Rounds 4 Research: Turning Tee Times into Turfgrass Education; Submit bids on rounds at online auction to support the game

For golf course superintendents, golf is so much more than just a game – it’s a commitment to quality playing conditions, environmental stewardship, and to the people who make it all happen. One of the most impactful ways golfers can support that commitment is through GCSAA’s Rounds 4 Research program.

Rounds 4 Research is a win-win, which allows golfers to bid on donated foursomes from private, resort, and public facilities, with proceeds directly supporting turfgrass research, education, and advocacy. While the benefits are local, the auction is a national program that provides bidders with access to courses nationwide.

This year’s Rounds 4 Research auction will take place April 20–26, 2026, and golfers are encouraged to register early and be ready to bid.

For golfers, the concept is simple. Courses donate rounds of golf. Those rounds are auctioned online. Golfers gain access to outstanding playing opportunities, often at courses they might not usually play. All this, while knowing their bid is supporting the industry behind the scenes. Because this is a national auction, it’s also an excellent opportunity to plan golf around your travels. Whether you’re heading north to Alaska or escaping to Florida, chances are there will be rounds available to match your destination.

For superintendents and their teams, the impact is substantial. Proceeds from Rounds 4 Research help fund scholarships, educational programs, workforce development initiatives, and outreach efforts that strengthen the profession. In the Pacific Northwest, local chapters including the Western Washington GCSA, Inland Empire GCSA, Peaks & Prairies GCSA, Idaho GCSA, Oregon GCSA, as well as superintendents in Alaska, all benefit directly from participation in the program.

Those dollars help chapters bring in speakers, which supports the development of superintendents and assistant superintendents. Also, it helps to engage students through outreach and career awareness efforts and ensure professional education remains accessible. In short, Rounds 4 Research helps build the next generation of turfgrass professionals while supporting those already working to deliver exceptional playing conditions.

What makes Rounds 4 Research especially powerful is the sense of community it creates. Courses support chapters. Golfers support courses. Chapters reinvest in education and advocacy that benefit the entire golf experience, from course conditions to environmental practices to player enjoyment.

For golfers looking to give back in a meaningful way, bidding in Rounds 4 Research is an easy entry point. For facilities, donating a round is a simple yet highly effective way to support local chapters and the GCSAA’s broader mission.

To participate, register to bid at www.rounds4research.com. As the region’s golf season ramps up, consider getting involved. Every round played through Rounds 4 Research helps ensure the game we love continues to thrive, one tee time at a time.