ROUNDS 4 RESEARCH

ROUNDS 4 RESEARCH

Supporting the Future of Golf in Ontario.

The Rounds 4 Research initiative is a national fundraising auction owned and administered by the Golf Course Superintendents' Association of America (GCSAA). As a GCSAA chapter, the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA) has full access to this program and invites Ontario golf courses to participate by donating a round of golf for auction.

Golf courses across Ontario are being asked to consider donating one or more rounds to the Rounds 4 Research auction. Donations must be submitted within the next couple of weeks.

This is a simple and flexible way to support golf course turfgrass and, importantly, to directly invest in the future of the golf industry in Ontario.

What Does it Mean to Donate a Round?

One of the strengths of the Rounds 4 Research program is the control and flexibility it gives to donating clubs. When you donate a round, you can clearly define the terms of the donation to protect your members' experience and ensure the round aligns with your club’s standards and expectations.

Clubs can specify:

  • The size of the group
    • 1 player
    • Twosome
    • Threesome
    • Foursome

All group sizes can include a member, staff, or club representative to ensure guests are adhering to club expectations.

  • The size of donations
    • One round or multiple rounds, based on your comfort level
  • Play restrictions and parameters
    • Specific days of the week
    • Evening or twilight tee times only
    • Blackout dates
    • Seasonal restrictions
    • Other conditions that matter to your club

You may also outline expectations related to:

  • Adherence to golf rules and regulations
  • Dress code
  • Pace of play
  • Any other criteria important to your membership, superintendent, or ownership group

These parameters ensure that bidders understand exactly what they are bidding on and that your club feels confident and comfortable offering the experience.

 

Who Benefits From Rounds 4 Research?

The financial impact of this program is especially meaningful for Ontario golf.

  • Any golf course that designates Ontario as the benefactor will direct the funds raised back to Ontario
  • 80% of the money raised from Ontario-designated donations is returned to the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association

These funds are used to support:

  • Turfgrass research
  • Professional development
  • Education and advocacy efforts that directly affect Ontario superintendents and the Ontario golf industry

Why This Matters:

Supporting the Workforce of the Future

One of the most critical challenges facing the golf industry today is labour.

The reality is:

  • The superintendent community is aging
  • There are currently more experienced professionals leaving the industry than new ones entering
  • Within the next 10–15 years, the industry faces a significant labour gap if action is not taken now

With funds raised through Rounds 4 Research, the OGSA plans to focus more intentionally on:

  • Collaborating with secondary schools and post‑secondary institutions
  • Engaging students interested in:
    • Outdoor careers
    • Hands‑on work
    • Agriculture
    • Golf turf and sports turf management
  • Highlighting what a rewarding and meaningful career golf course management can be

By investing in awareness, education, and engagement, the OGSA aims to strengthen the superintendent pipeline and support the long‑term sustainability of golf in Ontario.

A Small Contribution with a Big Impact

Donating a round of golf is:

  • Flexible
  • Customizable
  • Low risk to the club
  • High impact for the industry

Your participation helps fund research, build resources for Ontario superintendents, and address one of the most pressing challenges facing our profession.

Thank you for considering a Rounds 4 Research donation and for helping invest in the future of golf in Ontario.

 

DONATE A ROUND TODAY
BID YOUR WAY ONTO BUCKET LIST COURSES
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