Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

The PGA Tour is offering cash advances to players to make up for the loss of earnings caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

There has been no play on the world’s most lucrative golf circuit since THE PLAYERS Championship was cancelled on March 12 in response to the rapidly-spreading disease. 

All subsequent tournaments through to and including the US PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park have either been suspended or cancelled, affecting a total of 11 tournaments on the schedule and wiping almost $75m off the schedule.

• Ex Ryder Cup captain’s house destroyed by blaze

• Top club “might not survive” corona crisis

• Introducing bunkered’s ‘School of Golf’

The earliest play could resume is May 21, with the opening round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial. However, there are no guarantees that will happen.

As a result, the tour has taken measures to look after its members.

One of those includes the option – based upon their current FedEx Cup ranking – to receive up to $100,000 of bonus earnings that will be removed from their season-ending bonuses once play resumes.

WATCH – DUMBARNIE LINKS… THE FIRST REVIEW!

They will also be able to request advances on future earnings and up to $30,000 in advance earnings for future Monday pro-am spots. The process for players to withdraw funds from their retirement plans will also be expedited.

In a memo sent to players on Friday, Tyler Dennis, the tour’s chief of operations, wrote: “Playing opportunities equate to financial opportunities, and we are concerned about the toll that cancelled tournaments are having on some of our members.”

• Can UK greenkeepers still go to work? 

• BLOG – A perspective on golf in times of pause

Through the first 22 completed events, 50 players have each earned over $1million on the tour this season. The average earnings of the top 100 is $1.29m and $780,000 for the top 200. All told, 210 players have earned more than the median household income in the United States ($56,516) so far this season.

Caddies are also able to request support, with the tour allowing for a partial distribution of an endorsement programme. The Caddie Benevolent Fund will also be accepting requests.


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship