Lawrence, Kansas, United States: The 2022 Rounds 4 Research fund-raising programme to support turfgrass studies, administered by the GCSAA Foundation, sold 1,361 rounds of golf and yielded more than US$482,000 in its April 25-May 1 online auction, making it the most successful in the programme’s history and an increase of US$129,000 over 2021.

The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organisation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The top bid was US$10,100 for the Dormie Network one-year membership to six private clubs.

“Thanks to generous donors and bidders who care about supporting the game they love and for making this year’s Rounds 4 Research auction our most successful yet,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA Chief Executive Officer. “Golf is more popular than ever, and it is wonderful to see golfers and the industry come together to ensure its future.”

The national campaign is presented in partnership with The Toro Company, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Several multi-course operators have also joined the effort to support research, including ClubCorp, Dormie Network, Founders Group International, GreatLIFE KC, KemperSports, Marriott Golf, the PGA Tour TPC network of courses and Troon Golf.

“We are proud to join other management companies and individual courses in being a part of this important effort for the good of the game,” said David Nicholls, Senior Vice President of Science and Agronomy for Troon Golf, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation. “Rounds 4 Research benefits everyone who cares about golf because it is making sure that the game will be here for many years to come.”  

The programme has raised nearly US$2.5 million since launching in 2012.