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Tournament tops $ 100,000 in fundraising aimed at ongoing turfgrass research projects

Although golfer attendance was down from previous years, August’s Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation fundraising tournament at Credit Valley Golf Club generated a healthy profit.

About $ 45,000 was raised for ongoing research to assist not only the golf sector, but all segments of the turfgrass industry.
In addition to funds raised through the tournament itself, golf industry associations contributed $ 60,000.

OTRF research chairperson Dr. Brenda Nailor reviewed some of the research currently being conducted, including a study of a naturally-occurring product designed to eradicate dandelions.

OTRF president David Smith, speaking at the post-tournament banquet, noted the importance of turfgrass, including golf’s annual generation of $3 billion in gross revenue.

About 100 golfers representing all sectors of the turfgrass industry participated in the tournament. Winning golfers were John Alpaugh of Allturf and Greg Florence of Greystone Golf Club. The winning team was the Turf Care foursome which included Ron Craig, Dr. Clay Switzer, Thom Charters and Greg Downer of Taboo Golf Club.

Credit Valley superintendent Jason Hanna was commended for the golf course’s stellar conditions.

Platinum sponsors of the tournament were Greenhorizons, Turf Care and Bayer. In all, 16 industry sponsors helped to drive the tournament’s success, many of which had company representatives stationed at tee decks to promote their products.

Next year’s event will be held at the Thornhill Golf & Country Club.