Rounds4Research: A Mighty Good Idea

Last November, I sat down with Paul Jett, certified superintendent at Pinehurst No. 2 and president of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association, to discuss Rounds4Research, an ingenuous idea to raise money for turfgrass research through an online auction. I've been waiting for just the right time to write about the program.

Rounds4Research allows golfers to bid for foursomes and golf packages at first-class courses across North Carolina, South Carolina and in other states. All the proceeds benefit turfgrass research programs at Clemson University and North Carolina State University.

I've waited this long to write about Rounds4Research, a first-of-its-kind program, because the program kicks off Sunday. Timeliness is everything.

"What we asked is for every golf course in North and South Carolina to donate one tee time for a foursome of golf, and we took those tee times and packaged them in vacation-type packages for auction," Jett said. "All money raised will used for turfgrass research."

It's no secret that funds for turfgrass research have been declining, and will continue to decline in this economic environment. Clemson and N.C. State have felt the pinch.

"This is an effort to help them make up what they've lost over the last few years," Jett says.
It's also no secret that not every golf course is selling every tee time. Hence, they can give away tee times that won't cost them a dime. And the courses will benefit in the future through research to combat such things as disease and pest pressures while continually advancing the game's role in environmental stewardship.

Rounds4Research is a great idea that has gained some steam. Courses from Virginia, Tennessee, Florida and even the Dominican Republic have also donated rounds.

Rounds4Research is the brainstorm of Tim Kreger, director of programs for the Carolinas GCSA, who succeeds Chuck Borman as executive director of the association later this year. I'd say Kreger has made a nice impression among his colleagues with this idea.
"As far as we know, no other association has put this much effort into a fundraising program for turfgrass research in their areas," Jett says.

For all you superintendents, assistant superintendents, greenskeepers and industry personnel who are golfers — and have friends and family who are golfers — you definitely want to check out the auction. You could end up on a nice golf trip for a nice price — and give back to the industry at the same time.

The Rounds4Research auction runs through May 6. Be ready to bid on April 19.

Clearly, this is what you call one of those win-win situations.

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