NTA Donates Almost $66,000 to Turfgrass Research

After a popular annual conference in 2021 at Bandon Dunes, the Northwest Turfgrass Association will donate nearly $66,000 to turfgrass research and education in 2022.

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

In all, $65,995 from the NTA is supporting Oregon State University as well as turfgrass research at Washington State University, the turfgrass research foundation in Canada and $2,500 in scholarships for turfgrass students at Walla Walla Community College.

“The NTA Research Committee and Board of Directors is thrilled to offer over $65,000 toward turf research and scholarships for the 2022 cycle,” said Dan Salois, the president of the NTA.

“While the pandemic has presented many challenges to our association and industry partners, the NTA has been able to keep funding at a high level,” Salois added. “A huge "thank-you" to the membership, sponsors and NTA staff that have kept our association headed in a positive direction.”

More than $50,000 is going toward turfgrass research being conducted at OSU under the direction of Dr. Alec Kowalewski.

“Of course, none of this would be possible without excellent research programs putting forward cutting-edge studies. Oregon State University continues to grow their program and explore new ideas with a spotlight on sustainability which interests both NTA members and outside funding sources,” Salois said.

“Also, we are excited to once again partner with Washington State University, who has new energy behind a revamped turf and ecology program.”

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 $17,847.25 donation in 2022. Numerous private clubs in the Seattle area support the NTA with donations.

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, set for Oct. 2-4 at Campbell’s Resort in Chelan, Wash., and at nearby Gamble Sands Golf Club. More information on registration, schedule and sponsorship of the conference is available at the NTA web site, www.nwturfgrass.net.

“I can't wait to see everyone at Campbell's Resort and Gamble Sands this fall to thank everyone in person,” Salois said.

Here is the breakdown of donations from the NTA in 2022 as voted on by the Board of Directors after recommendations from the Research Committee:

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

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

Influence of plant growth regulators on core cultivation recovery of annual bluegrass putting greens
Oregon State University
$10,000.00

Evaluation of the application of Gibberellic Acid on Kentucky bluegrass and creeping bentgrass turf restoration
Washington State University
$10,000.00

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

An evaluation of stress response characteristics facilitated by endophytes in commercially available perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and fine fescue cultivars
Oregon State University
$5,000.00

Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation  $3,200.00

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