TFC Week In Review 03-07-2025

THIS WEEK'S EDITIONS OF THE FIRST CALL

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Jake Knapp shot a 59 in the Cognizant Classic's opening round on Feb. 27 to become the 14th player in PGA Tour history to post a sub-60 round — and third in the past nine months. Is shooting 59 as significant today as it was when Al Geiberger was the first reported PGA Tour player to achieve the feat in 1977?

Send replies on this question or other topics and questions you would like to have asked to shall@buffalogroupe.com. For a response to be published, you must include your first and last name, along with the city and state of residence.

> Responses to the previous question: What changes can be made to make the LPGA Tour more popular? | Read

BUSINESS

AJGA, Golf Pride: Partner to support aspiring junior golfers

The collaboration focuses on supporting junior golfers aged 12-15 through the AJGA’s Ninja Junior All-Star Series

Finca Cortesin: Champions sustainability with Golf & Birds study

2023 Solheim Cup venue's environmental study showcases the ability for golf courses to be sanctuaries for biodiversity

Maple Leaf Junior Tour, College Golf Experience: Announce partnership

College golf camp platform expands U.S. collegiate pathway for Canadian junior golfers

PGA Tour: 3M extends title sponsorship of 3M Open through 2030

Seventh edition of FedEx Cup event returns to TPC Twin Cities, July 21-27, 2025

PGA Tour: Names Stanley 1913 brand as official drinkware partner

Innovative lifestyle brand to provide sustainable drinkware for PGA Tour players and fans on and off the course

PGA Tour Superstore: Tees up St. Louis location

Company signs lease in Manchester for its first store in Missouri

RealFood: Acquires Maine-based TJM Consulting Inc.

RealFood Hosptiality, Strategy & Design strengthens its Northeast regional presence and will assume responsibility of TJM Consulting's existing clients and active projects

True Spec Golf: Expands New York City footprint with Chelsea Piers location

The company's fourth New York-area location will open at one of New York’s most iconic and well-known sports and entertainment complexes

Upper Deck Golf: Expands partnership with Blue Tees Golf

Blue Tees Golf becomes the organization's official distance measuring partner for 2025

CLUBS / COURSES

Arcis Golf: Premier Payson Properties are transformed

The Rim Golf Club and The Golf Club at Chaparral Pines undergo multimillion dollar food and beverage renovations

La Paloma CC: Set to host PGA Tour Champions' Cologuard Classic

The Tucson, Arizona, club will host the Tour's fourth event of 2025, March 7-9

COMPETITION

APGA Tour: Jaime Lopez Rivarola captures his 2nd victory

The Argentine won the APGA at TPC San Antonio after winning the Black History Month Classic at TPC Sawgrass a year ago as a rookie

Galleri Classic: Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh commit to play

PGA Tour Champions tournament’s daily and weekly ticket options, pro-am spots and volunteer registration are available online at TheGalleriClassic.com

PGA Tour: Prepares for 17th Puerto Rico Open

Title sponsor Puerto Rico Tourism Company showcases the best the island has to offer

SCGA, Callaway Golf: Partner on Adaptive Championship

Three-year agreement makes Callaway Golf the title sponsor for the Southern California Golf Association championship, which will debut May 21-22 at Goose Creek Golf Club in Jurupa Valley, California

ShopRite LPGA Classic: To return to the Jersey Shore for its 37th year in 2025

Tickets now on sale and volunteer registration now open for the event that is scheduled for June 6-8 at Seaview in Galloway, New Jersey

USGA: Pine Valley GC to host 2044 Walker Cup Match

Stu Francis, Kendra Graham named WATC captains; Meghan Stasi to lead 2026 USA Curtis Cup team

DESTINATIONS

Arizona Hideaway Collection: 4 distinct destinations become one brand

The Hermosa Inn, Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Rancho Mañana Golf Club and Sedona Golf Resort will unite to provide seamless access to award-winning golf, luxury accommodations, acclaimed dining, spa and wellness retreats and artistic experiences

LinksVideo.net: North and West Coast Links a gateway to Ireland

The Irish-based company is an official ticket provider for Open Championship hospitality packages to Royal Portrush Golf Club

Marriott Golf: Announces late afternoon golf deal at Marco Island resort

Golfers can play nine holes at either of JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort's two championship courses for $199 after 3 p.m. with TaylorMade rentals, balls and a glove

Marriott Golf: Grande Vista Resort announces golf school

Golfers can attend 1-, 2- or 3-day golf school at Orlando, Florida, destination and receive up to a $300 gift card with TaylorMade

Marriott Golf: Offers package to Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort

Tuscany, Italy, destination allows for golf at PGA National Resort, host of the Italian Open as part of an inclusive package

GEAR

Ahead: Unveils new ornamentation techniques

Three bold ways to elevate headwear and apparel in 2025

Ping: Introduces 9 Scottsdale putters

Scottsdale Craz-E, Prime Tyne 4, Prime Tyne C, Oslo 3, Anser, Anser 2D, Anser 4, B63 and DS72 are available for pre-order at Ping authorized retailers and retail for $270 each

Stewart Golf: Launches V10 Remote

Next-generation electric trolley combines classic design with latest technology

SuperStroke: Joe Highsmith earns 1st PGA Tour win at Cognizant Classic

Highsmith, a 24-year-old Pepperdine grad, used a Zenergy Tour 2.0 putter grip

SuperStroke: Releases Mardi Gras Voodoo Collection

New limited-edition grip features festive seasonal artwork in Pistol 1.0, Pistol 2.0, and Tour 2.0 models

WMX: Launches next-generation golf grips in the U.S.

Expands into the U.S. market with the release of its Hyper and Super swing grips

XXIO: Introduces Prime line of clubs

Collection is inspired by Japan’s traditional performing arts, cultural beauty and strength

MEDIA

Babygrande Golf: To live stream Babygrande Donald Ross Collegiate, March 10-11

Website to stream traditional broadcast from Mid-Pines Inn and Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina, along with an alt-cast, 'The No Glaze Zone,' featuring a variety show of golf-related content

GolfPass: Releases latest edition of Golfers’ Choice

Golfers’ Choice 2025 features the best public golf courses in each state as chosen by readers

PGA Tour: Player-caddie conversations highlight Fan Forward initiative at API

In partnership with Mastercard and NBC, commercial units repurposed to bring fans closer to conversations between Tour players and their caddies

PEOPLE

PGA Tour: Luke Clanton earns membership via PGA Tour University Accelerated

Clanton, a junior at Florida State, secured his status through a made cut at the Cognizant Classic to reach the 20-point threshold in PGA Tour University Accelerated

TGL: Nick Dunlap joins Atlanta Drive GC with 1-match contract

Dunlap will compete for Atlanta on March 4 against Jupiter Links Golf Club, joining Billy Horschel and Lucas Glover for the team’s final regular-season match

USGA: Names Kevin Hammer as president-elect

Dianne Dixon and James Gorrie are elected to executive committee at 2025 Annual Meeting

USGA: To honor Mike Keiser with Bob Jones Award

Association's highest honor to be presented to the golf course developer during the U.S. Open in June

TECHNOLOGY

Shot Scope: New customizable Pro X rangefinder now available

Golfers, golf clubs can now add personalization to rangefinders

SkyTrak: Course Play platform now powered by Trackman course library

Course Play pack features more than 30 courses, and partnership now gives users access to build new courses using Trackman’s vast course library