The economic issues that plagued the overall golf industry in the last decade were particularly hard on turfgrass research, affecting funding from sources inside and outside golf. Universities and colleges, which conduct the vast majority of research, were severely impacted, and programs were eliminated or significantly reduced from the lack of funds.
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of American (GCSAA) recognized the critical shortage in funding, and in 2012, launched Rounds 4 Research, which raises funds by auctioning donated rounds of golf through an online auction, www.biddingforgood.com. The program is administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA, and is presented in partnership with The Toro Co. Since its beginning, Rounds 4 Research has raised more than $150,000 for turfgrass research. This year’s Rounds 4 Research auctions will be held June 9-22 and Aug. 1-10.
The program was originally developed on a regional basis by one of GCSAA’s affiliated chapters, the Carolinas GCSA, before being expanded nationally. However, it is a continued focus on local research that makes Rounds 4 Research unique within the industry. Rounds 4 Research allows GCSAA chapters, turfgrass foundations and other organizations to participate as fundraising partners, with proceeds going back to those organizations. In this way, these organizations can direct the proceeds to specific projects that will have the most significant impact in their local areas. More than 50 GCSAA chapters and other organizations in the U.S. and Canada have now signed on as Rounds 4 Research fundraising partners.
But while funds may go straight to research, the ultimate benefactors of the investment of these funds are golfers and golf facilities. Owners and operators have benefited in the past from research through increased efficiencies created by novel golf course management programs; turfgrasses that fight disease pressures, wear and tear and extreme weather conditions; and products that are more effective and safer for the environment. As the game and business of golf evolve, research helps anticipate and meet the challenges of the future.
Funds generated by Rounds 4 Research help to protect the future of golf by developing new grass types, enhancing environmental stewardship, advocating for positive public policy towards golf, and educating future golf course managers. For the golfer, the program provides access to golf facilities for which they likely had no previous opportunity to enjoy and helps better maintain the courses they do play on a regular basis.
You don’t have to be a researcher or scientist to help with Rounds 4 Research’s efforts. As a course owner, you can make a donation of rounds of golf for foursomes from your facility. You can work with the GCSAA-affiliated chapter in your area or make a direct donation online at www.rounds4research.com/donate-a-round/. The two 2014 auctions will be timed around the U.S. Open (June 9-22) and the PGA Championship (Aug. 1-10), and donations are now being accepted. Donors can customize their donations to specify what is included, facility dress codes, blackout dates or other restrictions. The facility’s logo will be featured on the auction item listing on biddingforgood.com and the facility’s name will be listed on the Rounds 4 Research website’s donor list. In 2013, 600 rounds were donated for the first auction, and an additional 300 rounds were up for bid in the second auction.
The success of the program lies with golfers bidding on the rounds. You can register at http://biddingforgood.com to be able to access all the great golf offered at great prices through the auction, whether you are buying rounds for yourself or encouraging golfers at your facility to take part in Rounds 4 Research.
So, whether you are involved in an organization looking to solicit rounds, a facility owner wanting to donate a rounds for a worthy cause, or a golfer looking for the opportunity to support research while enjoying the sport you love, Rounds 4 Research provides a way for all aspects of the game to come together to ensure its future. For more information, visit www.rounds4research.
Scott Hollister is editor-in-chief of Golf Course Management and interim director of communications at GCSAA. He can be reached at [email protected].
About GCSAA and the EIFG
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter, and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit www.eifg.org.