89 / 126
The IGA and the IGA Foundation have supported
turfgrass research and outreach programs for many
years. Tremendous progress has been made in en-
vironmental stewardship and sustainability through
these programs.
In 2016 the IGAF again contributed to the Iowa Turf
Institute in support of the
Iowa State University Turf
Extension Service
. This program benefits golf clubs
and golf course superintendents with timely infor-
mation and trouble-shooting consultation on turf is-
sues. The IGAF continues to be a
Gold Sponsor
for
the annual I
owa Turfgrass Conference
each January.
In 2015 and 2016 the IGA Foundation joined forces
with the Golf Course Superintendents of America
(GCSA), the Iowa GCSA and the Iowa Turf Institute
by providing $5,000 in funding to support a compre-
hensive
Water Quality Study for Iowa golf courses.
Results of the two year study will be published in
early 2017.
The IGA Foundation is working to “Impact the Fu-
ture” by supporting Junior Golf Programs state-
wide. In 2016 the IGAF provided funding and vol-
unteer time in support programs like The First Tee,
the Iowa PGA
“Swings with Kids” (Golf in Schools)
initiative and local Drive, Chip and Putt Competi-
tions.
With the development of
“Grow the Game Grants”
the IGAF is helping to fund specific school programs
in cooperation with Iowa PGA member profession-
als. Funds to support the purchase of equipment
and to provide education for the physical educa-
tion teachers are being provided.
Future efforts will focus on how to get those new
young golfers from the school to the golf course.
The IGAF needs the support of those who love the
game to help “Share the Game” with future gen-
erations.
Dr. Keith Schilling, University of Iowa Research Scientist
and Engineer, supervises the drilling of one of the six test
wells used in the Water Quality Research Project.
Matt Gatchel teamed up with his son, Mason, at the
2016 IGA Parent/Child Championship. The duo fin-
ished tied for fourth in the 9-10 age division.
JUNIOR GOLF & PLAYER
DEVELOPMENT
TURF & ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH
Impacting the Future
88