National program has raised more than $1.7 million since 2012
Lawrence, Kan. — The 2020 Rounds 4 Research fundraising program to support turfgrass studies, administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), sold out of all 997 rounds of donated golf and yielded nearly $265,000 in its July online auction, marking the first time all rounds were sold since the program launched in 2012. The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The auction was originally scheduled for April 27-May 3, but was postponed to July 20-26 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the number of rounds donated and the amount of total funds raised were also affected by the pandemic, the results of the rescheduled auction show the game and program remain popular.
“We are delighted with the results of the 2020 auction, and it exceeded our expectations in light of world events,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Rescheduling it was the right thing to do, and we knew some courses would no longer be able to make donations. However, the fact that all rounds sold and we greatly exceeded our goal is evidence of the popularity of golf in today’s world and the strength of the R4R program.”
The Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association raised $50,907 and was the leader among more than 64 GCSAA affiliated chapters and turfgrass organizations that received proceeds from the auction to support turfgrass research at the local level. The Florida GCSA was next with $29,981 raised for its chapter.
The top bid was $10,009 for a one membership with full member privileges to six private clubs in the Dormie Network.
The national campaign is supported by a $50,000 donation from The Toro Co. The program has raised more than $1.7 million since it began.
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
