PGA World Alliance rallies with Relief Donations of $39,000 in support of members affected by Australian Flood

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA World Alliance will donate $39,000 in support of flood disaster relief for the Australian golf industry, following a joint announcement by PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka and Professional Golfers' Association Chief Executive Sandy Jones.

Australia, one of the founding members of the PGA World Alliance, suffered devastating flooding from December 2010 through this month, which has left a trail of destruction in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The golf industry has rallied to support those affected through the Golf Industry Flood Disaster Relief Fund. Earliest reports indicated that at least 12 golf clubs in Australia were affected by surging floodwaters, which now extend into northern New South Wales.

"Our industry is truly a worldwide family that brings us together on many levels, especially in this difficult time for our friends in Australia," said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka. "The PGA of America and our colleagues of The Professional Golfers' Association, on behalf of the PGA World Alliance, urge golf industry representatives throughout the world to join forces to extend a hand of support."

The PGA World Alliance members include The PGA of America, the Professional Golfers' Association (of Great Britain & Ireland), PGA of Australia, the Canadian PGA, PGAs of Europe, PGA of Germany, PGA of Japan, PGA of New Zealand, PGA of South Africa and the PGA of Sweden.

Said Jones, "Around 110 years ago, golf professionals came together in London to form the first PGA, with the objective of bringing benefit to all. Today, through the PGA World Alliance, we are demonstrating that PGA members around the world are still coming together to assist their colleagues in Australia who are facing tragic and difficult times. The strength of the PGA is the unity that it creates."

The Golf Industry Flood Disaster Relief Fund is managed by Golf Australia, and has been supported by Australian industry organizations that include Golf Queensland, The PGA of Australia, Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG), Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Golf Management Australia, Australian Sporting Goods Association and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects.