Golfdom, March 2018

Starter SEEING RED AGAIN Toro backs Rounds 4 Research EIFG Toro announced during the 2018 GIS that it will once again support the Environmental Institute of Golf by supporting the Rounds 4 Research program with a 50000 grant With this contribution Toro has donated 300000 to the program over the past six years Rounds 4 Research is designed to address a critical shortage in turfgrass research funding by auctioning donated rounds of golf online The program allows GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to participate as fundraising partners and direct the proceeds from auctioned rounds to specific projects that will have significant impact in local areas Research funding is critical to providing the innovation needed for facilities to operate more efficiently to enhance environmental performance and to provide more enjoyable playing conditions said Judson McNeil president of The Toro Foundation Toro is a longtime partner of the EIFG donating more than 2 million since 1987 to help support scientific research education and scholarships for future turfgrass professionals In other Toro related news Grant Rundblade of Reinders Inc received the Green Blazer Award for his accomplishments in Toro equipment sales The Green Blazer was presented to Rundblade during Toros annual worldwide distributor business meeting which is held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show It recognizes individuals who are contributing to the industry and bringing enhanced knowledge to their customers Grants analytical perspective helps him create individualized plans for his customer said Jim Heinze director of Toros commercial sales He is intensely passionate about all he does Rundblade has been selling for Reinders since 2014 He previously won Toros Rookie of the Year award in 2015 TIGERS AND DEERES AUBURN WINS TURF BOWL John Deere Golf presented Auburn University with a traveling trophy and a check for 4000 as winners of the 2018 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl Auburn competed against student teams from 28 colleges and universities across the nation Student teams were graded on overall industry knowledge and problemsolving skills in high pressure situations similar to what superintendents frequently experience on the job As a leader in the golf industry we understand the critical importance of supporting the next generation of golf course superintendents said Dave Plaster sales manager for John Deere Golf Collegiate turf programs play an important role in furthering the industry and we are excited to be a part of their education through our support of the GCSAA Turf Bowl In addition to sponsoring the Turf Bowl John Deere once again helped prepare students for the competition through the Tweet Rally This year students were asked three questions during the weeks leading up to the Turf Bowl Students were asked to respond with the right answer using a special hashtag which was tallied to determine the winner of the 2018 Collegiate Spirit Award Michigan State University was named the winner during the GIS closing celebration and received 1000 for the schools turf club Grant Rundblade of Reinders Inc receives Toros Green Blazer Award at the 2018 Golf Industry Show for his accomplishments in equipment sales March 2018 Golfdom 9 Golfdom com PHOTO BY REINDERS JOHN DEERE GOLF GOLFDOM WISDOM When hiring young people remember High school athletes know discipline but the kids who feed livestock before school know hard work golfdomwisdom Mark Novotny CGCS