PGA chief executive Robert Maxfield who has offered support to golf club professionals hit by the closures after the coronavirus pandemic

THE PGA is working to launch a dedicated helpline for its membership to give advice on what financial help is available during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief executive Robert Maxfield Mr Maxfield said: “This will be open to all PGA members.

“Run in partnership with the Golf Club Managers Association (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.

“The PGA is fully co-ordinated 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.” Mr Maxfield added.

The entire PGA staff at its Belfry HQ is now working remotely and will continue to monitor Government announcements in what is a “rapidly changing situation,” the PGA chief said.

“Some aspects of the current guidelines are unclear but hopefully there will be more clarity in the coming days,” added Mr Maxfield.

“Since the outbreak of the virus, we have been working closely with our industry friends at the GCMA and BIGGA – the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association – to provide up-to-date guidance and advice during this challenging time.

“Many of our members’ businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis on the back of a challenging winter.

“There have been some great examples of golf clubs supporting their PGA professional and through the helpline we aim to ensure they are also aware of how the Government might be able to assist them during this difficult time.”

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.

GCMA chief executive Bob Williams said: ”The recent announcement concerning Government support will present a lifeline to many golf clubs.

“Golf club managers will need to fully understand the support available and I strongly believe this helpline will provide clarity to not only GCMA members, but all golf clubs”.

The helpline will be up and running by Monday, March 30, Mr Maxfield pledged adding: “We will release more detail later this week. ”

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

The PGA headquarters are at The Belfry, which has hosted the Ryder Cup four times

PGA tournaments off until May

All PGA tournaments and pro-ams until the end of May have been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The decision affects a number of PGA Regional events at the start of the seaosn which club pro’s play in, and can earn four-figure sums, by winning.

The first national championship of 2020 is not scheduled to take place until June, when the PGA Professional Championship heads to the Duke’s Course at St Andrew’s, from June 16-19 at the same time as the Women’s PGA Professional.

Nine events in Midlands Region have been postponed, including its two Qualifying School events and the first two events in the Seniors and Trainees Order of Merits.

Four PGA Yorkshire events have been postponed – including the Sheffield Masters at Rotherham GC, on April 7, and another five cancelled including of the Players Tour events.

The PGA head office at The Belfy a d its five regional offices in England – as well as those in Scotland and Ireland – closed on Tuesday.

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Murrayshall Country House Hotel and Golf Club is delighted to announce that it is an official partner to The PGA’s We Love Golf campaign. It is one of only five venues in Scotland working together with the PGA and The Solheim Cup on this fantastic initiative that encourages more women and girls to try the game of golf for the first time in a fun and friendly environment.

Launched in 2018, the PGA’s We Love Golf campaign is designed to help more women find out about golf and put them in touch with a PGA Professional who can help them learn to play in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The campaign kicks off today at Murrayshall with the first of two free 1-hour taster sessions which are open to women and girls of all ages, on the 15^th and 22^nd July 2019 between 6pm – 7pm. The two sessions, run by PGA Teaching Professional, Gregor Wright promise a fun introduction to the game of golf in the beautiful surroundings of the Murrayshall estate. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience of playing golf is required. Golf equipment will also be provided.

For anyone who gets bitten by the golfing bug during the free taster sessions, Murrayshall is also offering a discounted series of 4 weekly follow-up golf lessons, for just £50 on the dates listed below. Those signing up for these lessons will also automatically receive complimentary membership of the Lynedoch course from the 29^thJuly – 19^thAugust, as well as tickets to the practice day at the Solheim Cup on Wednesday 11^thSeptember where they will meet with other women from across the region who have started their golfing journey as part of this We Love Golf campaign.

4-week follow-up lesson dates:  

29th July

5 August

12 August

19th August

To sign up to the free taster sessions and enquire about the follow-up lessons,  simply contact Gregor Wright on 01738 552784 or email GolfTuition@murrayshall.co.uk.

“At Murrayshall we are passionate about growing the game of golf, so naturally we are extremely proud to be working closely with the PGA, as an official We Love Golf centre, on this superb initiative that aims to encourage more female participation,” commented Kevin Keenan, General Manager of Murrayshall Country House Hotel and Golf Club.

The golf courses at Murrayshall benefitted from over £250k of investment in new machinery and an extensive bunker and drainage programme over the winter months and are now in their best ever condition ever. A new golfers’ clubhouse facility, including refurbished changing rooms and spike bar have also just opened, providing members and visitors with beautiful surroundings in which to relax before or after their round or practice session.

Jonathan Wright, Golf Development Executive at the Professional Golfers’ Association commented, “We are delighted to be working with The Solheim Cup to fulfil its ambition to increase female participation in Scotland.

The We Love Golf campaign bridges the gap between women and girls who may be interested in trying the sport and the PGA Members who deliver fantastic coaching programmes.

We know that women attending the taster session at Murrayshall will have a great first golf experience. They will make new friendships which will start then out on a pathway to regular participation and a life-long love of the game.”

Set amidst the 365 acres of glorious Perthshire countryside, just minutes from the City of Perth, Murrayshall is blessed with 27 holes of breath-taking parkland golf, extensive practice facilities and a team of expert PGA teaching professionals. The club has adopted a very progressive nature and welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities, with no handicap certificates required to play on either of its courses.

For further information on Murrayshall Country House Hotel and Golf Club and the latest news on an exciting new era visit www.murrayshall.co.uk

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