R&A to bail out hard-hit English clubs with £2.5m coronavirus fund
Clubs in England stricken by coronavirus can apply for a grant of up to £10,000 after £2.5 million was made available from the R&A’s Covid-19 Support Fund.
Those hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic are able to register their interest today and start the process after England Golf invited applications.
A total of £2,555,000 has been made available and is open to golf clubs and facilities.
The idea behind the fund and how to apply was outlined in a letter from England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson.
“May I take this opportunity to thank The R&A for supporting the club and amateur game through this fund and you, the clubs, for all your efforts over the past few difficult months,” wrote Tomlinson.
“The spirit of community, dedication to the game, a willingness to find solutions in unprecedented times and your support of England Golf’s notes of guidance have been crucial to golf playing a prominent role in the nation’s sporting recovery.
“The purpose of the fund is to provide short-term financial support to clubs and facilities as they develop a resilient business strategy and then plan for future sustainability.
“Our aim will be to support as many applications as possible with consideration given to those applicants who have a clear financial need and can outline an ongoing impact from grants received.”
An England Golf statement said the fund has been welcomed as a means to help clubs build for a brighter future. Those clubs and facilities applying will be asked commit to England Golf’s policies on safeguarding and equality.
Applications will close on July 31 and clubs will discover the outcome from the week starting August 24. Money will begin to be distributed during September.
What do you think of England Golf’s announcement? Will your club benefit? Let me know in the comments, or tweet me.
- Related: Scottish clubs stricken by pandemic get £700,000 cash boost
- Related: England Golf: Toughest times still to come for clubs
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
