Statement - 2020 PGA tournament schedule

14/07/2020

The PGA’s tournament schedule has been significantly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the crisis, The PGA has been cautious when considering cancelling events, with the intent to start tournament activity as soon as the restrictions are lifted. Unfortunately, however, some golf clubs and sponsors have understandably withdrawn, which has significantly reduced playing opportunities.

More recently, Professional-only tournaments have received UK Government approval to return in England. All tournaments have returned in the Republic of Ireland with the first Pro-Am having taken place at the K Club on July 10^th. Activity is approved to return in Northern Ireland from July 20^th, but within Scotland, there is no change in stance on the playing of competitive golf, with only club competition permitted despite the relaxation of travel restrictions.

Since the easing of lockdown restrictions The PGA is pleased to report that golf courses and golf facilities are very busy with most reporting increased demand for Membership and green fees. This is very positive news for our game but it is presenting huge challenges for the regions and tournament department in trying to secure golf courses for PGA events.

Although challenges remain around travel, remaining pro-am restrictions and course availability please see below our plans for the remainder of the season.

National Tournaments

The following National events will take place:-

The PGA Professional Championship – date and venue tbc
Women’s PGA Professional Championship, Kedleston Park (incorporating a WPGA One Day Series event) – 8 September
Coca-Cola PGA Assistants’ Championship, Oakmere Park - 23 – 25 September
The WPGA One Day Series
- Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Club – 18 August
- Three Rivers Golf Club – 1 October
- Bransford Golf Club – 13 October
- Wrotham Heath Golf Club – 23 October

It is also intended to play the following National Tournaments, should the current sponsors remain in place, and subject to the lifting of restrictions relating to amateur participation:-

Welsh National PGA Championship, Cardiff Golf Club – 16 – 17 September
The SkyCaddie PGA Pro Captain Challenge – date and UK venue tbc
- Scotland qualifier – Stirling Golf Club – 13 August
- South qualifier – Royal Ascot Golf Club – 19 August
- Ireland qualifier – Roganstown Golf Club – 7 September
- North qualifier – Huddersfield Golf Club – 10 September
- East qualifier – Royal Norwich Golf Club – 14 September
- West qualifier – Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort – 24 September
- Midlands qualifier – Coxmoor Golf Club – 2 October

The status of these events will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Regional Order of Merit

The PGA recognises the impact the pandemic has had particularly at Regional level and will provide financial support for a minimum of three Order of Merit events per region to enhance the number of playing opportunities and the available prize funds.

R&A Trainee Series

Playing in events is a condition and important aspect of training to become a PGA Professional. Supported by The R&A, we are pleased to announce a series of regional events. A prize fund of £1,500 will apply to each event, with the top three players in each Region benefiting from a bonus prize fund based on a Regional Order of Merit for the series. We are working on the schedule which will include a minimum of four events per region.

PGA to launch Semi-Competitive Events

In recent years we have seen fewer PGA Professionals playing in PGA events. Playing the game always has been, and always should be, an important part of being a PGA Professional. We recognise, however, that not all Members have the time and desire to play in competitive PGA Tournaments. With the aim of trying to encourage more Members to play, we will be launching a new series of semi-competitive events. The events will carry different formats that will not only offer more playing opportunities at a local level, but will also provide Members with the opportunity to meet and network with fellow Members.

Cancelled PGA Tournaments due to Covid-19

Unfortunately, due to the effects of the pandemic, the difficult decision has been taken to cancel further national tournaments as identified below:

Senior PGA Professional Championship
PGA in England & Wales Inter-County Championship
PGA Play-Offs’

We will release more details relating to the above in the coming weeks.

We will also continue to communicate with UK and devolved Governments so that we can recommence Pro-Ams in England, Wales and Scotland as soon as allowed, in the meantime we thank you for your patience.