please know that your safety is our utmost concern.  We are continually updating our COVID-19 webpage and our awaiting some important updates from the PGA of America as it relates to the CARES and Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  We will add these resources to our website as soon as they are received.

There have been numerous questions as it relates to interpretations of state and local ordinances, the most challenging has centered on single rider cart use.  The Carolinas PGA Officers, with feedback from allied golf organizations’ leadership, have developed the following Single Rider Cart Use Recommendations.

Please read and implement these strongly recommended guidelines.  It is critical that all golf courses that choose to remain open adhere to these guidelines to protect their guests and staff.  Failure by a single course to follow these rules may result in the loss of our ability as an industry to provide a vital, essential activity to the public when it needs it most.  

Please continue to reach out to me, and our staff, if there is anything we can do to serve you during this challenging time.  Stay positive as a brighter future is on the horizon!

Sincerely,

Jeff Abbot
Executive Director

(3/24/20) MESSAGE FROM CPGA – BOB BYRNES, CPGA PRESIDENT

Good afternoon! I hope you and your families are safe during this unprecedented time. I have been working closely with our officers, board, and staff as we navigate these unchartered waters. The section and our allied associations have contacted state officials to keep golf facilities open as an activity for the public to enjoy, so long as they maintain a safe environment. We will continue to stay in contact with state officials to make recommendations as this fluid situation evolves.

With so much uncertainty on the horizon, I wanted to reach out to our members and share some things we can all do to keep us engaged in our business until we can return to our normal lives. We have compiled a list of online activities through the PGA of America (on the last tab). We hope that you will use these not just to pass the time, but as an opportunity to draw on these tools to better prepare you for this season and beyond. Please click HERE to visit our dedicated COVID-19 website page for continuous updates, best practices, and important information on the ever-changing situation.

Given the continually evolving nature of the current COVID-19 crisis, the Carolinas Section will extend the postponement of all Section activities/events through Sunday, May 17.

(3/13/20) MESSAGE FROM CAROLINAS PGA

Carolinas PGA Professionals, Associates, and Community:

Given the escalating concerns regarding the rapid spread and still unknown threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and following the guidance of the PGA of America, the Carolinas Section will postpone all Section activities/events effective immediately through Sunday, April 5.

This includes the CPGA Players Championship, upcoming Chapter Meetings (Lowcountry, Palmetto, Cape Fear, Grand Strand, & Sandhills), PAT’s, and PGA HOPE Programs. As for PGA Jr. League programs, we strongly recommend suspending any practice, try-outs, meetings, etc. that you plan on hosting within this time frame.

Section Headquarters Staff will begin working remotely on Monday, March 16th for the foreseeable future. All operations and services will continue as normal, and we will maintain consistent levels of service. If you should need to get into contact, please click HERE to find each Staff Member’s direct line and email address.

Our top priorities during this time are caring for the health of our PGA professionals, their staff and members; preventing the virus from infiltrating our facilities and gatherings; and contributing to public health efforts to stem the spread of this virus throughout our golf and civic communities.

Please continue to follow local and regional guidance on the outbreak, and let us know if we can do anything for you during this challenging time.

The CPGA Team

Singler Rider Cart Use Information

There have been numerous questions as it relates to interpretations of state and local ordinances, the most challenging has centered on single rider cart use.  The Carolinas PGA Officers, with feedback from allied golf organizations’ leadership, have developed the following Single Rider Cart Use Information. Click HERE to access the information.

NGF CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Legislative Relief, Golf Maintenance and Leadership Town Halls

NCA is providing critical Coronavirus Town Halls to ensure you have the tools to make informed decisions at your club during this unprecedented crisis. These webinars are FREE for the entire club community.

Thursday: Board Leadership and Management During the COVID Crisis

April 2 at 11:00 a.m. ET

Hear how board leadership and management of one of the world’s best clubs are dealing with today’s pressing issues. Experts will discuss how they are navigating the everyday challenges of this crisis while focusing on the future.

Experts:

Henry B. DeLozier, Partner, GGA Partners
Patrick DeLozier, Director, GGA Partners
Nicholas Sidorakis, General Manager, Southern Hills Country Club
Bryan Johnson, Board President, Southern Hills Country Club

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Navigate COVID-19 Staffing Challenges

NCA is providing critical Coronavirus Town Halls to ensure you have the tools to make informed decisions at your club during this unprecedented crisis. These webinars are FREE for the entire club community. Stay tuned as more events are added.

