The Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey (GCSANJ) Foundation donated $10,500 to The Environmental Institute for Golf's Robert Trent Jones Endowment Fund.
GCSANJ Foundation raised the money by selling various sponsorship packages to local vendors and members from its hospitality area at The Barclays, the PGA Tour's first event of the 2008 FedExCup Playoffs, at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., and from the 19th annual Robert Trent Jones Invitational at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J.
The RTJ Invitational is conducted each fall at Metedeconk National and brings together superintendents and representatives from golf courses along the East Coast to raise funds for scholarships, turf research programs and education initiatives. The event also serves to recognize the critical role played by superintendents in developing the vision of the golf course architect and ensuring the integrity of that vision. It was famed architect Robert Trent Jones who worked with Institute leaders to establish the fund in 1987.
"The GCSANJ Foundation's continued support of the Robert Trent Jones Endowment Fund has been remarkable and is commendable," GCSAA CEO Mark Woodward, CGCS, said. "We are honored to have Metedeconk National listed among the elite groups that make up The Institute's Star Club."
Metedeconk National Golf Club is recognized at the Star Club level of The Institute's cumulative giving program for donors who have contributed $500,000-$999,999 since 1987.
Inspired by the varied topography of the preserve, Jones and his chief designer and top aide, Roger Rulewich, created a 27-hole masterpiece of tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers to maximize accuracy and the subtly contoured greens for which Jones is internationally known. A golf course of world-class prominence was created at Metedeconk National, while preserving the natural beauty of the rolling terrain, thick forests, quiet marshes and abundant wildlife. A certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, Metedeconk National has continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship. Visit www.metedeconk.org.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. It 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
