GCSAA Foundation program raised nearly $1 million in 2026 auction

Lawrence, Kan. (May 5, 2026) – For the fifth straight year, the GCSAA Foundation’s Rounds 4 Research program supporting turfgrass research broke its fundraising records, yielding $936,298 during its April 2026 online auction, an increase of $182,529 over 2025. The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

Rounds 4 Research helps address a critical shortage of funding for ongoing, university-based agronomic research, education, advocacy programs and course operations.

More than 2,000 rounds of golf were donated for an online auction, the highest number of donations in the program’s history. For the first time, rounds were available in all 50 states. The 2026 auction also featured an opportunity to play alongside the hosts of the popular golf podcast "We Need a Fourth" (Kenny Mayne, Brian Baumgartner and Cooper Manning) at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course.

“From coast to coast, Rounds 4 Research is making an impact on the future of the game thanks to our generous donors and bidders,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “The continued success of Rounds 4 Research and our ability to fund vital turfgrass research would not be possible without them.”

The national campaign is presented in partnership with The Toro Co. The program has raised nearly $6 million since launching in 2012. For more information about GCSAA’s Rounds 4 Research, visit rounds4research.com.