Lawrence, Kansas, United States: For the third year in a row, the GCSAA Foundation’s Rounds 4 Research programme supporting turfgrass research broke records, yielding US$685,010 during its April 22-28 online auction.

That was an increase of US$140,510 (25%) over 2023. The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organisation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

Rounds 4 Research enables the GCSAA Foundation to support local GCSAA chapters and the national GCSAA to fund critical advocacy, turfgrass research, education and community outreach improving the long-term sustainability of the game ensuring golfer enjoyment now and into the future.

More than 1,700 rounds of golf were donated for an online auction where more than 3,000 golfers registered for the auction and 1,696 rounds were sold.

The top bid was US$14,020 at Ohoopee Match Club in Cobbtown, Georgia. The auction also saw winning bids to play bucket list courses like Pinehurst No 2, Bandon Dunes, Paradise Valley Country Club, Happy Hollow Club, Nanea Golf Club, Old Memorial Golf Club, Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club and Sutton Bay.

“Thanks to our generous donors, bidders and other supporters, Rounds 4 Research continues to grow significantly with each passing year,” said Kevin Sunderman, the GCSAA’s Chief Operating Officer.

“Rounds 4 Research helps address the critical shortage in funding for turfgrass research and it allows everyone who loves the game to do their part in helping ensure its future,” he added.

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

Many allied golf associations also helped bring attention to the 2024 auction including the PGA of America, the PGA Tour and the United States Golf Association.

The programme has raised nearly US$4 million since launching in 2012.