Herb Kohler, executive chairman of the Kohler Company, has donated $250,000 to the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organisation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The EIFG fosters sustainability by providing funding for research grants, education programs, awareness of golf’s environmental efforts and scholarships.
“I can’t think of a better organisation to make sure these funds are used toward ensuring a sustainable future for golf than the EIFG,” Kohler said.
Kohler, who bought the Old Course Hotel St Andrews in 2014, is an avid golfer. He hired golf architect Pete Dye to build four courses in his native Wisconsin, two at Blackwolf Run in Kohler and two at Whistling Straits in Haven, host venue of the 2020 Ryder Cup.
Kohler has a long history with the EIFG and GCSAA. He served two three-year terms (1999-2002, 2007-2010) on the board of trustees for the EIFG and was board chairman in 2001-2002. In 2016, he was awarded GCSAA’s highest honor, the Old Tom Morris Award.
“Herb Kohler has a true dedication to the game of golf and its future,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “We continue to be honored with his friendship and are deeply appreciative of his nearly two decades of support for the EIFG and its mission.”