Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 2, 2016) - For Jonathan Gruber, persistence pays off. Gruber, 39, golf course superintendent at Hampton Cover Golf Course in Owens Cross Roads, Ala., has wanted to attend the annual Golf Industry Show (GIS) since entering the golf course management profession 18 years ago, but financially was unable to make the trip. Next week, he will finally get the chance after being chosen as a winner in the Bayer Superintendent Grant Program.

Through the Bayer Superintendent Grant Program, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), its philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), and the Environmental Science, a division of Crop Science, division of Bayer, are sending five golf course superintendents to the 2016 Golf Industry Show in San Diego (Feb. 6-11). The purpose of the grant is to assist superintendents with their professional development through participation in the annual event.

"I have applied (for the Bayer grant) every year. I have always wanted to go to the show, I just didn’t have the opportunity,” said Gruber, a 14-year member of GCSAA. “When I found out I was chosen, I was ecstatic. It was a huge surprise. I am really looking forward to spending time with my peers and discussing ways I can make our golf course even better. After 18 years of trying to attend, I am fired up."

“We are pleased to support superintendents in their desire for continued learning. The Bayer Superintendent Grant Program aims to empower superintendents with the latest tools and education techniques available,” Bayer Golf Business Manager David Wells said.

Five winners are chosen through a random drawing. Each receives airfare, hotel accommodations for five nights, conference full-pack registration, two education seminars and $200 spending money. The four other winners for 2016 are:

• GCSAA member John Ekstrom, 36, golf course superintendent at Indian Boundary Golf Course in Chicago, Ill.
• GCSAA member Daryl “Cody” Moldenhauer, 41, golf course superintendent at American Falls Golf Course in American Falls, Idaho.
• GCSAA member Ethan Shamet, 39, golf course superintendent at Deer Trace Golf Course in LaCygne, Kan.
• GCSAA member Jerry Webb, 59, certified golf course superintendent at Stillwater Oaks in Stillwater, Minn.

"Bayer has been a strong supporter of GCSAA and the EIFG by contributing to the betterment of our members and the golf course management profession," GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. "Bayer is providing this valuable opportunity, and I am excited for each of the winners to have the chance to expand their knowledge base and join us at the Golf Industry Show.”

About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA atwww.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook orTwitter.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG atwww.eifg.org or find us on Facebook orTwitter.

About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment, including turf, snow and ground engaging equipment and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2014, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, Toro and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers care for golf courses, landscapes, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural fields. For more information, visitwww.thetorocompany.com.