First and foremost, I am hopeful that this message finds you and your loved ones in good health and unaffected from COVID-19. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that have been affected from this pandemic. Our country finds itself in a situation that most of us have never seen the likes of. As it relates to our jobs, each of our facilities are currently dealing with decisions as to whether or not to stay open for our members / customers. There is no clear right or wrong answer. I only hope that each of you will be sure to look out for the health of the PGA Professionals on your staff, as well as other members of your teams, and impress on your decision makers the importance of these decisions.

At the Section office, Geoff Surrette and his team are currently working remotely per the suggestion of the national office. A new software platform has made this easier than it would have been in the past. The Section staff is meeting virtually and communicating regularly to keep our business going in these trying times. If you need assistance from anyone in the Section office, you can reach them just as you would if they were in the office. The Section staff will continue their strong communication campaign with you to keep you informed with news, best practices and industry information as it relates to COVID-19.

If you have not been following the communications from the PGA of America, they have made several announcements due to the coronavirus. The PGA Professional Championship and the PGA Championship have each been postponed and will hopefully be played later in the season. Because education seminars and spring meetings have been affected by the virus, the MSR cycle has been extended. The current MSR cycle was due to end on June 15, 2021 and will now conclude on June 15, 2022. In concert with this, PGA Associates Acceptable Progress deadlines have too been extended by one year and they are looking into the possibility of adding online options.

Understandably, people are concerned about their health, jobs and the future. Please remember that the PGA of America offers the PGA Member Assistance Program which provides confidential, professional counseling and online services for a wide array of personal and well-being concerns. If you have any questions about this service, it is available on PGA.org.

Our Section is nearly 100 years old and has persevered through many tough times. I am confident that together we will persevere through this current challenge. We will rely on the incredible staff that we have at the Section office, the leadership of the Board as well as the knowledge and experience of previous leaders. Together we will get through this.

Be safe and be well.

Jeff Kiddie, PGA
President
Philadelphia PGA Section