The Environmental Institute for Golf fosters sustainability by providing funding for research grants, education programs, awareness of golf's environmental efforts and scholarships.
Founded in 1955 as the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the EIFG serves as the association's philanthropic organization.
"We are the primary organization that brings the golf industry together for the purpose of creating support for golf facilities as they implement sustainable management practices."
- Rhett Evans, EIFG CEO
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 EIFG's efforts, dating back to when it was founded as the GCSAA Scholarship and Research Fund in 1955.
"Our work with the GCSAA and using the resources that the Environmental Institute for Golf has available has been very beneficial. The research supporting turfgrass and the associated agronomic and environmental best management practices has been invaluable with our efforts to ensure golf's future in Virginia, one of the bay states."
- Peter McDonough, GCSAA Class A member
Supporters of the EIFG know that they are championing continuing education for golf course superintendents by providing the latest environmental and agronomic techniques to maintain healthy turfgrass and protect environmental resources through sustainable practices.
The EIFG's relationship with GCSAA's extensive education offerings reaches beyond the grants from the EIFG that have provided support for the development of more than 200 environmental education learning opportunities. EIFG representatives also assisted in the development of GCSAA education's core competencies, which ensure that the education curriculum is in sync with the current, and future, demands of the golf course superintendents' profession. In recent updates to the core competencies, a new environmental management section was added, further demonstrating the commitment of the profession.
"For many years, the EIFG has been hard at work on behalf of the superintendent – collecting data, funding research, delivering education. I can trust that my support is being managed responsibly and used effectively for not just superintendents to benefit from, but the entire golf community."
- John D. Carlone, CGCS
Golf faces many environmentally related issues and regulatory actions that are intended to control inputs and protect natural resources that golf courses rely upon. Some are wrapped within social expectations governing land use and water use, especially in light of permitting new development or reconstruction as well as daily course operations.
Golf courses are a valuable asset, a green space, within a watershed and community, which is an important message in light of these challenges. The Environmental Institute for Golf is working to provide funding and resources to support research, education, and environmental programs to make a positive difference at facilities.
"EIFG provides funding for turf research, real world documentation of best management practices, and promotion of our environmental stewardship. These tools in conjunction with GCSAA staff support have been especially instrumental in our grass roots advocacy on major issues facing golf."
- Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired
Scholarships have been a part of the EIFG's focus since 1955 when the organization was first founded as the GCSAA Scholarship and Research Fund.
Scholarships funded by the EIFG provide financial assistance to students who are pursuing a career in golf course management, future researchers and educators, as well as children and grandchildren of GCSAA members.
"With support from the EIFG, GCSAA is able to reward our members working toward degrees with scholarship stipends as an investment in the future of our industry."
- Sandy G. Queen, CGCS, EIFG Past President
The EIFG is focused on providing golf courses resources that enhance their social, economic and environmental value to communities. Golf courses are professionally managed landscapes. With your support, the EIFG seeks to ensure the long-term viability of those landscapes. It is important that we preserve the game, a profession, and a way of life.
"Our cause is to build support for the development and deployment of resources that foster a sustainable approach to golf course management. The focus for facilites is on continuous improvement so that communities can maximize the environmental, economic and social/recreational benefits provided by golf facilities."
- Rhett Evans, EIFG CEO
When you donate to the EIFG, your tax-deductible donation joins others in:
1. Fueling innovation through research
2. Expanding knowledge of golf course management professionals through education
3. Telling golf's story through advocacy and outreach
4.Helping bright minds pursue their dreams through scholarships
"The Everglades GCSA is pleased to continue its support of the EIFG. We believe that it is important to fund EIFG programs such as research because of the great benefits they provide to GCSAA members."
Our supporters range from individuals to large corporations, and all are dedicated to raising the understanding and awareness of sustainability for the golf industry. Many of our supporters have established decades-long relationships with the EIFG -- it's clear that their dedication is not a fad or trend.
"The PGA Tour continues to push toward furthering golf's relationship with the environment by supporting programs and organizations like The Environmental Institute for Golf."
- Cal Roth, PGA Tour vice president of agronomy and 30-year GCSAA member