Missed a Town Hall?

You can listen to previous Coronavirus Town Halls below (also available on our Coronavirus Resource Center):

• Coronavirus Response: Staffing Until Labor Day. View Slides. (aired 3//27)
• Accounting Issues for Clubs During COVID-19. View Slides (3/25)
• How to Bring the Club to Your Members. View Slides 1; Slides 2 (3/24), and Summary from Club + Resort Business
• COVID-19 Public Health Town Hall with Dr. Troisi. View Slides (3/23)
• “Your Club is Closing, Now What?” (3/20)
• Legal Ramifications of COVID-19 and Your Club (3/19)
• Coronavirus Town Hall. View Slides (3/16)

New Financial & Economic Club Resources

NCA has updated our Coronavirus Resource Center with new financial and economic information to help your club better respond to the issue and plan ahead. Resources include FAQs, club financial data, a financial impact overview and much more. Visit the new web page here.

The National Club Association is continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 crisis and will provide you with the best information available to help your club during this difficult time. Please visit NCA’s revamped Coronavirus Resource Center or reach out to Cindy Vizza at 202-822-9822 or vizza@nationalclub.org for more information.

COVID-19 Updates for Clubs – March 25

As part of our effort to educate clubs on how to safely and effectively navigate the unprecedented coronavirus crisis, NCA is pleased to share the COVID-19 Club Update. This regular newsletter will feature updates about new COVID-19 resources and guidance from NCA and trusted sources.

Legislative Update
NCA is working to ensure clubs receive relief funding during this crisis. As of this writing, 501(c)7 organizations were not included in the most recent relief package, which provides financial relief to small businesses through the Small Business Administration. While there was significant support for our inclusion among members of the House and Senate, including Leadership, there were complications that arose that prevented inclusion at this time. Though the relief package has yet to be passed by the House and signed by the president, there is already discussion about the contours of a fourth relief bill.

NCA is working diligently to have specific language that includes private clubs in future relief packages. We will keep you updated on future developments.

NEW RESOURCES

Coronavirus Resource Center

NCA is continuously updating our Coronavirus Resource Center, which provides guidance from trusted resources in critical club areas. Here are the latest updates to the website.

Emergency Legislation Resources

The Department of Labor (DOL) is hosting a national online dialogue to provide employers and employees a chance to offer their perspective as the DOL develops compliance materials and outreach strategies regarding the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Clubs can participate online here from March 23 through March 29.

• Free Resources to Help Navigate States’ Responses to the CoronaVirus (GovPredict)
• COVID-19 and the Workplace (DOL)
• DOL Publishes Guidance on Paid Sick Leave Under Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Tax Resources

• Social Clubs and the Coronavirus Pandemic (Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly)
• COVID-19 RELIEF: Employment Tax Credit is Now Available for Businesses Subject to Mandated Paid Leave Under the Family First CoronaVirus Response Act (AALRR)

Fitness Professionals Resource

• Club Industry’s Coronavirus Resource Page for Fitness Industry Professionals

Restaurant Resource

• Datassential Resource Library for Restaurants

Golf Resource

• COVID-19 Rules & Handicapping FAQs (USGA)

Live Track the Spread of COVID-19
Track the spread of the coronavirus on national, statewide and local levels in real-time by using the Johns Hopkins interactive live map.

COVID-19 Club Stat
NCA asked March 20 attendees of our Coronavirus Town Hall, “Your Club is Closing, Now What?” how far in advance have their clubs cancelled events. We received 124 responses. Here are the results.

COVID-19 Club Stat
NCA asked March 16 attendees of our Coronavirus Town Hall for Clubs what modifcations they are making at their own clubs to mitigate risk of COVID-19. We received 1,063 responses. Here are the results.

COVID-19 News Updates

• Golf courses, superintendents grapple with coronavirus
• Firsthand reports: Superintendents adjust operations for coronavirus
• 2020 National Golf Day postponed

Temporary Restrictions on Bars & Restaurants

• List of Cities and States that Have Shut Down Bars and Restaurants
• Coronavirus and the States: Unemployment Sites Jam, Evictions Pause and More

Q&A: My club is closed, what kinds of offsite programming can I offer members to keep them engaged?

