NTA Donates More than $58,000 Toward Research

Despite not being able to conduct its annual conference in 2020, the Northwest Turfgrass Association will still donate more than $58,000 to turfgrass research and education in 2021.

The NTA is able to do this because of the tremendous support it receives annually from all its friends throughout the golf community.

More than $52,000 is going toward turfgrass research being conducted at Oregon State University under the direction of Dr. Alec Kowalewski.

In all, $58,395 from the NTA is supporting OSU as well as the turfgrass research foundation in Canada and $2,500 in scholarships for turfgrass students at Walla Walla Community College.

“The NTA Board of Directors is ecstatic to announce our continued support of important turfgrass research programs and scholarships for turfgrass students,” said Geoff Haynes, the president of the NTA and the superintendent at Galena Ridge Golf Course in Kellogg, Idaho. “Despite the global pandemic, our association remains strong thanks to a long list of supporters and members, and together we form an unstoppable research and scholarship force.

“Ongoing university research trials are vital to all of our operations and we’re confident that out of the list of studies currently being undertaken, all of us can glean something that will help us maintain and improve our facilities.”

These grants from the NTA are made possible by numerous and generous donations to the NTA from clubs and individuals throughout the Northwest. Washington Golf is the largest contributor with its $16,301.75 donation in 2021. Numerous private clubs in the Seattle area support the NTA with donations. Also, this year the Northwest Golf Media Association is supporting one of the turfgrass scholarships with a $1,250 donation.

“Thanks again for all your support, we couldn’t do it without you,” Haynes said, “and we look forward to seeing you all at glorious Bandon Dunes this fall.”

More information on assisting the NTA in its research efforts is available by contacting Paul Ramsdell, the executive director of the NTA, at mpsparks90@aol.com or 253-219-8360.

Presentations on most of the research projects will be given at the annual conference of the NTA, which is back on the schedule in 2021, set for Oct. 27-29 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. More information is available at www.nwturfgrass.net.

Here is the breakdown of donations from the NTA in 2021 as voted on by the Board of Directors after recommendations from the Research Committee:

Long term effects of topdressing and cultivation practices on an annual bluegrass putting green.
Oregon State University                       $10,020.00      

Exploitation of alternative disease suppression using Epichloë endophytes
Oregon State University                       $10,000.00         

Influence of plant growth regulators on core cultivation recover time of annual bluegrass putting green turf.
Oregon State University                       $7,500.00

Optimal mowing height and nitrogen fertilization for improving tall fescue turf quality in winter.
Oregon State University                       $7,500.00

Nitrogen sources on the suppression of Microdochium patch.
Oregon State University                       $7,500.00

Biology and integrated management of the European Chafer.
Oregon State U./Washington State U.             $10,275.00

Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation     $3,100.00

Bill Griffith Turfgrass Management Scholarships
Walla Walla Community College                      $2,500.00