Planning early for Rounds 4 Research is a key to success

Now is the time for GCSAA affiliated chapters to start planning for the 2014 Rounds 4 Research (R4R) auctions. 

 

In 2013, nine of 10 chapters in the southwest region participated in the inaugural R4R auctions and three of the chapters (Hi-Lo Desert, San Diego and Southern California) finished in the top 10 nationally in funds raised for research, education, advocacy and the environment. The 2014 auctions are scheduled for June 9-22 and Aug. 1-10, 2014, which coincide with the playing of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst and the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.  Donated rounds for the first auction are due Apr. 15, 2014, and rounds for the second auction are due June 16, 2014. Eighty percent of the funds raised from the donated rounds goes back to the chapter in which they were solicited and designated.  

In my experience with planning for R4R, the key to a successful program is establishing a committee (with participation from the chapter executive) and in particular, finding one individual who will champion the cause. This champion will ultimately be responsible for putting together a target donor list for the committee, marketing the program to the general membership and making personal asks for donations throughout the chapter area. In 2013, the Hi-Lo Desert, San Diego and Southern California chapters were able to identify individuals to be champions for the program and I credit much of the chapters' success to their efforts.  

As the rounds are being gathered, marketing efforts can take place to promote the auctions on a local, regional and national level.  Please access all of the R4R marketing materials at http://www.gcsaa.org/_common/templates/GcsaaTwoColumnLayout.aspx?id=7760&LangType=1033. Additionally, I have obtained marketing and advertising assistance from the various state and regional golf associations in the Southwest to help promote the program to their player databases.  This gives us access to over 300,000 golfers in the region. 

As a member, you can assist your chapter by volunteering for the R4R committee, donating a foursome from your facility (http://www.rounds4research.com/courses/) or reaching out to other superintendents in the area to make them aware of the program and the benefits that R4R brings to turfgrass research at the local/state level.  If you have any questions concerning R4R, please don’t hesitate to contact Mark Johnson, associate director of environmental programs with GCSAA or myself and we will be glad to assist you. 

Happy New Year and thank you for your support of GCSAA in 2013. I wish you nothing but prosperity and success in 2014.