Feb. 7, 2005 – Thanks to a partnership between Syngenta Professional Products and The Environmental Institute for Golf, funding for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GCSAA) e-Learning grant will be extended until 2007.

First established in 2004, the grant helps fund GCSAA’s online education program as well as the expanding Webcast series. The grant underscores Syngenta’s commitment to advancing the game of golf by delivering up-to-date technical knowledge and education to golf course professionals.

Beginning last Spring, GCSAA's e-Learning program expanded to include a Webcast "Lunch & Learn" series, which consists of a 90-minute presentation held the second Thursday of each month at noon (Central). After pre-registering, members can log on to the Internet and participate in the live event, taught by experienced GCSAA seminar instructors. Attendees are able to respond to online polls and surveys, ask questions of the instructor and use the Internet as a resource in the virtual classroom.

GCSAA is introducing another Webcast series called “Live @ 5IVE,” which will debut in 2005. This series will also be 90-minute events conducted at 5 p.m. (Central).

“The e-Learning initiative has proved to be a unique and valuable asset to golf course superintendents where they can advance their education and the industry,” said Joe DiPaola, Ph.D., Syngenta Professional Products golf market manager. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with the GCSAA and The Environmental Institute for Golf in extending this exciting offer.”

"We are pleased to have the support of Syngenta as we acquire new technology to expand our online education program,” said GCSAA CEO Steve Mona, CAE. “The opportunity to learn online brings affordable and accessible education within reach of all GCSAA members."

The grant, established specifically to further the development of Web-based education, provides funding to create more online, self-paced courses in addition to live Webcast events.

GCSAA's online courses, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allow individuals the freedom to learn when and where it's convenient for them. Eleven topics are now available, ranging from finance to turfgrass physiology to golf course remodeling. The grant will further the development of a variety of new courses featuring more interactivity. Click here for more information on GCSAA’s online education.

Syngenta’s commitment to GCSAA and The Institute extends beyond the e-Learning grant into a broad scope of sponsorships. It is a presenting partner of the GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards and a Double Eagle Donor in the Golf Industry Show Silent Auction. It provides funding for the Legacy Awards, contributes to the “Investing in the Beauty of Golf” endowment campaign, and sponsors the GCSAA certification luncheon at the GCSAA Education Conference. Syngenta also promotes GCSAA education programs and donations on their GreenPartners Web site, exhibits at the Golf Industry Show and advertises in Golf Course Management. In addition, Dr. DiPaola, along with Michael Agnew, Ph.D., are instructors in GCSAA’s education program.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2003 were approximately US $6.6 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in London (SYA), New York (SYT) and Stockholm (SYN). Further information is available at www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com.

The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. In January 2003, The Institute evolved from The GCSAA Foundation, originally established in 1955, with a new name, mission and focus. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.

Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 individual members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

Contact:
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Director of Communications
(800) 472-7878, ext. 4430
jbollig@gcsaa.org