The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) has received a $50,000 grant from The Toro Foundation to continue its support of Rounds 4 Research and help further turfgrass research at local universities. Toro donated $50,000 to the EIFG’s Rounds 4 Research in 2013 as well.
Rounds 4 Research is a program designed to address a critical shortage in turfgrass research funding by auctioning donated rounds of golf online. It is administered by the EIFG and presented in partnership with Toro. The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). A majority of the proceeds are distributed to participating GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to fund turfgrass research at local universities.
“Toro continues to validate the importance of research with this second substantial commitment to Rounds 4 Research,” said EIFG CEO Rhett Evans. “Thanks in large part to Toro, Rounds 4 Research allows GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to participate as fundraising partners and direct the proceeds to specific projects that will have the most significant impact in their local areas.”
Since launching in July 2012, Rounds 4 Research has raised nearly $175,000 for turfgrass research. The next auctions are June 9-22 and Aug. 1-10, 2014.
“Research is the lifeblood of both environmental and economic advancements in turf management,” said Darren Redetzke, Toro’s vice president, commercial business, who presented a ceremonial check today at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando for Toro’s $50,000 pledge to Rounds 4 Research. “Investing in research ultimately improves the customer experience, and this is a vital program for all sectors of the golf industry.”
Toro is a longtime partner of the EIFG, donating more than $1 million to support scientific research, advancements in education and scholarships for future turfgrass professionals. The exclusive presenting partner of Rounds 4 Research, Toro is a Victory Club member of the EIFG cumulative giving program and a Platinum Tee Club member of the EIFG annual giving program. Toro also is a Double Eagle donor to the Golf Industry Show Silent Auction and a GCSAA Platinum Partner.