The grant to the Environmental Institute for Golf will support the Cooperative Research Program, which focuses on local turfgrass issues.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) has contributed $50,000 to help the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) fund new research projects in 2015, the two organizations announced.
The funds will be earmarked to directly support the GCSAA Chapter Cooperative Research Program. The program works with local turfgrass researchers, with each participating GCSAA chapter identifying one or more research projects that address a significant local issue for superintendents in that region.
The research funds are made available to GCSAA through a block grant from the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organization of the superintendents’ organization.
“We are very fortunate to have the support of the USGA for many of our research projects and programs,” said Rhett Evans, the GCSAA’s Chief Executive Officer. “[GCSAA] is grateful for the generous backing of the USGA, and we look forward to doing everything we can together for the good of the game.”
Added Kimberly Erusha, Ph.D., Managing Director of the USGA Green Section: “Research provides the foundation to continually advance the long-term health of the game of golf. The USGA is proud to invest in agronomic research that supports scientists in their own regions. The Chapter Cooperative Research Program provides an established infrastructure that realizes our goal to support a healthy, sustainable game, both locally and globally.”
The USGA has also contributed $400,000 to the EIFG to fund the second edition of five GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile surveys, a collaborative program that began in late 2014 with a water use and conservation profile. Upcoming profiles will address nutrient use, pest management, energy use and environmental stewardship. The findings of the latest series of surveys will be independently compared to previous surveys to measure change and trends for the future.
“The two associations are working closely together and have some very important work to do for the golf industry,” said Evans. “We believe in a bright future for the golf industry, and having this data is paramount for the game’s future. It serves as the foundation to create relevant education and best management tools for the profession.”
The USGA is also a partner in the annual Golf Industry Show and is a leader in funding turfgrass research, with annual support to colleges and universities across the country since 1920.
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