Clubs can utilize numerous communications platforms to send information, share instructional videos, organize live meetings and social events, offer tips and best practices, and deliver other important information to keep members updated and engaged. Here are several ideas we have seen from clubs across the country:

• New newsletters that offer fitness tips, recipes, kids’ activities, calming exercises, and that encourage members to share photos with each other
• Online social events like happy hours, bingo and book clubs
• Virtual meetings and entertainment like magic shows, cooking demos, tech assistance and business roundtables
• Instructional videos of dance lessons, golf tips, yoga classes and etiquette basics
• Content creation platforms that allow members to share photos, videos and experiences with each other

COVID-19 News Updates

• Coronavirus Club Update (Club + Resort Business)
• How Companies Treat Employees During Coronavirus Will Determine Their Fate After (Unity Marketing)
• Press Release: Hotels Sign Up to Support First Responders; Provide Housing (AHLA)
• State-by-state Social Distancing Scorecard (unacast.)
• Country Club Members, Managers Step Up with Good Deeds During Crisis (Golf Digest)

Coronavirus – Carolinas Update 3/30/20 PM

1.  CMAA’S “Be Prepared” section and webinars this week:  CLICK HERE 
2. In CMAA’s Wednesday 4:00 webinar, Melissa Low and Brad Steele, Founder, Private Club Consultants, will present “Club Considerations Under COVID-19 Federal Legislation and Regulation.”
   CLICK HEREfor a copy of Private Club Consultants’ explanation of Phase 2 Bill.
   CLICK HERE for a copy of Private Club Consultants’ explanation of Phase 3 Bill.

From CMAA Chairman Jeff Morgan:

Take 10 minutes to share how you are handling staffing issues and what your future financial plans are as a result of coronavirus.

We’ve extended the deadline for the Employee Compensation and Scenario Planning Survey to end of day tomorrow, March 31.

Take the Survey

Results will be disseminated by the end of this week, with a webinar detailing the results on Friday. Register here.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE

1. CLICK HERE for information about a PBMares CPAs and Consultants webinar:  “CARES Act Webinar: Insights for Your Business.”  Wednesday, April 1 at 12:00 noon.
2. CLICK HERE for access to the Strategic Club Solutions previous webinar, “How to Bring Your Club to the Members.”
3. Idea for Employee Relief Fund from Pinehurst Resort & CC:

With the closing of our hotels and restaurants by the coronavirus crisis, hundreds of amazing Pinehurst Resort & Country Club employees have been impacted. Many people have asked how they can help.

We have launched an auction of exclusive Pinehurst experiences that have never been offered before and may never be offered again. Everyone is welcome to bid on any of the one-of-a-kind experiences during the auction, which will close at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, March 30.
All of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Pinehurst Employee Relief Fund.

View Auction:  CLICK HERE

VII.  The Association of Club Catering & Event Professionals (ACCP) is an Allied Association of CMAA, so they have approval from David McCabe to offer CMAA members “Other Educational” credits for the following educational webinar:

ACCP has a webinar tomorrow (Tuesday, March 31) titled “Supercharging the Rebound – Private Event Sales Strategies”. This one will focus on minimizing the revenue loss and sales strategies on the private event/catering side that will help us prepare and manage the “boom” that will undoubtedly come when restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted. Grass roots marketing, technology, and also how our sales culture will be changed forever will be discussed. Ben Powers of Visiting Media and Alan Berg, sales and culture guru, both experts in technology and sales, will be guest speakers on this webinar. Again, this is complimentary to anyone in the industry.

Register for ACCP Presents. . . Supercharging the Rebound – Private Event Sales Strategies on Mar 31, 2020 12:00 PM PDT / 2:00 PM CDT / 3:00 PM EDT at:     https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7638515491641432843

VIII.  From Fripp Island Club:
So far, we have done two virtual crafts on the Facebook and Instagram, one being a pine cone birdfeeder and the other sugar hand scrub. We have also done a virtual Gator Walk also posted on the Facebook and Instagram. I have asked Jessie if she can create a tab on the website to upload these videos to so people who do not have social media can go on the website and watch them. This also gives guests the opportunity to re-watch them as well during this time! Later this week, we will be recording a virtual workout that will be posted on social media and hopefully that new tab on the website (fingers crossed)! We are having a BLAST with all of this and trying to find a light during this hard time!

SO MANY WEBINARS!  So I have put together one page that has all of the upcoming webinars that I know of for the coming week:  CLICK HERE

We had a good Carolinas Zoom conference today, hosted by Kevin Smith (Carolina Yacht Club / NC).  We will be scheduling another one soon!

