McIlroy hopes delayed Masters can help end wait for green jacket
PGA of America donates $5 million to launch coronavirus relief fund
LOS ANGELES: World number one Rory McIlroy expects this year’s Masters to feel a bit different and says the tournament being pushed back to November due to the COVID-19 pandemic could help him win the coveted green jacket.
The Masters is usually the year’s first major but the event had been delayed from its April slot and will now take place after the US Open and PGA Championship, which were rescheduled for August and September. This year’s British Open has been cancelled due to the outbreak. McIlroy, who needs the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, said the new date would give it a “different feel”.
“Two of the majors will have already been played, hopefully the Ryder Cup’s already been played. People will be in their routine and in the flow a little bit more,” he said in an Instagram Live chat with the US LPGA’s Michelle Wie.
“I always feel there’s this bit of anticipation going into Augusta, the first big event of the year. There’s all this hype. “It’s going to be a different Masters this year but personally, maybe selfishly, that’s what I need to get the jacket.”
The Northern Irishman won the US Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and the British Open in 2014 but his best showing at the Masters was fourth in 2015.
Meanwhile, the PGA of America donated $5 million to launch the Golf Emergency Relief fund on
Monday, aiming to provide support for the golf industry during the coronavirus pandemic.
The body, whose flagship event the US PGA Championship has been postponed from May amid the shelter-in-place policies designed to slow spread of the virus, pledged to match up to an additional $2.5 million given by other groups.
A statement said the PGA of America contribution included all members of its executive team voluntarily reducing their compensation. The board of directors pledged personal donations.
“There’s pain everywhere,” PGA chief executive Seth Waugh said. “It’s how to get to the other side. The government is doing extraordinary things. The Fed actions last week were stunning. The loan programs are very clever to keep people employed. The bad news is it may not be enough depending on how long this lasts. “What we’re saying is, ‘How can we create an additional safety net?’” The fund will be administered by E4E Relief, an independent public charity. The PGA, which represents club professionals, has nearly 29,000 members. But PGA president Suzy Whaley said it’s hoped the fund will help members of other golf organizations, club caddies and players on developmental tours.
“We have to ensure that the heart and soul of our game — our people — are able to get back on their feet and continue to serve others down the road,”
I need to get
the jacket
Whaley said. “Eventually, golf will return, but we first need to reach out and help people in our industry during this national emergency.”
The PGA said other organizations, including the US PGA Tour and the LPGA, the US Golf Association are supporting the fund, as are groups representing course superintendents, course owners and merchandisers. “Our hope is the industry gets behind it,” Whaley said. Applications are to be accepted starting from tomorrow. The first phase will distribute $500 grants for basic needs and $1,500 grants for critical needs. A second phase will make funds available up to $3,500 depending on need. —Agencies