USA -- The PGA Tour reached a major milestone last past weekend as its all-time charitable contributions eclipsed the $1 billion mark, thanks in large part to the efforts of the men and women who manage Tour tournament golf courses.

“It is a proud moment, not only for everyone associated with the Tour, but also for those involved with the game of golf,” said Jon Scott, PGA Tour vice president of agronomy. “Many individuals, organizations and companies played a key role in this achievement, but none more than the golf course superintendents, their staffs and the countless volunteers who provided excellent playing conditions throughout the season.”

Scott, who directs a staff of agronomists that works with golf course superintendents in preparation for Tour events, said this year was the ultimate challenge for golf courses.

“Never in my 31 years in this profession have I seen one as challenging as this one in terms of what Mother Nature presented,” Scott said. “From heavy rain, to winterkill, to high humidity to hurricanes, we saw it all. But we lost very few rounds thanks to the expertise and dedication of the golf course superintendents. They are a big reason we have been successful in raising dollars for charity.”

Earlier this year, golf legend Arnold Palmer recognized the impact Mother Nature has had on golf this year. “I think in my 50 years of professional golf this may be an exceptional year,” Palmer said. “I think that we have seen more rain and more rainouts and, I don't know, we could probably check the records and find out, but it has been an exceptional year for bad weather.”

Tim O’Neill, certified golf course superintendent at the Country Club of Darien (Conn.) and president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, noted the milestone and shared Scott’s appreciation for the work of his organization’s members.

“Certainly, congratulations are in order. The $1 billion mark in charitable contributions is an accomplishment the Tour, the host communities and the various tournament volunteers can take pride in,” O’Neill said. "From the GCSAA perspective, the PGA Tour provides a platform that spotlights the role golf course superintendents play from the perspectives of golfer enjoyment and facility financial success. Golf course superintendents may be considered to be behind the scenes, but they are front and center in what they mean to the game. We see that day in and day out, not only on Tour, but at golf courses throughout the nation. The role GCSAA members play in advancing charitable causes is significant.”

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 20,000 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.