Three chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) – the Alabama GCSA, the GCSA of New Jersey and the Kansas State University student chapter – recently made donations to GCSAA's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf.
The Alabama GCSA made its annual donation as part of its Golden Tee Club recognition for donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Institute. Alabama GCSA is also recognized at the Executive Club level by The Institute for donors who have contributed $25,000-$49,999 since 1987.
The GCSANJ Foundation held its annual Robert Trent Jones Invitational at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J., Oct. 12, 2009. The event brings together superintendents and representatives from golf courses along the East Coast to raise funds for scholarships, turf research programs and education initiatives. It also serves to recognize the critical role played by superintendents in developing the vision of the golf course architect and ensuring the integrity of that vision, as famed architect Robert Trent Jones worked with Institute leaders to establish the fund in 1987. Metedeconk is recognized at the Star Club level by The Institute for donors who have contributed $500,000-$999,999 to The Institute since 1987. The 2010 RTJ Invitational is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Kansas State's student chapter raised money by cleaning the school's athletic facilities after home games and felt strongly about making a statement amongst their classmates that golf can be a friend of the environment.
"We greatly appreciate these fundraising efforts and generosity of these GCSAA affiliated chapters," said World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman, Institute trustee and chairman of its Advisory Council. "This support and that of all GCSAA chapters is vital as we focus on continual improvement in regards to stewardship of golf courses."