TFC Week In Review 03-28-2025

THIS WEEK'S EDITIONS OF THE FIRST CALL

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Regarding professional golfers and the media, should players be obligated to speak to reporters during a tournament week? Or does a player's communication via social media suffice?

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.

> The Ringer recently published The 100 Best Sports Moments of the Quarter Century, which included several golf entries. In your opinion, what have been the best golf moments since 1950? | Read

The Starter: Viktor Hovland's big win, Atlanta Drive sweeps and Rose Zhang

Mike Purkey begins the weekend pondering the golf world with nine questions

BUSINESS

Arcis Golf: Presenting sponsor for National Women’s Collegiate Championship

The Women In Golf Foundation’s 30th annual event will feature 13 college teams competing for Renee Powell Cup at The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch

Cobbs Creek Foundation: Lincoln Financial becomes founding partner

Partnership will further the development of community education, networking and mentorship programs at Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Escalante Golf: Acquires nationally ranked Canyata

Illinois property will become the home club for Icon Golf, Escalante’s luxury golf and travel membership

Golfzon Leadbetter, Pro Swing: Open location in South Carolina

Facility will bring instruction, state-of-the-art technology to new Columbia location

Great Lakes Championship: Turtle Creek Casino becomes official pro-am sponsor

New Epson Tour event will be held at The Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan, in June

KemperSports, Touchstone Golf: Announce strategic partnership

The agreement is expected to benefit clients, golfers and properties and set the stage for future growth in key markets

Majors Challenge: Launches turnkey fantasy golf fundraising platform

Platform enables 501(c)(3) organizations to engage their donors

Perfect Golf Event, Vortex: Partner on rain coverage

Golf tournament and event organizers now receive automatic rain coverage when utilizing Perfect Golf Event Eagle, Double Eagle and Ace packages, providing financial protection in the event of .5-inches of rain between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Pro Golf Weekly: Partners with Majors Challenge

Pro Golf Weekly will promote Majors Challenge and host its own fantasy golf league centered around golf’s four majors

CLUBS / COURSES

Circling Raven GC: Set to open April 4

Coeur d’Alene Casino amenity in Worley, Idaho, unveils new programs, enhancements

Dunedin GC: Completes $6 million restoration

Central Florida Donald Ross municipal design gets a complete makeover by Ross expert Kris Spence

Junior PGA Championships: Announces venues for 2028 event

Girls and boys and will compete at the Country Club of Rochester and Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York

Zinkand Golf Design: Nears renovation completion at Monterey Peninsula CC

Work marks the third phase of a multiyear master plan assignment focused on ushering forward Mike Strantz’s cherished Short Course masterpiece

COMPETITION

Galleri Classic: Announces its 2025 field

PGA Tour Champions field features seven World Golf Hall of Famers, six past world No. 1s and 18 PGA Tour major champions

JM Eagle LA Championship: Nelly Korda, Hannah Green commit

Seven of the world's top 10 headline early commitments for the LPGA event, April 17-20

PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship: 2025 field announced

27 teams plus 45 individuals to compete in 38th edition of the PWCC at Whistling Straits

Troon: Schedule set for 2025 Troon Challenge

Dates and locations are posted on TroonChallenge.com; regional qualifying will run from May through August at 25 facilities in eight states; national finals set for Oct. 6-7

USGA: Opens ticket application for Walker Cup Match

Single day public offerings will be available for 50th playing at Cypress Point Club

DESTINATIONS

Apes Hill Barbados: Unveils Hilltop Villas

Completion of Little Apes short course, well-being programs, new real estate offerings among activities, amenities and enhancements at evolving property

Explore Branson: Touts 5 reasons to visit Missouri destination

Region features combines world-class golf with outdoor recreation, entertainment and a deep-rooted sense of Americana

Marriott Golf: Showcases The Resort at Pelican Hill

Newport Coast, California, destination announces a pair of stay-and-play golf packages

EVENTS

Under Par Golf Media: Launches LIV Golf Fantasy Golf Series

Fantasy golf experience kicks off with LIV Golf Miami, April 4-6

GEAR

Asics: Unveils limited edition Japan S golf shoe

Featuring a white and jasper green colorway that pays tribute to the iconic colors of Augusta National Golf Club, the shoe blends Masters tradition with performance

Cleveland Golf: Announces additions to HB Soft 2 putter line

The two new options are the HB Soft 2 CB and HB Soft 2 Broom

Golf Pride: Unveils Honorary Starter Collection ahead of the Masters

Includes limited edition Tour Velvet and Reverse Taper grips

Shot Scope: Debuts G6 watch

New model makes course navigation easier with full-hole maps

Sun Mountain: Introduces expanded Matchplay Collection

Line now includes the Matchplay Cart, Matchplay Swift Sunday and Matchplay Duffel

Tour Edge: Announces Wingman 800 Series putters

Six-putter series is designed to elevate putting for golfers who seek maximum MOI properties

Williams Athletic Club: To exhibit at Southeast Caribbean Golf Show

Following a successful launch at the PGA Show in January, the apparel brand will attend the April 15-17 show in Jupiter, Florida

LIFESTYLE

Malcolm DeMille: Artistry shines at Valspar Championship

Champion Viktor Hovland earned a Malcolm DeMille original sculpted trophy

MEDIA

GolfPass: 'Glam Golf with Blair O’Neal' debuts on website, mobile app

Golf Girl Games, an upstart golf influencer group, joins host O’Neal in premiere episode

PEOPLE

Cleveland Golf: Roger Cleveland’s legacy comes full circle with return

Club designer first founded Cleveland Classics Golf Company in 1979, which was later rebranded to Cleveland Golf; first club he ever made was a recreation of Bobby Jones’ Calamity Jane putter

Dave Pelz: Renowned golf coach, innovator, author dies at 85

Pelz passed away March 23, 2025, at his home in Dripping Springs, Texas

GCSAA: Names Joshua Tapp director of environmental programs

Former EPA Region 7 acting deputy regional administrator will provide strategic direction for environmental initiatives

Realfood Hospitality, Strategy & Design: Promotes Chris Tocchio to VP

In his expanded leadership role, Tocchio will drive performance and innovation across RFHSD’s core service areas

Summit Golf Brands: Announces Salesperson of the Year

Paige Golibart, a senior account executive based out of Jupiter, Florida, receives the 2024 honor

SuperStroke: Adds golf coach, influencer Georgia Ball as brand ambassador

Noted online instructor to demonstrate the game-improvement merits of SuperStroke

Vanderbilt Legends Club: Adds 2 to dining personnel

Franklin, Tennessee, club adds John Paulus as food and beverage director; Mark Wakefield as executive chef

PHILANTHROPY

Arcis Golf: Continues 7-year partnership with Els for Autism

Round Up 4 Els for Autism rolls out nationwide in April

PGA of America REACH Foundation, Folds of Honor: Partner for Patriot Golf Days

Veteran and first responder families supported by grassroots fundraising throughout May

CLUBS / COURSES

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch: To embark on a project to enhance the bunkers on its Rising Sun Golf Course in Emigrant, Montana. Led by Davis Love III’s Love Golf Design, the project will include the removal of 10 bunkers, while adding 30 more. The existing bunkers will be modified and updated for improved drainage and edging using the Eco Bunker system, which will make them one of the most distinguishable aspects of the golf course. Heritage Links will begin working on the bunker enhancement project in mid-March, with completion set for later this summer.