Without research, where would the game of golf be? Research adds to every aspect of the game, from enjoyment to efficiently managing the resources used. Research that is important to superintendents and the courses they keep has always been, and remains, a cornerstone of the Foundation’s efforts, dating back to when it was founded as the GCSAA Scholarship and Research Fund in 1955.
Research that contributes to the conservation, efficiency or optimization of applied (irrigation) water for golf course turfgrass. Or research that develops, enhances, or measures/quantifies the effectiveness of golf course Best Management Practices related to water use as well as surface and/or ground water quality protection. Research must be applicable to golf course management and use by superintendents. (Preference may be given to projects with matching funds.)
Research that optimizes the growing environment for golf course turf or contributes to sustainable golf course management, including but not limited to, increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, or conservation of inputs (fertilizers, bio-products, pest control resources, soil amendments, etc.) and resources (energy, air, land, etc.) for use on all golf course landscapes. Or research that develops, enhances, or measures/quantifies the effectiveness of golf course Best Management Practices related to these inputs, healthy turfgrass and quality playing surfaces as well as out of play surfaces/landscapes and other environmental protection. Research must be appliable to golf course management and use by superintendents. Example areas may include Integrated Pest Management, Pest Resistance Management, non-chemical pest control, development/management of healthy soils, irrigation water quality, native area management, disease management, pollinator/wildlife habitat/protection, other environmental protection pollution prevention, enhanced playing surfaces, pond management, etc. (Preference may be given to projects with matching funds.)
Through support provided by the Foundation, GCSAA announced it will fund two new research projects in 2025. The 2025 projects were selected by the GCSAA Research Committee and approved by the GCSAA Board of Directors.
Currently, there are now 11 on-going research projects funded by GCSAA. GCSAA’s research provides solutions to issues golf course superintendents face with the management of their facilities. Funding for the research comes to GCSAA through the Foundation and specifically the generosity of its donors. Research within the golf course industry significantly contributes to the industry’s innovation as well as the leadership and professionalism of the superintendents.
Ming-Yi Chou, Ph.D., Rutgers University
Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D., Hannah Rivedal, Ph.D., Emily Braithwaite, Charles Schmid, Ph.D., and Jen Moore, Ph.D., Oregon State University
Benjamin Wherley, Ph.D., Weston Floyd and Ashton Franks, Ph.D., Texas A&M University
William T. Crow, Ph.D., the University of Florida
Becky Bowling, Ph.D., and Travis W. Gannon, Ph.D., University of Tennessee and North Carolina State University
Wendell Hutchens, Ph.D., primary investigator at the University of Arkansas, through the GCSAA Foundation’s Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Mark Kizziar Research Endowments and Chapter Cooperative Research Grant in collaboration with the Mississippi Valley GCSA, Ozark Turf Association, GCSA of Arkansas and North Texas GCSA.
Paul Koch, Ph.D., primary investigator at the University of Wisconsin, through the GCSAA Foundation’s Chapter Cooperative Research Grant in collaboration with the Wisconsin GCSA.
Benjamin McGraw, Ph.D., primary investigator at the University of Pennsylvania, through the GCSAA Foundation’s Aquatrols’ Robert A. Moore Endowment.
Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D, primary investigator at the Oregon State University, through the GCSAA Foundation’s Chapter Cooperative Research Grant in collaboration with the Oregon Turfgrass Foundation.
2024 Research Grant Guidelines and Budget Form
GCSAA provides research funding that advances scientific knowledge and provides agronomic, economic, and environmental solutions that directly benefit the management of golf courses and the professionals who manage them. The outcomes from this research should lead to a healthier environment and community, and improve the playing conditions for the game of golf. GCSAA does not fund breeding or germplasm enhancements projects that lead to the development of improved turfgrass cultivars. Submissions for proposals for 2024 will be open June 1-Sept. 9.
Sept. 9, 2024 – Proposals due to GCSAA headquarters
Sept. 9, 2024 – Support and commitment letters are due
Oct. 28, 2024 – Proposals reviewed by the Research Committee
Dec. 31, 2024 – Researchers notified of projects approved for funding. Following this notification, all applicants will receive a letter notifying them of their application’s status