Rounds 4 Research kicks off its 2014 offerings with more than 725 rounds of golf at courses in 35 states plus Canada and Mexico with an online auction June 9-22 on biddingforgood.com.

Rounds 4 Research is a venture of the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). It is presented in partnership with The Toro Co. Funds generated from the auction will go to support the research-based activities of GCSAA, its affiliated chapters and regional turfgrass organizations. Since launching in 2012, Rounds 4 Research has raised nearly $175,000 for turfgrass research.

“The response to Rounds 4 Research exceeded our expectations last year, and we are excited to keep the momentum going in 2014,” said GCSAA President Keith A. Ihms, CGCS, golf course maintenance manager at Bella Vista (Ark.) Village. “Rounds 4 Research benefits research and the bidder alike. Golfers can gain entrance to some of the nation’s top facilities, but they can also find great deals on other high-quality facilities that might not have national name recognition but still offer an enjoyable experience.”

Some of the high-profile facilities that have donated rounds for the June auction include 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open host Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst, N.C.; East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, host of the PGA Tour Championships; Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, S.C.; and Sage Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, S.C.

Ihms also noted that golfers are not only getting great deals on their favorite pastime, but they are helping to secure the game’s future as their purchases are directly benefitting them and the game they love. Funds will be used by GCSAA and regional superintendents/turfgrass organizations to fund activities that lead to better course conditions.

“Survey after survey shows that golfers base their satisfaction with a facility on course conditioning,” Ihms said. “The work funded by R4R helps develop new grasses, and that can enhance conditions, while at the same time improving sustainable management practices to ensure the long-term health of the environment and the game.”

Rounds 4 Research will return later this summer with an auction set for Aug. 1-10, corresponding with the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. That auction also will take place on biddingforgood.com.

About the EIFG
The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. With respect for the game and the environment, the EIFG inspires environmental, social and economic progress through golf for the benefit of communities. Collaboration between the golf industry, environmental interests and communities will lead to programs and services beneficial to all who come into contact with the game of golf. Visit the EIFG at www.eifg.org.

About GCSAA
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter, and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

Contact: Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
800-472-7878, ext 4431, csmith@gcsaa.org