The PGA of America also provides assistance pro- grams that can be a lifeline for Members in a variety of important life events. The Member Assistance Program (MAP) offers a variety of wellness benefits, including savings on medical services like dental, vision, chiropractic and pharmacy. It also provides financial assistance services, childcare and elder- care referral services, legal assistance services and identity recover assistance. The full list of services and how they work can be seen at PGA.org, and there is a mobile app that can be used to access the benefits.
“The MAP is something the PGA of America Membership Committee brought forward a few years ago,” says Tom Brawley, PGA of America Senior Director of Membership and Governance. “For the cost of a cup of coffee, about $5 in the yearly dues, we can provide these important services that might not be available to PGA of America Members who are independent contractors or work for smaller companies that don’t otherwise provide them. It’s also a great resource that our PGA Career Services and Membership teams can use to remind our Members that they have a number of resources available to them if they’re going through a rough time or need these specialized services.”
One benefit of the MAP that is seeing increased awareness and usage is the program’s mental wellness tools. The MAP includes unlimited access – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to confidential, short-term telephone counseling with licensed professionals. Members can gain referrals for long-term counseling or specialized care, as well as work/life services covering concerns such as stress management, grief and loss, and legal and financial concerns.
“The death of PGA TOUR Professional Grayson Murray earlier this year put a spotlight on mental wellness, and we’ve been getting a fair share of feed- back about our own PGA of America Golf Professionals and their own mental health awareness,” says Lindert. “The MAP is something PGA Members might not know about because it’s a fairly new program. It is 100 percent confidential, and access is available around the clock for anyone who needs it for themselves or their families.”
Another comforting program for PGA of America Members is the PGA Medical and Disaster Relief Fund, which can help when unexpected and unreimbursed expenses are encountered. PGA of America Members can receive up to $9,000 in life- time benefits in situations like having serious emergency medical expenses or expenses from natural disasters.
Requests for assistance through the PGA Medical and Disaster Relief Fund is reviewed by the PGA of America Board of Control. Since 2000, the fund has disbursed close to $3.5 million to PGA of America Members.
“The PGA Medical and Disaster Relief Fund is funded by PGA of America Members, so it really is Members helping Members,” Brawley says. “It’s for one-off situations where unexpected, emergency out-of-pocket expenses are affecting PGA Members. It isn’t like disability or unemployment insurance, but it can be a crucial lifeline in a difficult situation.
“But the MAP and the PGA Medical and Disaster Relief Fund are examples of how if a PGA of America Member or their family is going through a tough time, there are resources available to help get you through many different situations.”