Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation receives donations

Board members from the Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation accepted a check for $10,000 from the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association. Photo: Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation

The work of the Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation received two major boosts this week with a record-breaking fundraiser and sign-on from one of the turfgrass industry’s leading innovators. More than 200 people turned out for the annual Spring Classic tournament at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Ga., which funds a significant portion of the foundation’s work. It was there that foundation officials announced that internationally-renowned turfgrass scientist, Dr. Wayne Hanna, had agreed to serve on the foundation board.

“Having Dr. Hanna’s perspective and voice on the board of the foundation will be invaluable,” foundation chairman, Harold Franklin, from Fields Ferry Golf Club in Calhoun, says. “He is a giant in his field and his passion and commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability on the golf course is second to none.”

Dr. Hanna has spent more than 40 years, many at the University of Georgia, developing environmentally friendly grasses now used widely on golf courses around the world. He has produced bermudagrasses such as TifSport, TifEagle and TifGrand, all of which are hardier and less costly to maintain, while providing excellent fairway and putting surfaces that have been featured in USGA championships. Hanna won the USGA Green Section Award in 2012.

The Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association. The Spring Classic received two major boosts even before the golf tournament teed off, with leaders receiving checks of $10,000 from each of the Georgia GCSA and Georgia State Golf Association.

The foundation also relies upon the support of clubs, individuals and other organizations to fund programs and projects that help golf courses fulfill the environmental, recreational and economic needs of their communities. Established in 2004, the foundation funds research projects and delivers education and outreach, promoting best management practices for environmental stewardship on the golf course.

“We raised a lot of money with more people turning out at TPC Sugarloaf in support than we have ever had,” says Georgia GCSA executive director, Tenia Workman. “It will take some time before we have a final dollar amount, but it will be substantial. We had more than 180 people compete in the golf tournament, so thankfully we had access to a 27-hole facility. The folks at TPC Sugarloaf were wonderful hosts and partners in this event.”

The Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation also derives funding through Rounds4Research, the annual online auction of golf rounds that includes one-time access to some of the state’s most exclusive private facilities. The first of two Rounds4Research auctions in 2014 runs June 9 to 22.