Rounds 4 Research auction raises $364,000 for turfgrass studies
National program has raised nearly $1.5 million since 2012
The 2019 Rounds 4 Research fundraising program to support turfgrass studies, administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), sold 1,465 rounds of golf and yielded nearly $364,000 in its May online auction, making it the most successful in the program’s history and an increase of $51,000 over 2018. The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association raised $61,000 and was the leader among more than 70 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 nearly $40,000 raised for its chapter.
The top bid was $4,750 for a round of golf for four donated by Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas.
“Rounds 4 Research continues to grow every year, and that is thanks to generous donors and bidders who care about supporting the game they love,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “It is wonderful to see all aspects of the game come together to ensure its future.”
The national campaign is supported by a $50,000 donation from The Toro Co. The Golf Channel, Golf Advisor and GolfNow provided promotional support. More than 70 golf course management companies donated more than 400 rounds to the auction, including American Golf, Billy Casper Golf, ClubCorp, CourseCo, Founders Group International, Marriott Golf, the PGA Tour TPC Network and Troon Golf. The program has raised nearly $1.5 million since launching in 2012.
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 more than 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
Associate Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