Please let me know if Cathy and I can help you with anything!
patricia@carolinascmaa.org 

Coronavirus – Carolinas Update 3/27/20 PM

Carolinas Chapter Members – We will have the opportunity to participate in our own Zoom conference on Monday, March 30, at 2:00 pm.  Kevin Smith (Carolina Yacht Club / NC) will be hosting this discussion – see information below to join the meeting.

IF YOU HAVE TOPICS OR QUESTIONS that you would like to have included, please send those directly to Kevin prior to that time:  adminifx@carolinayachtclub.org

This will be an interactive meeting whose purpose is for all of us to exchange information, ideas, issues, and so on within Carolinas clubs.

Topic: CMAA Carolinas Chapter
Time: Mar 30, 2020 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/708699739
Meeting ID: 708 699 739
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Meeting ID: 708 699 739
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adK7I0VIEj

PLEASE NOTE:  With Zoom you may enter with video or just audio.  If audio, your name only will show on the screen.  If you use video, please be courteous and keep in mind that everyone can see what you are doing – please do not be disruptive to the group.

1. CLICK HEREfor U.S. DOL / Wage and Hour Division page, “Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights”

III. CLICK HERE for an article from Bloomberg Tax & Accounting: “Federal Tax & Accounting – Coronavirus Roadmap”

1. CLICK HERE for “Pabian Law H-2B Coronvirus Impact FAQs”
2. CLICK HERE for today’s Carolinas Club updates.
3. North Carolina and South Carolina Governor Press Conferences
   This afternoon, both governors held press conferences with COVID-19 updates.  Gov. Cooper of NC issued a stay-at-home order beginning at 5:00 pm on Monday. Gov. McMaster of SC stated that he does not feel that he needs to issue such an order at this time. It appears that golf courses are not required to close in either state as a result of today’s executive orders.

Please stay healthy, stay safe, stay sane, and find things for which you can be grateful!

Coronavirus – Carolinas Update 3/25 PM

I.  Please CLICK HERE for a very important letter from our Carolinas Allied Golf Associations.

II.  CLICK HERE for CMAA’s “Be Prepared” website page which is filled with helpful information.

III. CLICK HERE for CMAA’s current Employee Compensation and Scenario Planning Survey, open through March 29.  Participate and then see the results of what hundreds of other clubs are implementing.

IV. To chat with other club managers about what’s going on in their clubs, be sure to go to CMAA’s  “cmaaconnect”  – a chat room open to all CMAA members.  Login is required.

V.  CLICK HERE for today’s Club & Resort Business Magazine’s update:
“Coronavirus Club Update, 3/25/20: Families First Act Takes Effect April 1, and Club Members Raise Funds for Staff”

VI. CLICK HERE for this afternoon’s club updates.

Finally, please send me your club’s updates – letters to members, letters to employees, etc. to share with your fellow managers.  AND please complete the survey that was emailed to you today from Cathy Miller.

THANK YOU and STAY SAFE AND SANE.

patricia@carolinascmaa.org

#GolfAtHome – Playing Offense in the Off-Season

presented by:

ATTENTION CPGA MEMBERS & ASSOCIATES:

CPGA Partner, Operation 36, has a great program for you to keep connected with your junior golfers during the COVID-19 crisis. Whether you currently run an Op36 program or not, this is for you!

From Operation 36:

#GolfAtHome Webinar – Get to know the program
Thursday, April 2, 2020
3:00PM EST

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE

Our hope is to provide value to those interested in learning how to run a remote coaching program during this time to stay connected with their players and families.  Our free #GolfAtHome program was designed to assist coaches who are looking to bridge the gap until their programs resume.  Not only does this help with the Coronavirus situation, but this is also a way to get creative during times you’re not normally running programs.

MORE #GOLFATHOME CHALLENGE INFORMATION

PGA Disaster Relief and PGA Member Assistance (PGA Members only)

The PGA of America is here to help those personally affected by the COVID-19 through PGA Disaster Relief and the PGA Member Assistance Program.

PGA Disaster Relief provides PGA Members reimbursement for out of pocket expenses incurred as the result of acute, serious illness, accidents, natural disasters and other emergencies not otherwise covered by insurance or other relief programs. This includes out of pocket medical expenses for serious situations, like hospitalizations, related to the COVID-19. To learn more about PGA Disaster Relief, please click here. To apply for PGA Disaster Relief, please click here.

PGA Members can also make contributions to the funds to assist those in need through the link above.

We are also aware that people are understandably concerned about their health, jobs and future during these unprecedented times. To help with this,  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.

