Herbert V. Kohler Jr. donates $250,000 to the Environmental Institute for Golf
The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of GCSAA
Lawrence, Kan. (March 3, 2020) – Herb Kohler, executive chairman of the Kohler Co., has donated $250,000 to the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The EIFG fosters sustainability by providing funding for research grants, education programs, awareness of golf’s environmental efforts and scholarships.
“I can’t think of a better organization to make sure these funds are used toward ensuring a sustainable future for golf than the EIFG,” Kohler said.
Kohler brought world caliber golf to the company that bears his family name and is most synonymous with manufacturing of leading-edge products for homes around the world. An avid golfer, Kohler hired famed architect Pete Dye to build four courses at two championship venues — Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wis., and Whistling Straits in Haven, Wis. The latter will host the 2020 Ryder Cup.
In 2004, Kohler ventured into the birthplace of the game when the company bought the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa in St Andrews. In all, the Kohler courses have hosted the 2010 and 2015 British Opens at St. Andrews and the PGA Championships in 2004, 2010 and 2015 at Whistling Straits.
Kohler has a long history with the EIFG and GCSAA. He served two three-year terms (1999-2002, 2007-2010) on the board of trustees for the EIFG and was board chairman in 2001-2002. In 2016, he was awarded GCSAA’s highest honor, the Old Tom Morris Award.
“Herb Kohler has a true dedication to the game of golf and its future,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “We continue to be honored with his friendship and are deeply appreciative of his nearly two decades of support for the EIFG and its mission.”
A graduate of Yale University, and a designer/inventor with more than 200 product patents, he is also an active philanthropist outside of golf. Kohler chaired the Board of Trustees of Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn., where he was a former student. There he built the Kohler Environmental Center, the first teaching, research and residential environmental center in U.S. secondary education. He has been a director of the National Association of Manufacturers and a Trustee of Outward Bound, Lawrence University, the Kennedy Center and the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art. He was elected to the National Kitchen & Bath Industry Hall of Fame, the National Housing Hall of Fame and the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame. In 2002 he was named the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing.
For more information about the EIFG visit www.eifg.org.
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 19,000 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
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
