Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 5, 2025) – The GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has received another $50,000 grant from The Toro Company Foundation for continued support of the Rounds 4 Research (R4R) program in 2025. With this contribution, Toro has donated $650,000 to the program over the past 13 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 nearly $4 million. The program is administered by the GCSAA Foundation and presented in partnership with Toro. The 2025 R4R auction will be held April 21-27.
“The Rounds 4 Research auction broke records again in 2024, and Toro’s ongoing support has been vital to this program’s success year after year,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Thanks to Toro’s continued generosity, the R4R program remains steadfast in fostering sustainability for the game of golf and keeps the needle moving on research that improves the golf industry.”
Toro is a longtime partner of the GCSAA Foundation, donating more than $2.7 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.
“The Toro Company Foundation is proud to support Rounds for Research because we are dedicated to advancing scientific research, education and scholarships for future turfgrass professionals. As environmental stewards, this initiative aligns perfectly with our top priorities," said Marnie K. Wells, President, The Toro Company Foundation.
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.
IndustryContact:
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