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 (R4R) programme in 2024.

With this contribution, Toro has donated US$600,000 to the programme over the past 12 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 more than US$3 million. The programme is administered by the GCSAA Foundation and presented in partnership with Toro. The 2024 R4R auction will be held from April 22-28.

“The Rounds 4 Research auction saw yet another record-breaking amount raised in 2023, and we would not have been able to accomplish it without help from Toro,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans.

“Toro understands the importance of the programme and has consistently been a key contributor to the success of R4R. We are grateful for their on-going generosity and support,” added Evans.

Toro is a long-time partner of the GCSAA Foundation, donating more than US$2.6 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.

“We are honoured to be in partnership with GCSAA. We recognise the importance of raising awareness in support of university-based agronomic research, education, advocacy programmes and course operations,” said Marnie Wells, President, The Toro Company Foundation.

“GCSAA’s commitment to excellence in golf course management aligns seamlessly with our own values, making this collaboration a natural and meaningful fit,” added Wells.

*Toro is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.