Lawrence, Kansas, United States: The GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has received a US$50,000 grant from The Toro Company Foundation for continued support of the Rounds 4 Research programme in 2023.

With this contribution, Toro has donated US$550,000 to the programme over the past 11 years.

Rounds 4 Research is designed to address a critical shortage in turfgrass research funding by auctioning donated rounds of golf online.

The programme allows GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to participate as fund-raising 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 US$2.5 million. The 2023 auction will be held from April 24-30. The programme is administered by the GCSAA Foundation and presented in partnership with Toro.

“We raised a record amount in the 2022 auction, and Toro’s support played a crucial role in that,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA Chief Executive Officer. “Toro understands how R4R provides long-term benefit to the golf industry and the game, and we thank them for their continued support.”

“From support of applied research to scholarship funding for children of members and turfgrass students, we are proud to see the impact Rounds 4 Research has had on the industry,” said Judson McNeil, President, The Toro Company Foundation.

“The ultimate benefactors of the investment of these funds are golfers and golf facilities to help facilities operate more efficiently, enhance environmental performance and provide more enjoyable playing conditions,” he added.

An Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, Toro is a long-time partner of the GCSAA Foundation, donating more than US$2.4 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 programme and a GCSAA Platinum Partner.