Research

Without research, where would the game of golf be? Research adds to every aspect of the game, from enjoyment to efficiently managing the resources used. Research that is important to superintendents and the courses they keep has always been, and remains, a cornerstone of the Foundation’s efforts, dating back to when it was founded as the GCSAA Scholarship and Research Fund in 1955.

Research Programs

Water Use and Water Quality Protection

Research that contributes to the conservation, efficiency or optimization of applied (irrigation) water for golf course turfgrass. Or research that develops, enhances, or measures/quantifies the effectiveness of golf course Best Management Practices related to water use as well as surface and/or ground water quality protection. Research must be applicable to golf course management and use by superintendents. (Preference may be given to projects with matching funds.)

Sustainable Golf Course Turfgrass and Other Landscape Management

Research that optimizes the growing environment for golf course turf or contributes to sustainable golf course management, including but not limited to, increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, or conservation of inputs (fertilizers, bio-products, pest control resources, soil amendments, etc.) and resources (energy, air, land, etc.) for use on all golf course landscapes. Or research that develops, enhances, or measures/quantifies the effectiveness of golf course Best Management Practices related to these inputs, healthy turfgrass and quality playing surfaces as well as out of play surfaces/landscapes and other environmental protection. Research must be appliable to golf course management and use by superintendents. Example areas may include Integrated Pest Management, Pest Resistance Management, non-chemical pest control, development/management of healthy soils, irrigation water quality, native area management, disease management, pollinator/wildlife habitat/protection, other environmental protection pollution prevention, enhanced playing surfaces, pond management, etc. (Preference may be given to projects with matching funds.)

Chapter Cooperative Research Program

GCSAA encourages scientists and chapters to collaborate and expand GCSAA’s research grant investments. GCSAA will cooperate with chapters by providing matching funds for research that has been identified by the chapter as a significant local issue. The goal is to fund research that is important to superintendents and aligns with any of the specific grant activities as listed in this section. Chapter Cooperative Research applications are not guaranteed funding and must go through the evaluation and selection process. Upon recommendations by the committee, the board will approve final funding by project. (Preference may be given to projects with matching funds from local chapters, turfgrass foundations or golf associations only.)

Through support provided by the Foundation, GCSAA announced it will fund two new research projects in 2025. The 2025 projects were selected by the GCSAA Research Committee and approved by the GCSAA Board of Directors.

Currently, there are now 11 on-going research projects funded by GCSAA. GCSAA’s research provides solutions to issues golf course superintendents face with the management of their facilities. Funding for the research comes to GCSAA through the Foundation and specifically the generosity of its donors. Research within the golf course industry significantly contributes to the industry’s innovation as well as the leadership and professionalism of the superintendents.

2025 Research Grant Program projects

Chemical and biological control of Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) on golf course putting green surfaces

Ming-Yi Chou, Ph.D., Rutgers University

Impact of Soil Properties on Plant-parasitic Nematode Populations

Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D., Hannah Rivedal, Ph.D., Emily Braithwaite, Charles Schmid, Ph.D., and Jen Moore, Ph.D., Oregon State University

Environmentally Sound Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Strategies for Sprig Establishment of Warm Season Putting Greens

Benjamin Wherley, Ph.D., Weston Floyd and Ashton Franks, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

2024 Research Grant Program projects

Nematode resistance management on golf course turf

William T. Crow, Ph.D., the University of Florida

Implementation of a continuous soil surfactant program and implications for preemergence herbicide persistence on golf courses

Becky Bowling, Ph.D., and Travis W. Gannon, Ph.D., University of Tennessee and North Carolina State University

2023 Research Grant Program projects

Comparing wetting agent application strategies for efficacy and longevity in sand-based putting greens

Wendell Hutchens, Ph.D., primary investigator at the University of Arkansas, through the GCSAA Foundation’s Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Mark Kizziar Research Endowments and Chapter Cooperative Research Grant in collaboration with the Mississippi Valley GCSA, Ozark Turf Association, GCSA of Arkansas and North Texas GCSA.

Suppressing dollar spot through adjustment of leaf surface pH

Paul Koch, Ph.D., primary investigator at the University of Wisconsin, through the GCSAA Foundation’s Chapter Cooperative Research Grant in collaboration with the Wisconsin GCSA.

Effects of Moisture Management on Annual Bluegrass Weevil Movement, Oviposition, Larval Survival, and Turfgrass Damage

Benjamin McGraw, Ph.D., primary investigator at the University of Pennsylvania, through the GCSAA Foundation’s Aquatrols’ Robert A. Moore Endowment.

Influence of Nitrogen Rate on Growing Degree-Day Models for Plant Growth Regulator Reapplication Interval on Annual Bluegrass Putting Greens

Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D, primary investigator at the Oregon State University, through the GCSAA Foundation’s Chapter Cooperative Research Grant in collaboration with the Oregon Turfgrass Foundation.

GCSAA provides research funding that advances scientific knowledge and provides agronomic, economic, and environmental solutions that directly benefit the management of golf courses and the professionals who manage them. The outcomes from this research should lead to a healthier environment and community, and improve the playing conditions for the game of golf. GCSAA does not fund breeding or germplasm enhancements projects that lead to the development of improved turfgrass cultivars. Submissions for proposals for 2024 will be open June 1-Sept. 9.

Timeline

Sept. 9, 2024 – Proposals due to GCSAA headquarters
Sept. 9, 2024 – Support and commitment letters are due
Oct. 28, 2024 – Proposals reviewed by the Research Committee
Dec. 31, 2024 – Researchers notified of projects approved for funding. Following this notification, all applicants will receive a letter notifying them of their application’s status

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