The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has awarded its 2010 Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grants to Chelsea Gradoville, Alexandria Aitken, Cortney Nagel and Jenna Gunselman.

"The Garske Grants are one of the unique scholarship opportunities GCSAA makes available to students each year," said GCSAA President James R. Fitzroy, CGCS. "Thanks to Par Aide and The Environmental Institute for Golf, the Garske Grants are also one of the unique benefits to our members - scholarship money available toward their children's college education."

Gradoville, from Palos Verdes, Calif., earned a $2,500 scholarship with a first-place finish in the overall scoring of the Garske Grant application process which includes community service, leadership, academic performance, and a written essay. She will attend Notre Dame University. Her father, Patrick Gradoville, is a GCSAA certified golf course superintendent and the director of golf course and grounds at Palos Verdes (Calif.) Golf Club. He is a 25-year GCSAA member.

Aitken, from Carbondale, Colo., earned a $1,500 scholarship with a second place finish. She will attend the University of Denver. Her father, Steven Aitken, is the GCSAA certified golf course superintendent at Aspen (Colo.) Golf Club and is a 24-year GCSAA member.

Nagel, from Manhattan, Kan., earned the $1,000 third-place scholarship. She will attend Kansas State University. Her stepfather, Charles Dipman, is the GCSAA superintendent member at Manhattan (Kan.) Country Club and is a 33-year GCSAA member.

Gunselman, from Cross Plains, Tenn., was the first place winner in 2009 and renewed her $2,500 scholarship for a second year. She is a rising sophomore at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. Her stepfather, Jeffrey Madsen, is the GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent at The Club at Fairvue Plantation in Gallatin, Tenn., and is a 26-year GCSAA member.

The Garske Grant was established in honor of Par Aide company founder Joseph S. Garske. It is funded by Par Aide and administered by The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. The program assists children of GCSAA members to fund their education at an accredited college or trade school. Beginning in 2011, an additional winner will receive a scholarship, as one-time, one-year grants will be awarded to four new winners, without renewals.

'We believe it's important to recognize golf course superintendents for their tireless dedication to the game of golf," said Steve Garske, Par Aide president. "It's great to be able to give something back to superintendents and their children."

Since 1954, Par Aide has been providing superior golf course accessories "Wherever Golf is Played." The family-owned company offers a full line of premium golf course accessories, including tee, green and practice area products, tools, and signage. Headquartered in Lino Lakes, Minn., Par Aide distributes products to golf courses through a worldwide network of dealers. For more information, visit www.paraide.com.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. Backed by the organizations of Golf 20/20 and the World Golf Foundation, the EIFG is leading the golf course industry's commitment to continual environmental improvement through its initiative "Golf's Drive Toward Sustainability." For more on the EIFG, visit www.eifg.org.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

For more information contact:
Mischia Wright, EIFG senior manager, development, 800-472-7878