It isn't enough that our golf course superintendents give us some of the best-conditioned courses in the world.

Now they're going to help us get on some of those great courses that we've always wanted to play.

It's common knowledge that most of the superintendents in North and South Carolina learned their trade in the agronomy classes at either N.C. State or Clemson University. These guys may have green thumbs, but they bleed either red or orange.

Paul Jett, the man who prepared Pinehurst Resort's No. 2 Course for U. S. Men's Opens in 1999 and 2005, is currently serving as president of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association. From that platform, he's pushing hard to help both N.C. State and Clemson get through some tough economic times.

Rounds4Research.com is where it's happening online with a program that allows golfers to bid for foursomes and golf packages at first-class golf facilities across the Carolinas. All proceeds from the program will be used for the benefit of the turfgrass research programs at the two schools.

"This is an idea that was born of necessity," said Jett, a Clemson graduate. "Budgets to the schools are being cut, and the schools aren't finding new revenue. The USGA has been forced to suspend its help for this year. The totals cuts at the schools are around $1 million."

Golf courses in the Carolinas are being asked to donate rounds and tee times, which will then be auctioned off over the Internet. Proceeds will go to support the turfgrass programs of the schools during the period of April 19-May 6.

"We're off to a pretty good start," Jett said, "but it's the most ambitious fund-raising effort we've ever attempted. From its conception, it has taken almost a year to put everything together, including the Web site and the auction site.

"But we've got people involved who have done this kind of stuff before and that's helping us quite a bit.

"Golf is a $5-billion industry in the two states, and we need the turfgrass programs to continue operations.

"It's a simple process for golfers. All they have to do is go to their computers and call up Rounds4Research.com and make a bid on the tee times they want at their favorite courses. We've already listed 280 tee times at 204 courses in the Carolinas, and we're expecting to get more."

So there it is: A chance for golfers to play some great courses at what should be some bargain rates. Rounds4Research.com.

Call it up and put in a bid. Then get ready to experience the fruits of the labor of your course superintendents.