Rounds 4 Research provides funding for turfgrass research projects and programs
Program has raised more than $1.5 million since its launch in 2012
Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 25, 2020) – Rounds 4 Research (R4R) is an innovative program aimed at generating resources to fund research and help ensure golf’s future. R4R is administered by The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Golf facilities can support the effort by donating rounds of golf for two or four or “stay and play” packages and other items that are auctioned online. The 2020 auction will be held April 27-May 3, and is available to preview at www.biddingforgood.com/rounds4research.
Rounds 4 Research provides a way for all aspects of the game to come together to ensure its future. The 2019 R4R auction raised more than $364,000, and the program has raised more than $1.5 million since its launch in 2012.
In 2018, the Carolinas GCSA was among several chapters to receive funds for projects and programs. The program originated with the chapter before expanding through the EIFG.
“So far we have granted over $400,000 to Clemson University and North Carolina State Universities for turfgrass research,” said Tim Kreger, executive director, Carolinas GCSA. “Our initial intent was for funding of turfgrass research in the Carolinas because of the reductions in support from the state governments for our land grant institutions.”
The Florida GCSA also received research funding. R4R provided funds for the following current projects: Developing golf course renovation programs with herbicide alternatives to glyphosate, developing comprehensive Tropical Signalgrass control programs for Florida golf course superintendents, risk thresholds for Lance Nematodes on Ultradwarf Bermudagrass, enhancing Florida golf courses to conserve beneficial insects, multi-location trial to establish maintenance requirements of new bermudagrass cultivars, seasonal dynamics of warm season turfgrass, multi-location trial to identify experimental lines of bermudagrass, and support of the Environmental Research & Education Foundation.
“All of our funds received from Rounds 4 Research are solely earmarked for research. Rounds for Research has provided us with an alternate revenue source for research. It has enabled our chapter to commit to new research projects on an annual basis that are valuable to all of our members. Prior to Rounds 4 Research, we were much more limited to new commitments,” said Jennifer Bryan, Florida GCSA executive director.
“R4R has been extremely beneficial to our chapter, not only in the funds raised, but by strengthening our relationship with our allied associations across the state. These associations have partnered with us to spread the word about Rounds 4 Research to the golf pros, club managers and the golfers creating a bridge of understanding to the value of research to not only to the superintendent, but everyone involved in golf,” said Bryan.
R4R also benefited the Miami (Ohio) Valley GCSA. Their funds went toward the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust, the charitable arm of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, which provides research, education and advocacy for turfgrass. Additionally, funds went toward the Miami Valley GCSA programming for the annual meeting and education event. This helped offset speaker fees, and travel costs associated with providing members a quality event.
“Each year, our chapter takes advantage of the funds generated by Rounds 4 Research to help supplement programs for our members. Most recently, we’ve utilized it to offset expenses for our annual education event, which allows us the opportunity to maintain reasonable registration fees to our members so they can get the credits and information they need at an affordable price,” said Brian Laurent, executive director, Miami Valley GCSA.
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
