Rounds 4 Research auction nets $217,000

The 2017 Rounds 4 Research fundraising program to support turfgrass studies, managed by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), sold more than 1,080 rounds and yielded in excess of $217,000 in its May online auction, making it the most successful in the history of the six-year program. The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of GCSAA.

The Carolinas GCSA raised $50,000 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 Georgia GCSA was next with nearly $20,000 raised for its association.

The top bid was $5,200 for a round of golf for four donated by Sage Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, S.C. Other high bids included $2,650 for four players at East Lake Golf Club outside of Atlanta, and $1,600 for four players at The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Conn.

“I made the decision that this was for a good cause and it was something I wanted to do,” said Christian Clark, a gastroenterologist in the Tulsa area who placed the top bid to play at Sage Valley. “It will be well worth the price to be able to play with several friends. I used to live in South Carolina, and I am looking forward to making the trip.”

"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 through important turfgrass research while playing the courses they love."

The national campaign is supported by a $50,000 donation from The Toro Co. The Golf Channel, Golf Advisor and GolfNow provided promotional support. Nearly 60 golf course management companies donated more than 350 rounds to the auction, including Billy Casper Golf, ClubCorp, Marriott Golf, the PGA Tour TPC network of courses and Troon Golf. The program has raised more than $782,000 since launching in 2012.