Kansas, United States: The first phase of the 2014 Rounds 4 Research fund-raising programme for turfgrass studies, run by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), sold more than 600 rounds and yielded US$115,500 in the June online auction.
The total was a seven per cent increase over a year ago. The EIFG is the philanthropic organisation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GSCAA).
The Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association was the leader with more than US$35,000 raised among more than 45 fund-raising partners that donated rounds for turfgrass research at the local level.
The top bid was US$1,800 for a stay-and-play package offered by French Lick Resort at West Baden Springs, while the high bid for a tee time for four golfers was US$1,508 for the chance to play at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, home to the PGA Tour Championship.
“We are pleased with the success of our Rounds 4 Research programme and the good that we know it can do for turfgrass research,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA Chief Executive Officer.
“This is a terrific programme that gives golfers everywhere a chance to play their favourite courses and benefit the long-term health of the game.”
The second auction for Rounds 4 Research will run from August 1-10, to coincide with the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Online bidding will be offered at www.rounds4research.com
The national campaign is supported by a US$50,000 donation from The Toro Company, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation. The programme has raised more than US$290,000 since being launched in 2012.