You just might be able to name your price to play the golf course of your dreams through the Rounds 4 Research online auction to be conducted later this fall.
Noting a critical shortage of funding for turfgrass research, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) developed a program aimed at generating resources to address that need and help ensure golf’s future. The basis of the program is the online auction of rounds of golf through the popular non-profit website, biddingforgood.com. It features more than 650,000 registered users, and according to website officials, rounds of golf are the most popular item sought by users.
The Rounds 4 Research program will be administered by the EIFG, the philanthropic organization for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, with the assistance of the association’s affiliated chapters and other turfgrass foundations. The regionally focused chapters will solicit donations of rounds of golf that will be put up for bid, and the majority of the funds from each sale will then be returned to the soliciting chapter to support research-based activities in that area. Typically, monies raised are granted to universities and colleges to conduct such research.
“The popularity of the game and the growth of golf as an industry have been heavily influenced by turfgrass research,” GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans said. “The innovations have produced turf that is more resistant to weather extremes, traffic and disease. The new grasses require fewer inputs and thus make for a more sustainable golf course. Research has also yielded management practices that have fostered the sustainability of golf courses. But that progress is being threatened by a lack of funds. The industry will suffer if that state of affairs continues.”
“Pinehurst has seen firsthand the value of research and what it means for the golf industry,” said Pinehurst Director of Golf Course Management Bob Farren, CGCS. “We were supportive of Rounds 4 Research from day one and will continue to participate in it through the EIFG. Research is the lifeblood of the golf course.”
Evans said chapters and organizations can sign up for the program at any time. The plan is to conduct the first auction this fall, with additional auctions conducted throughout the year. Each auction will be set up with particular courses up for bid for a defined period. For more information, visit rounds4research.com.