Lawrence, Kansas, United States: For the fourth year in a row, the GCSAA Foundation’s Rounds 4 Research programme supporting turfgrass research broke records, yielding $753,135 during its April 21-27 online auction, an increase of US$63,135 over 2024.

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

Rounds 4 Research helps address a critical shortage of funding for on-going, university-based agronomic research, education, advocacy programmes and course operations.

More than 1,800 rounds of golf were donated for an online auction, including bucket-list courses like Pinehurst Resort, TPC Sawgrass and Sutton Bay.

GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said: “Rounds 4 Research continues to grow thanks to our generous donors and bidders.

“It is a great way for those who love the game to do their part in helping ensure its future by helping fund critical research.”

The national campaign is presented in partnership with The Toro Company. The programme has raised nearly US$5 million since launching in 2012.