TFC Week In Review 10-18-24

FIRST THOUGHT

THIS WEEK'S EDITIONS OF THE FIRST CALL

POLL

> How interested are you in watching competitive golf simulator tours? | Vote
> Previous: Do you buy golf products based on social media influencer recommendations? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

If you could write an alternative ending to any of 2024's majors — men or women — what would it be?

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 last week's question.

BUSINESS

Bobby Jones Links: GMIT program continues to inspire

Company creating opportunities for aspiring managers through its General Manager in Training program

GCSAA: Honors the Coachella Valley Golf and Water Task Force

California advocacy organization to receive the Excellence in Government Affairs Award

MGI Golf: Launches Short-Term Electric Caddy Fleet Program

Participating clubs encourage walking golfers to enhance play, support course maintenance during seasonal transitions

Supreme Golf: Unveils membership club with exclusive vendor partnerships

Supreme Golf Club gives golfers exclusive access to discounted tee times, special offers at participating courses and premium partner benefits

CLUBS / COURSES

Monarch Beach GL: Partners with reggae rock pop band Common Kings

Dana Point, California, course and Orange County-based band are collaborating on events, merchandise and music, with the band even rewriting one of its hit songs (“California Day”) to call out Monarch Beach

Scottsdale National GC: To host Commander-in-Chief’s Cup

Bob and Renee Parsons open the gates to their exclusive desert property to accommodate service academy golf tournament after hurricane threatens original venue

West Lake CC: Reopens 9 holes after Hurricane Helene

Augusta, Georgia, club bounces back after a community-wide effort to clear over 1,100 trees downed by the storm

COMPETITION

PGA Jr. League Championship: Georgia wins 13u title in playoff

Florida finishes second, while Utah finishes third over Virginia, 8.5-3.5

EVENTS

PGA of America: Hosts PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week

Jack Nicklaus pays special tribute as REACH Foundation hosted 19 veterans and two veteran squad leaders Oct. 10-14 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland

GEAR

Newton Golf: Launches Newton Motion shafts in Japan

Product is now available in 50 of Japan’s largest golf retailers and through GDO, the country’s leading e-commerce platform

Srixon: Staffer Jerry Kelly wins SAS Championship

Kelly played a combination of Srixon ZX7 Mk II irons and the Z-Star XV golf ball

Stix Golf, Nicklaus Companies: Collaborate to create golf equipment sets

New initiative is the first for the partnership that aims to create a variety of new golf products to enhance the game, golfers’ enjoyment and make the game accessible to more golfers

MEDIA

Sportsnet, TGL: Announce Canadian media partnership

Every match of new Team Golf League to air live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+; TGL launches Jan. 7 with media rights partnerships in Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the U.S.

PEOPLE

Ahead: John Lawrence earns prestigious New England PGA award

Co-founder of Tournament Solutions, a division of Ahead, is named winner of the George S. Wemyss Award for making a 'meaningful difference’

Arcis Golf: Adds Maisie Filler as brand ambassador

Former University of Florida All-American joins world No. 2 Lilia Vu as representing Arcis Golf

Audubon International: Adds Toro, Troon execs to board of directors

Rick Lohman, senior director of corporate accounts for the Toro Company, and Ruth Engle, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Troon Golf, join the board

Nemacolin: Michael LaBella makes Best Young Teachers list

LaBella, director of instruction at The Nemacolin Golf Academy and Tri-State Teacher of the Year, is named to Golf Digest's 2025-2026 list of best golf instructors under 40