Grant supports program auctioning golf rounds to fund regional turfgrass research
Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 7, 2018) – The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has again received a $50,000 grant from The Toro Company for continued support of the Rounds 4 Research program in 2018. With this contribution, Toro has donated $300,000 to the program over the past six years.
Rounds 4 Research is designed to address a critical shortage in turfgrass research funding by auctioning donated rounds of golf online. The program allows GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to participate as fundraising partners and direct the proceeds from auctioned rounds to specific projects that will have the most significant impact in their local areas. Since its launch in 2012, Rounds 4 Research has raised more than $800,000. The 2018 auction will be held April 30-May 6 and is available to preview at www.biddingforgood.com/rounds4research. The program is administered by the EIFG and presented in partnership with Toro.
“Toro’s continued support of and commitment to Rounds 4 Research has been a huge factor in the success of the program,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “The funds raised provide long-term benefit for the entire golf industry.”
“Research funding is critical to providing the innovation needed for facilities to operate more efficiently, to enhance environmental performance and to provide more enjoyable playing conditions,” said Judson McNeil, president of The Toro Foundation. “Our partnership with the EIFG on Rounds 4 Research furthers our long history of collaborating with superintendents to provide golfers with healthy turf on which to play the sport they love.”
Toro is a longtime partner of the EIFG, donating more than $2 million since 1987 to help support scientific research, education and scholarships for future turfgrass professionals. As the exclusive presenting partner of Rounds 4 Research, Toro is a Victory Club member of the EIFG cumulative giving program and a GCSAA Platinum Partner.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
