Lawrence, Kan. (May 5, 2026) – For the fifth straight year, the GCSAA Foundation’s Rounds 4 Research program supporting turfgrass research broke its fundraising records, yielding $936,298 during its April 2026 online auction, an increase of $182,529 over 2025. The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Rounds 4 Research helps address a critical shortage of funding for ongoing, university-based agronomic research, education, advocacy programs and course operations.
More than 2,000 rounds of golf were donated for an online auction, the highest number of donations in the program’s history. For the first time, rounds were available in all 50 states. The 2026 auction also featured an opportunity to play alongside the hosts of the popular golf podcast "We Need a Fourth" (Kenny Mayne, Brian Baumgartner and Cooper Manning) at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course.
"From coast to coast, Rounds 4 Research is making an impact on the future of the game thanks to our generous donors and bidders," GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “The continued success of Rounds 4 Research and our ability to fund vital turfgrass research would not be possible without them.”
The national campaign is presented in partnership with The Toro Co. The program has raised nearly $6 million since launching in 2012. For more information about GCSAA’s Rounds 4 Research, visit rounds4research.com.
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 21,000 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