Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 1, 2024) – The GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has again received a $50,000 grant from The Toro Company Foundation for continued support of the Rounds 4 Research (R4R) program in 2024. With this contribution, Toro has donated $600,000 to the program over the past 12 years.
Rounds 4 Research is designed to address a critical shortage in turfgrass research funding by auctioning donated rounds of golf online. The program allows GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to participate as fundraising partners and direct the proceeds from auctioned rounds to specific projects that will have the most significant impact in their local areas.
Since its launch in 2012, Rounds 4 Research has raised more than $3 million. The program is administered by the GCSAA Foundation and presented in partnership with Toro. The 2024 R4R auction will be held April 22-28.
“The Rounds 4 Research auction saw yet another record-breaking amount raised in 2023, and we would not have been able to accomplish it without help from Toro,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Toro understands the importance of the program and has consistently been a key contributor to the success of R4R. We are grateful for their ongoing generosity and support.”
Toro is a longtime partner of the GCSAA Foundation, donating more than $2.6 million since 1987 to help support scientific research, education and scholarships for future turfgrass professionals. As the exclusive presenting partner of Rounds 4 Research, Toro is a Victory Club member of the GCSAA Foundation’s cumulative giving program and a GCSAA Platinum Partner.
“We are honored to be in partnership with GCSAA. We recognize the importance of raising awareness in support of university-based agronomic research, education, advocacy programs and course operations,” said Marnie K. Wells, President, The Toro Company Foundation. “GCSAA’s commitment to excellence in golf course management aligns seamlessly with our own values, making this collaboration a natural and meaningful fit.”
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org