Friday Mar 20, 2026
FIRST THOUGHT

THIS WEEK'S EDITIONS OF THE FIRST CALL

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

▪️ Though PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp did not provide specifics, what is your opinion of the plan he proposed prior to The Players Championship? | Respond

The Starter: Grace in defeat
Matthew Fitzpatrick may not have won The Players Championship, but he handled hecklers and heartbreak was endearing; Name-dropping for TGL Finals; Masters is one week closer.
BUSINESS
The APGA World Wide Player Development Program equips top APGA athletes with coaching, custom clubfittings, scholarships for qualifiers and professional development
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Investment was led by Coral Tree Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on sports, media, entertainment, technology and gaming
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"Big Break x Good Good presented by Golf Galaxy" returns to Golf Channel for 24th season in August
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Highly ranked Sewanee, Tennessee, collegiate golf course to undergo bunker renovation
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As part of the partnership, Bag Boy push carts will be featured nationally throughout the PGA Jr. League local league season, All-Star events and the 13u and 17u championships
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Qualtrics becomes the official tool of Voice of the Gallery, which is part of the Tour's Fan Forward initiative
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Brand-agnostic clubfitting company celebrates the reopening of the now private Naples, Florida, club following extensive course renovations
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PGA of America expands adoption of Twilio’s platform and products to power personalized engagement for 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals and millions of golfers
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CLUBS / COURSES
Director of instruction at the Atlanta, Georgia, course and the Grand Slam Golf Academy receive three PGA Jr. League #GameChanger Awards
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Worley, Idaho, course tops the publication's Top Public-Access Golf Courses by State, 2026 ranking 
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The only NFL-themed golf club includes a completely redesigned championship course, a Dallas Cowboys-themed high-tech driving range with game-used AT&T Stadium turf, and an 18-hole putting course
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Historic city-owned municipal course in Dunedin, Florida, receives a $6 million restoration, guided by Donald Ross specialist Kris Spence
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Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Payne’s Valley and Branson Hills ranked as Missouri’s top four in the publication's Best Courses by State compilation
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Male and female amateur club champions from across the country to compete in North Carolina in March 2027
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Bowling Green, Florida, destination revealed as the official name and logo for the David McLay Kidd design
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COMPETITION
The Stephen Curry-led tour will include stops in Gainesville, Florida; Scottsdale, Arizona; Galloway, New Jersey; and Los Angeles, California; Curry Cup moves to Bethpage Black Golf Course, September 15-17
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DESTINATIONS
Guests can upgrade their stays at the Irving, Texas, destination
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Guests who stay two nights or more at Residence Inn Playa Del Carmen will enjoy unlimited golf for two at the Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya
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Charleston, South Carolina, resort praised for exemplary course conditions and receives a 2026 GolfersVoice Award
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EVENTS
The region’s golf-themed indoor sports and entertainment venue is offering unlimited rounds for residents
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Dedication ceremony at the Tour's Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, headquarters brings together PGA Tour's three commissioners and CEO for the first time
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GEAR
The line delivers a classic Cleveland Golf style with a modern touch and will include hats, a caddie towel, and a Sunday bag
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Company is offering free install services at select retail partners across the United States through March 28
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The H50 handheld device delivers fast, accurate GPS distance and interactive hole mapping in a premium handheld touchscreen
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The launch represents the brand's next generation of the Ground Force Production cleat platform
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Brand unveils a fresh lineup of soft goods featuring bold strokes and bright, full-color style
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Young overcame a four-stroke deficit to win while using a Zenergy Pistol 1.0 putter grip
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Running-inspired Pebax superfoam comes to golf for the first time
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The brand agnostic clubfitting company is joined by a Ping senior designer, who offers insight into the line
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Brand-agnostic clubfitting company is joined by Miura’s North American sales manager to test the PI-402 irons and break down the clubs' performance and technology
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MEDIA
Reigning champion Viktor Hovland headlines strong field at Valspar Championship; LPGA Tour legends Meg Mallon, Judy Rankin and Juli Inkster will join Golf Channel booth throughout the week at Founders Cup
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The championship's final round averages 4.4 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, with the audience peaking at 7.1 million viewers from 5:45-6 p.m. ET
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NBC Sports’ live coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET March 21-22 on NBC and Peacock
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PEOPLE
In his role, Prindiville will oversee all business operations and competitive matters as the par-3 golf league enters its next phase of expansion
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Rudy, formerly of Golf Digest, joins the company as senior director of content and communications
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Patrick Boucher will oversee golf operations, agronomy, as well as golf-related sales and marketing for Monster Golf Club at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, New York
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Young is a club ambassador for the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, golf and lifestyle community
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Kupcho is a four-time winner on Tour and will represent the brand by displaying the Troon logo on her golf bag and engaging in activations, junior clinics and social media
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PHILANTHROPY
BallenIsles Charities Foundation, made up of members and residents of the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, club announces the 56 recipients of the grants
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INDUSTRY NOTES

BUSINESS

Bernhard and Company: Names GC Duke as its North American Distributor of the Year for 2025. The award recognises exceptional performance in developing the Bernhard and Company brand, strengthening customer relationships, and delivering sustained growth across the North American market.

Pro Sports Logistics | Destination Sport: Partner to launch a golf travel management solution. The solution will benefit tournament organizers, elite professionals and collegiate teams, as well as curate travel experiences for corporate clients, amateur players and spectators.

The Byrd Golf: Announces a retail partnership with GT Golf Supply that places the company's products in 80-plus Worldwide Golf Shops. The Byrd Golf is the creator of the Every Round Carry (ERC) system that allows golfers to organize the tools and accessories they carry — tees, ball markers, divot tools and other golf-related items.

GEAR

J.Lindeberg: Apparel brand evolves its footwear offering with new iterations of the Vent 500, expanding the lineup with fresh colorways and a knitted edition. The new materials and tones push the Vent 500 further into where golf footwear becomes part of a broader lifestyle expression.

Breakthrough Golf Technology: Launches its Forta and Forta Tour wood shafts, engineered to help golfers increase ball speed while maintaining tighter dispersion and consistent launch conditions off the tee. The shafts will begin shipping April 1 through authorized Breakthrough Golf fitters and retailers worldwide.

PEOPLE

Johnnie-O: Signs Los Angeles Rams MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford as its latest professional athlete ambassador and first from the NFL. Stafford will rep Johnnie-O year-round on the golf course and in select pre-game looks during the 2026 football season. When repping his teams, Stafford's favorite styles from the lineup include the Los Angeles Rams Motion Performance ¼ Zip, and the University of Georgia Talon Hoodie.