Herbert V. Kohler Jr., chairman, CEO and president of Kohler Co., has contributed $100,000 to The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

Kohler was elected to The Institute's board of trustees in February for a three-year term. He served on The Institute's (known then as The GCSAA Foundation) board from 1999 to 2003 as well, including a year as chairman.

"This generous gift will support The Institute's environmental stewardship programs," said David Pillsbury, chairman of The Institute's board of trustees and president of PGA Tour Golf Course Properties. "Herb has already done so much for The Institute. In 2002, he agreed to stay on the board following his chairmanship to see that the transition from The GCSAA Foundation to The Environmental Institute for Golf was successful, and he was instrumental in crafting The Institute’s mission and vision."

The Kohler Co., located in the village of Kohler, Wis., is one of the largest and oldest privately held companies in the United States. A leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, engines and generators, and Baker and McGuire furniture, the Kohler brand has dozens of business entities sold on six continents. The Kohler Hospitality and Real Estate Group developed and operates four golf courses in Kohler, Wis., all designed by Pete Dye.

"As a boy, I grew up loving the many aspects of nature," Kohler said. "As an elder, I am so pleased that there is an Institute which works to enhance the interface between man and nature through golf. The Environmental Institute for Golf provides an invaluable source of research and continuing education for the golf course superintendents who serve as stewards to the environmental and golf communities."

The United States Golf Association held its Women's Open Golf Championship at Kohler's Blackwolf Run in 1998 and the PGA of America held its PGA Championship at Kohler's Whistling Straits in 2004. The USGA will hold the 2007 U.S. Senior Open at Whistling Straits and the U.S. Women's Open returns to Blackwolf Run in 2012. The PGA Championship returns to Whistling Straits in 2010 and 2015, before the course plays host to the 2020 Ryder Cup.

The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), 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:
Kohler Co. Public Affairs at (920) 457-4441, ext. 77741 or public.affairs@kohler.com
Teri Harris, GCSAA managing director, development, at (785) 832-4465 or tharris@gcsaa.org
Greg Lyman, GCSAA director of environmental programs, at (785) 832-3625 or glyman@gcsaa.org