2020 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Canceled

2020spga-5
2020spga-5

The following is a statement from the PGA of America and KitchenAid regarding the cancellation of the 2020 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores in May.

 

Due to the stay-at-home order in the state of Michigan for COVID-19 and the uncertainties around future timelines, KitchenAid and the PGA of America have canceled the 2020 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. While the Championship has a positive impact on the local community every other year, the overall health and safety of community members is the top concern.

The 81st annual Championship was scheduled to be held at Harbor Shores Resort in Benton Harbor, Mich. May 19-24, 2020.

KitchenAid and the PGA are committed to following the recommendations of government and health agencies during these unprecedented times, which currently include the banning of large gatherings and recommended social distancing.

“This was not an easy decision, we know how much this Championship means to our Southwest Michigan community, and the positive impact it has on our local economy, however the health and safety of our community is our priority” said Jeff Fettig, Chairman of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. “We will miss the players and fans, who have all become welcomed extensions of our community over the years. While we are incredibly disappointed that the Championship will not return to Benton Harbor in 2020, we know that this is the right thing to do.”

KitchenAid and the PGA of America have been monitoring the COVID-19 matter for some time and explored the various options for hosting the event later in the year. Due to a focus on supporting all efforts to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the overall uncertainty of when an alternate date would be feasible, cancellation was the only option.

“Presenting the most historic major Championship in senior golf requires a large number of people and the entire community rallies around this event and we will come back better than ever,” said KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Director Ryan Ogle. “I thank the countless corporate and hospitality partners, volunteers, players and fans for their continued support of the Championship.”

“We thank everyone, especially those here in Michigan’s great southwest, for your continued support of this major Championship,” said Jeff Noel, Vice President of Public Affairs, Whirlpool Corp. “The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship has always brought the Benton Harbor community together, and we believe that this sense of community is more important now than ever. We look forward to the Championship returning to Harbor Shores in 2022.”

KitchenAid and Whirlpool Corp. have been proud to bring Championship golf to Southwest Michigan since 2012 to show the world that Benton Harbor is an incredible place to live, work and play. The Championship makes an incredibly positive impact on the local economy.

“We completely support the PGA and KitchenAid in their decision to cancel the Championship, and we appreciate the diligent and thoughtful way in which they have handled this situation,” said Marcus Muhammad, Mayor of Benton Harbor. “We take great pride in our city, and are looking forward to hosting the Championship and showcasing all that Benton Harbor has to offer when the time is right.”

For information on ticket refunds, please visit srpga.com.