This year’s Annual Oregon Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) Golf Tournament was held at Gearhart Golf Links on the North Oregon Coast. It’s a well-attended event to raise funds for the Oregon State University Turfgrass Program. The OTF's goal is to secure enough funding to endow a second turfgrass position, with continued support for the program beyond that.

However, hosting a golf tournament alone may not always cover the necessary funds, so the OTF has implemented other creative fundraising methods such as the Treasure Chest. Vendors donate products that golf course superintendents would typically purchase to maintain their facilities. Superintendents can then enter a drawing to purchase these items at the list price, but the proceeds go directly to the OTF. This initiative has consistently raised over $12,000 annually.

Additionally, the Oregon GCSA contributes to the OTF through Rounds 4 Research. While some clubs cannot donate their rounds due to policy restrictions, they have found an alternative by instituting a voluntary annual dues assessment among members, generating between $6,000 and $8,000 annually.

While at the tournament, I was approached by Tom Keenan, the Class B superintendent from Rock Creek Country Club. He asked about the best way to donate $1,400 to the OTF. Intrigued, I inquired how he raised the money. Tom explained that during his club’s annual Superintendent’s Revenge Tournament, he set up a “privileges for sale” system, where he sold shortcuts to golfers to help them navigate the challenging course setup. For example, one privilege allowed golfers to hit from a forward tee on a par 5 from 150 yards out. Golfers, eager to win, gladly paid for these advantages.

This was Tom’s first year organizing it, and he expects it to grow as word spreads. His creative approach demonstrates another way any golf course can raise funds for turfgrass research, offering superintendents the chance to engage directly with golfers while highlighting the importance of turfgrass research and education. Best of all, this fundraising idea can be implemented at any golf course!