Perhaps nobody appreciates the ground beneath him more than Jerry Pate. A U.S. Open champion, golf professional, golf course designer and turf and irrigation equipment provider, he is giving back to a game he loves.

Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation donated $5,000 to The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

With this donation Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation joins the Platinum Tee Club for donors who contribute $5,000 or more to The Institute annually. The company is also recognized at the Executive Club level of The Institute's cumulative giving program for donors who have contributed between $25,000 and $49,999 since 1987.

"I have a fond interest in The Environmental Institute for Golf and was extremely humbled to have served on its board of trustees along with many great stewards of the game," said Pate, a former chairman for The Institute's predecessor, The GCSAA Foundation. "Although we recognize that the economy is a bit sluggish, we would like to contribute to The Institute's programs and send our best wishes for a prosperous 2009."

After winning the 1975 U.S. Amateur and playing on the victorious U.S. Walker Cup team, Pate took low amateur honors at the 1975 U.S. Open and was medallist at the 1975 PGA Tour Q-School. He dazzled the golf world during his rookie season on the PGA Tour, winning the 1976 U.S. Open with one of the greatest shots in championship history - a 190-yard five-iron over water to within two feet of the hole at the Atlanta Athletic Club. He added a second national crown when he won the Canadian Open later that year and garnered Rookie of the Year and Co-Player of the Year honors.

Between 1976 and 1982, Pate won eight times on the PGA Tour and was one of the top players. Fans loved the color he brought to the game, including his orange golf ball, which he began using in 1980. In 1982, Pate won the first Players Championship held at TPC Sawgrass' Stadium Course. During the awards ceremony, Pate delighted his fellow professionals and thousands of gallery members when he threw course architect Pete Dye and PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman into the lake adjacent to the 18th green. Showing his trademark sense of humor, Pate then dove in after them.

Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation is the premier provider of outdoor beautification products in the south. With its team of over 140 professionals, Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation is committed to exceptional customer care. It proudly represents Toro, Echo, Irritrol, Lawn Boy, Ty-Crop, Bear Cat, and many others. Its customers include turf equipment dealers, golf courses, sports facilities, schools and universities, municipalities, irrigation contractors and government agencies. Visit www.jerrypate.com/turfirrigation.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. 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.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top 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 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.

For more information contact:
Teri Harris, GCSAA managing director, development at 800-472-7878 or tharris@gcsaa.org