The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organization of GCSAA, has again received a $50,000 grant from The Toro Co. for continued support of its Rounds 4 Research program in 2018. With this contribution, Toro has donated $300,000 to the program over the past six years.
Rounds 4 Research is designed to address a critical shortage in turfgrass research funding by auctioning donated rounds of golf online. The program allows GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to participate as fundraising partners and direct the proceeds from auctioned rounds to specific projects that will have the most significant impact in their areas. Since its launch in 2012, Rounds 4 Research has raised more than $800,000. The 2018 auction will be held April 30-May 6 and is available to preview. The program is administered by the EIFG and presented in partnership with Toro.
“Toro’s continued support of and commitment to Rounds 4 Research has been a huge factor in the success of the program,” says GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “The funds raised provide long-term benefit for the entire golf industry.”
“Research funding is critical to providing the innovation needed for facilities to operate more efficiently, to enhance environmental performance, and to provide more enjoyable playing conditions,” says Judson McNeil, president of The Toro Foundation. “Our partnership with the EIFG on Rounds 4 Research furthers our long history of collaborating with superintendents to provide golfers with healthy turf on which to play the sport they love.”
Toro is a longtime partner of the EIFG, donating more than $2 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 in the EIFG’s Cumulative Giving Program and is a GCSAA Platinum Partner.