To celebrate family’s 100th anniversary in the golf industry, Turfco pledges $25,000 to the EIFG, philanthropic organization of GCSAA
Kinkead family gift will support turfgrass research
Turfco, a manufacturer of golf course equipment, has donated $25,000 to the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), in celebration of its founding family’s 100th anniversary in the golf industry. Turfco officially presented the gift to the EIFG at the 2019 Golf Industry Show in San Diego. The money will be used to support turfgrass research.
Robert Stanard Kinkead founded National Mower in 1919. His son, John Kinkead Sr., spearheaded innovation at Turfco, which was established in 1961. Turfco is now owned and operated by John’s sons, George and Scott Kinkead. Robert Kinkead was an exhibitor at the event that would become the Golf Industry Show when it started in 1927. The donation is a way to thank superintendents for their role in the company’s success for the last century.
“This is our way of showing our appreciation for this wonderful industry,” said George and Scott Kinkead. “Not too many others in the industry have been involved in making golf course maintenance equipment for 100 years. There has been a Kinkead at every GCSAA annual conference since they began.
With this donation, Turfco is now a member of the Platinum Tee Club, which recognizes organizations that give $5,000 or more annually. Turfco is also now a member of the EIFG’s Cumulative Giving Program’s Governor’s Club for organizations that have donated between $50,000 and $99,999 since 1987.
“Congratulations to the Kinkeads on their 100th anniversary,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Throughout their century in the industry, they have been great friends of GCSAA. We thank them for their most recent support and wish them well in the next 100 years.”
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.
About Turfco
Turfco’s lineage as a turf care equipment manufacturer traces back as far as 1919. Robert Stanard Kinkead started National Mower Company in St. Paul, MN, making reel type, sickle bar and pull-behind lawn mowers that could be hitched to horses or tractors. The company continued its growth with power mowers and rose to national and international prominence as innovators in commercial-grade mowing products for the golf clubs, parks, agricultural, sports, and municipal industries, among others. Turfco, working closely with local superintendents, created the first mechanized topdresser in 1961. John Kinkead Sr, while still working at National Mower, spearheaded the introduction of many other turf innovations at Turfco. His love for the industry and his innovative spirit was realized in making Turfco what it is today. Turfco is now owned and operated by John’s sons, George and Scott Kinkead, who together with the Turfco family continue this tradition.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Associate Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
