The United States Golf Association has established an emergency relief fund of up to $5 million to support members of the Allied Golf Association, which supports golf associations in all 50 states.
The funding will come in the form of grants to help ensure business continuity and staffing levels during this time of hardship. Individual AGAs may apply for up to $100,000; additional financial assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The application process will begin on Monday and continue through the summer as needed. The USGA is committed to providing additional funding should the business disruption be prolonged.
“These golf associations are the backbone of the recreational and competitive golf communities at the local, state and regional level,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA, in a statement. “They play a vital role not only in delivering the USGA’s core services, but also in engaging millions of golfers across the country at the local level. This support will help enable the game to make a strong return once it’s safe to do so.”
AGAs, such as the Florida Golf Association, function as mission-driven nonprofit organizations. They conduct events that welcome and connect juniors, women and players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities; educate countless golf professionals, officials and players; advocate for golf courses; and provide affordable opportunities to play.
The USGA partners with its network of AGAs to deliver key golf resources and programs at the regional level, including conducting more than 600 qualifiers for 14 USGA Open and amateur championships and providing rules education.
AGAs also serve as the only golf associations authorized by the USGA to offer a handicap index to golfers, and support USGA initiatives to grow and sustain the game.
