Support Local Turfgrass Research ~ Please Consider Donating to 2024 Rounds 4 Research Auction

Message from Brian Koffler, OGCSA Immediate Past President – March 2024

Friends of Turf,

The turfgrass management industry is truly a unique one in its incredible ability to pull together and work toward a common goal. Over the past four years, turfgrass managers across the country have been asked to seemingly perform the impossible, produce excellent conditions during a period of increased usage and ever decreasing resources. Turfgrass research has played an integral role in creating optimal playing conditions for turfgrass health while also efficiently managing the various inputs required. The current research being conducted throughout the country, especially the research conducted regionally, will only further this effort to even more sustainable practices.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), through its philanthropic arm, the GCSAA Foundation, will continue the Rounds 4 Research program this year with an online auction on April 22 through April 28. The GCSAA Foundation partners with more than 70 regional GCSAA chapters in the United States and Canada to raise funds for turfgrass research. The Oregon Golf Course Superintendents Association (OGCSA) works hand in hand with the Foundation to facilitate the program locally, with 80% of the funds raised distributed back to the chapter. The OGCSA is proud to then distribute these funds to the Oregon State University turfgrass program and their research efforts. The OGCSA, alongside the Oregon Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) and the Oregon Golf Association (OGA), have supported the Turf Technician position at OSU for over a decade with an annual donation of $50,000. The research being conducted at OSU has proven to be, and will continue to be, a vital tool for local turfgrass managers.

We hope that you will consider supporting this program by donating a round at your facility. Last year’s auction netted record numbers with 38 donations, returning over $8,500 to the OGCSA for direct support of local turfgrass research. Please visit www.rounds4research.com to make your donation, preview auction items, and find additional information about the Rounds 4 Research program. If you donated last year, you will receive an email with your donation information already filled out. If you would like to make the same donation this year, simply indicate that on the form and submit. You can also donate by submitting the attached form. Please keep in mind that each facility has the right to apply any specific restrictions. Thank you for your support, and hopefully another record-breaking year in 2024.

Respectfully,
Brian Koffler
OGCSA Immediate Past President