If you've been paying attention to any of GCSAA's news feeds through social media or the association's Website, then this might be old news to you. But if not, there's this — the first Rounds 4 Research auction is now live.
As a brief recap, Rounds 4 Research auctions off rounds of golf — defined as a foursome — at courses all around the country with the proceeds going toward supporting turfgrass research efforts around the country. The first batch features rounds at some big-name courses, including Pine Needles, TPC Sugarloaf and East Lake.
The complete news release announcing the first auction, along with The Toro Co.'s involvement as the program's presenting partner:
Rounds 4 Research to fund research-based activities
Online auctions of golf rounds provide access to hundreds of facilitiesGolf enthusiasts now have access to hundreds of golf courses through online auctions of golf rounds, beginning Oct. 1, thanks to Rounds 4 Research and The Toro Co.
Accessible through the highly popular online auction site biddingforgood.com, the first auction period will be Oct. 1 - 15, featuring nearly 70 courses in 11 different states. Among the rounds up for auction will be at Pine Needles Lodge, Mid Pines, N.C.; TPC Sugarloaf, Atlanta; and East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta.
Subsequent auctions will be conducted Oct. 22 - Nov. 5, Nov. 12 - 26, and Dec. 3 - 17. At present, 250 rounds, defined as a foursome, are up for auction. Additional rounds are being secured, likely to drive that number considerably higher.
Rounds 4 Research is a fundraising program with the goal of generating resources to support agronomic research for golf courses. It is in response to previous funding sources, both public and private, being eliminated. The program is being administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Rounds 4 Research has been conducted the previous four years on a regional basis.
"Research is the source of innovation for any industry," GCSAA President Sandy Queen, CGCS, said. "Past agronomic research has helped to develop turfgrasses that better withstand weather, disease and traffic. It has also enhanced the environmental performance of golf courses. And, the enjoyment of the game has been elevated through course management programs developed from research activities. But the golf industry is facing a considerable challenge as economic struggles have limited research funding. If we as golfers are to continue to enjoy this game and witness further innovations, then we must find new research dollars."
Funds generated by the auctions will be returned to the participating GCSAA-affiliated chapters for research-based activities including applied agronomic research, education, advocacy and scholarships. As the program's presenting partner, Toro will collaborate on the initiative through a direct contribution to EIFG's cooperative research efforts. Toro has been a long-term partner of the EIFG, supporting innovative programs such as GCSAA's Golf Course Environmental Profile Project.
"Toro is pleased to further its relationship with GCSAA and the EIFG," said Darren Redetzke, vice president, Toro's commercial business. "The program aligns with our philosophy that investing in research ultimately improves the customer experience. The true benefactor of Rounds 4 Research will be the golfer. This is a vital program for all sectors of the golf industry."
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