Dear SOPGA Membership,
I hope that this letter finds your family well and in good health. The coronavirus pandemic has affected the lives of many PGA Members, Associates and facilities. In an effort to help, our new Executive Director, Patrick Salva and our Section staff have been communicating with National Headquarters to understand how to help our Section and its Members. Through this correspondence with the PGA of America, the goal has been to create a financially sustainable plan to ensure that the Southern Ohio PGA perseveres through this difficult time. Furthermore, Patrick has been looking at ways to meet the needs of the Section while offering a means to provide relief to our Members.
One of the immediate outcomes of his efforts is that we will join the PGA of America in offering a deferment option for the payment of Section and National dues until October 31, 2020.
The billing process will remain the same. The dues billing will be mailed in early May, however, you now have two methods of payment to choose from:
1. Pay full dues amount any time through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee.
(OR)
2. Pay in two installments: Pay Section amount only anytime through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee. Pay National, Life, Liability and MAP anytime through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee provided all dues components are paid by October 31, 2020.
As we continue our efforts to deliver the best support and services during these trying times, your dues payments greatly support the business operations of our Section. For those of you that are able and willing, you may show your support of The SOPGA by paying your dues on the regular schedule with a deadline of July 31, 2020.
Section dues ($406 for Class A Members – $311 for Class B Associates – click here for the dues schedule)
Those unable to pay the full dues amount by October 31, 2020, will be moved to non-active status, and can still pay the full dues by June 30, 2021, to “re-establish” Membership (per the Bylaws). The PGA of America will waive the late and re- establish fees.
On a related note, we will accept payment of the Southern Ohio PGA Players’ Fee, however, we have extended the due date from April 24 to a yet to be determined date. Once we have a better understanding of the impact COVID-19 has had on our tournament program, we will make a determination and share that with you.
As a reminder, if you are a PGA Professional experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19, please apply for the PGA’s Golf Emergency Relief Fund by clicking here. Applications are being accepted starting today, Thursday, April 16 at 2:00pm.
In closing, if there is anything I, the Officers, Board of Directors or staff can do to assist you, please let us know. Continued wishes for good health.
For the Board of Directors,
Joe Zinchini, PGA
President – Southern Ohio PGA