Are
nematodes giving you headaches? Is the
fear of fertilizer bans keeping you up at night? If only there was an
opportunity that could facilitate answers to these questions, but wait a
minute, there is an answer.
That answer
is Rounds 4 Research. I have discussed the basics of the GCSAA/EIFG program and
the great opportunity we have in Florida to raise some much needed money. I
want to illustrate ways that these funds can provide real solutions to the
issues you are facing. The rewards will benefit the entire industry
not just one segment. Golfer expectations are still very high, and solutions to
today’s challenges can go a long way to maintaining their enjoyment of the game
and, subsequently, your enjoyment of the profession.
As an
industry we enjoy a great relationship with our universities. They are willing
and able to conduct research on issues like nematode control, finding
alternatives for MSMA and Methyl Bromide, as well as field studies on new
chemistries. Unfortunately there are limited resources to conduct the
necessary research. In exchange for foursomes of golf at local facilities, funds
could be generated to help garner these necessary resources through R4R.
The fear of
fertilizer bans and water regulations definitely keep me up at night. Just when
you think you are winning, a new issue arises somewhere in the state. Right now
the issue of fertilizer ordinances containing restrictive blackout periods is
ongoing in Brevard County as well as the city of Stuart and a number of other
locations around the state. I am also
aware that in Naples there is a movement to increase the amount of
money that courses pay to take on reclaimed water. The price of a few foursomes
of golf seems very little to pay to fight these issues, right?
Wouldn’t it
be nice to attend a meeting with an authority on any issue with which you are
currently dealing. Again, the funds generated from our Rounds 4 Research
program can be directed for chapter education. One of the primary functions of
the chapter is to educate their members and help them advance in their careers.
Since launching Rounds 4 Research in July of 2012, nearly $150,000 has been
raised for turfgrass research, advocacy, scholarships, or education.
Now, here is
what I ask of you. Please take a moment and visit the website at http://www.rounds4research.com/. Review the R4R information, and if you have
any questions contact me. The first auction
this year is June 9-22. We ask that you submit your donations prior to April 15.
Our second auction is August 1-10. Please consider making a
donation of at least a foursome or becoming a fundraising partner to this very
worthwhile cause. YOUR donation is an investment in YOUR future success.
Ralph Dain –
GCSAA Regional Representative (FL)
785-424-4306
rdain@gcsaa.org
