Rounds 4 Research May auction raises more than $300K for turfgrass studies

The 2018 Rounds 4 Research fundraising program to support turfgrass studies, administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), sold more than 1,330 rounds and yielded nearly $313,000 in its May online auction, making it the most successful in the program’s history. The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association raised $60,000 and was the leader among more than 70 GCSAA affiliated chapters and turfgrass organizations that received proceeds from the auction to support turfgrass research at the local level. The Florida GCSA was next with nearly $26,700 raised for its chapter.

The top bid was $3,320 for a round of golf for four donated by Somerset Hills Country Club in Bernardsville, N.J.

“We are thrilled that Rounds 4 Research had its most successful year ever,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “This is a wonderful program that allows golfers to help support the future of the game while playing the courses they love.”

The national campaign is supported by a $50,000 donation from The Toro Co. Golf Channel, Golf Advisor and GolfNow provided promotional support. More than 60 golf course management companies donated more than 350 rounds to the auction, including Billy Casper Golf, ClubCorp, Marriott Golf, the PGA Tour’s TPC Network and Troon Golf.

The program has raised more than $1,095,000 since launching in 2012.