Additionally, new government programs have recently come out that we are researching and will continue to monitor to see how they can best benefit our membership including:

• Small Business Loans
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act

NC & SC UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

The PGA has established a new resource center on PGA.org specific to helping our Professionals who are employers and/or employees with questions.  Because the specifics of employment law and recommended Covid-19 best practices are different state-by-state, we have included a link that will direct PGA Professionals to the 50 state departments of labor for information that is relevant based on their location.  Please pass this resource along to anyone looking for resources related to employment issues during these challenging times.

ASGCA launches “Great Junior Golf Design Challenge”

Fun way to help families pass time during Covid-19 crisis;
encouraging children to use their imagination to design a golf hole

BROOKFIELD, Wis. – The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) has launched a program to showcase creativity in golf course architecture among young people. “The Great Junior Golf Design Challenge of 2020,” encouraging children to design their own golf hole, was created as a way to give families an opportunity to involve children in the art of golf course design during the worldwide crisis of COVID-19.

The challenge – a fun activity rather than a contest – is simple. Young people ages 17 and younger may submit design ideas for golf holes of any par, style or strategy, and from whimsical to serious. Submissions may be created in any medium (pencil, markers, crayon or digital) as long as it fits within the provided border from ASGCA. Scans or photos of designs may be sent via email to juniordesign2020@asgca.org  or uploaded via Twitter to @ASGCA to be shared on social media and ASGCA.org. Complete information may be found at https://asgca.org/great-junior-golf-design-challenge-2020/.

            “Families are struggling with having schools closed and the amount of ‘at-home time’ during this crisis,” said ASGCA President Jan Bel Jan. “A few of our members brainstormed the idea, which came to us from Jay Smith, an aspiring golf course architect based in McAlpin, Florida. We’re offering this positive diversion when so many are confined to their homes.”

            The emphasis of the program is to get creativity flowing, and to celebrate the art of golf course architecture among young people. Nathan Crace, ASGCA, and Lester George, ASGCA, stepped in to work on the idea, which came to Smith with the help of his wife, Rebecca. “It started as a simple idea of getting kids involved in the shadows of an unprecedented pandemic,” says Smith. “We thought it would boost morale and could evoke art, engineering, and geometry — in a fun way. Our youngest son, Johnny, enjoys watching me sketch and draw, submits his own ideas for my review. From there it just snowballed. It would have been great if this existed when I was younger.”

Crace shared his experiences. “As a young boy, I spent hours drawing imaginary golf holes on plain paper and by age 10 I had built three holes on my parents’ land in Indiana. Hopefully, this challenge will give boys and girls that same spark to display their creativity for everyone to see!”

            “It affords children the opportunity to express their creativity by imagining and graphically depicting their version of a fun and remarkable golf hole,” George added. “What better way to spend time during these days at home?”

ASGCA plans to share comments on the designs from ASGCA members and others who follow ASGCA on social media. “It’s important to point out that this is not a contest,” notes ASGCA Vice President Forrest Richardson. “The idea is to stimulate creativity and help take the edge off of the stress that comes with staying at home for a prolonged period and being uncertain of what comes next.”

ASGCA Background

Founded in 1947 by Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones and 12 other leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout North America. Members have completed a rigorous application process that includes the peer review of representative golf courses. ASGCA members are able to counsel in all aspects of golf course design and remodeling and comprise many of the great talents throughout the golf industry.

For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members, visit http://www.asgca.org or call (262) 786-5960.

# # #

2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP POSTPONED
Event to be rescheduled for later this summer at TPC Harding Park

Mill Creek Golf Club Letter to Members
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Coronavirus COVID-19
FACILITY UPDATE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

From Karl Kimball,  PGA – A “slide” to use in your golf shop to ensure social distancing from members, customers, and guests. They use a regular golf club box with the top cut off.

Industry Education
Many organizations are providing resources for the golf community at this time. Below are a few links to items that might be helpful to your organization or your member clubs.

National Club Association Webinars
Covid-19 Town Hall – View Recording
Legal Ramifications of COVID-19 and Your Club – View Recording
“Your Club is Closing, Now What?” – View Recording
COVID-19 Public Health Town Hall – View Recording

WE ARE GOLF
Click HERE to view daily updates from WE ARE GOLF

GCSAA
Click HERE to view the GCSAA COVID-19 Pandemic Resource site

NGCOA
Click HERE to view the NGCOA Resources for Courses