TFC Week In Review 11-14-2025

THIS WEEK'S EDITIONS OF THE FIRST CALL

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is your opinion of the The Annika, this week's LPGA event, extending a sponsor exemption to Kai Trump? Trump, 18, is a University of Miami commit who is No. 461 in the American Junior Golf Association rankings, and has finished no higher than 24th in three 2025 AJGA starts. Her average score for nine rounds is 83.56.

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 Starter: Just what is success, gamesmanship?

Kai Trump's LPGA debut and Tommy Fleetwood's bathroom break are scrutinized. Is Ben Griffin in the Player of the Year discussion? Why wearing two golf gloves may be better than one.

BUSINESS

Ace Indoor Golf: Unveils Black Friday launch monitor savings

Company outlines a wide variety of offerings from tour-quality golf simulators to budget friendly portable launch monitors

Five Iron Golf: Expands to Europe with 1st UK location

The Broadgate Circle venue in central London marks the first of a multi-unit franchise agreement to bring Five Iron Golf facilities to England

Full Swing: Announces limited-time offering for its KIT Launch Monitor

Purchase of award-winning KIT Portable Launch Monitor now includes a premium hitting net and driving range hitting mat at no extra cost

GolfForever: Announces its online Holiday Kickoff Sale

Company offers seasonal savings on its training systems, Nov. 11-26

Indoor Golf Alliance: Adds KZG as a sponsor

The partnership reflects an ongoing commitment to support the professionals making golf more accessible, data-driven and enjoyable

Rosie Jones Mentoring Program: Emphasizing the values of the game

Junior girl golfers in South Carolina benefit from personal coaching and guidance from former LPGA player

The Indoor Golf Shop: @FriendlyGolfer delivers timely golf simulator buying advice

With arrival of winter golf and holiday shopping season, YouTuber gives the inside scoop on optimizing indoor golf space

CLUBS / COURSES

Al Hamra GC: Reopens all 18 holes following course enhancement project

Troon Golf-managed facility in Ras Al Khaimah completes renovation of five holes

Harbour Town GL: Reopens after restoration

Original Pete Dye strategy maintained by player-consultant Davis Love III

Landscapes Unlimited: Completes work at Marietta CC

Golf course project centered on reshaping greens and bunkers, regrassing fairways and upgrading irrigation system

Princeville Makai GC: Earns BoardRoom Magazine distinction

The publication, in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide, names the Kauai, Hawaii, club a Distinguished Golf Destination with Exceptional Designation

Zinkand Golf Design: Completes short course at Saddle & Cycle Club

Set amid urban landscape, the reversible four-hole routing elevates golf experience at the historic Chicago social club

COMPETITION

Future Champions Golf: FCG National Championship winner to receive exemption

The Girls 15-18 Division winner will earn exemption into a 2026 Annika World All Pro Tour event

PGA of America: 2025 PGA University Championship begins

17 PGA Golf Management University Programs to compete for Jones Cup trophy at Atlanta National Golf Club

PGA of America: Assistant PGA Professional Championship begins

Having won in 2023 and finishing second in 2024, Preston Cole headlines the 132-player field at PGA Golf Club

PGA Tour: Biltmore Championship in Asheville to debut in 2026

Asheville, North Carolina's first PGA Tour event since 1942 to take place at Jack Nicklaus-designed The Cliffs at Walnut Cove and be a part of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Fall

PGA University Championship: Coastal Carolina wins title

Florida Gulf Coast University finishes second, University of Central Oklahoma takes third; Coastal’s Jones Saylor wins individual title

Senior PGA Championship: 2026 tickets, volunteer opportunities now available

Advance ticket pricing available through 2025 with daily grounds tickets starting at $40

DESTINATIONS

Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort: Announces winter stay-and-play packages

Golf and bespoke lodging starts at $440 per person with bookings that begin Dec. 1

Marriott Golf: Highlights Sanctuary Cap Cana

Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, destination is offering savings, playing privileges with current bookings

Marriott Golf: Touts golf packages at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, destination features golf at TPC Sawgrass.

The Sea Pines Resort: Unveils 'Links and Luxury' golf package

Offer, available from Nov. 12 through Feb. 28, 2026, celebrates the reopening of Harbour Town Golf Links

GEAR

Bushnell Golf: Introduces Launch Pro ‘Circle B’ Editions

Devices feature a bold new look and accessible subscription options with the same tour-level technology

Newton Golf Company: Reports 3rd quarter 2025 results

Delivers largest revenue quarter in company history with 113% year-over-year revenue growth

PXG: Honors the U.S. Marine Corps’ birthday, Veterans Day with special collection

New, rugged, military-inspired capsule features PXG Fairway Camo golf bags, gloves and headwear

Srixon | Cleveland Golf: Nasa Hataoka wins Toto Japan Classic

Hataoka won the LPGA event with a full bag of Srixon and Cleveland Golf equipment

LIFESTYLE

Malcolm DeMille: Crafts trophy for World Wide Technology Championship

The championship trophy captures the essence of Cabo San Lucas with a striking bronze sculpture of the region’s famous Arch

MEDIA

Golf Channel: New morning programming begins January 2026

Morning shows debuting on Golf Channel in 2026 include ‘The Smylie Show’ with Smylie Kaufman, ‘Vanity Index Podcast’ with Chad Mumm and Wells Adams, and ‘The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts’

PEOPLE

GCSAA: Environmental Leaders in Golf Award recipients announced

National awards recognize environmental stewardship efforts of golf course superintendents

Golf Magazine: Reveals latest list of Top 100 Teachers in America

Fifteen new inductees join this year’s list, which was compiled by the publications Top 100 Teachers Credentials Committee

LPGA: Names additions to Board of Directors

Deborah Majoras and Sean Bratches named as independent directors, Lindy Duncan and Lauren Coughlin as player directors

LPGA: Names Monica Fee as chief sales and partnerships officer

Fee will oversee the LPGA’s global sales and partnership strategy, driving revenue through official marketing partnerships, tournament title sponsorships and other commercial assets

Parkland G&CC: Matt Kuchar hosted a junior clinic on Oct. 15

Kuchar, a former U.S. Amateur champion and current PGA Tour professional, offered valuable insights into the mindset and work ethic required to achieve success on and off the course

PGA of America: Peter Broome elected Honorary Member

Former Acushnet Company executive becomes 13th Honorary Member

PHILANTHROPY

TY Management: Donates $117,000 to 3 Maui junior golf nonprofits

Maui junior golfers are first to play Kapalua Plantation Course ahead of reopening

Upper Deck Golf: Donates PXG golf balls to support youth golf programs

The company's is providing balls to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, region's GAP Youth on Course, Cobbs Creek Foundation and local First Tee chapters

TECHNOLOGY

Epson Tour | NEXT Golf Tour: Partner to create new golf opportunities

Virtual golf provides real opportunity for female athletes in Trackman simulators

INDUSTRY NOTES

COURSES

Yas Links Abu Dhabi: Launches the Tommy Fleetwood Academy (TFA) at the Abu Dhabi, UAE, destination. Following the recent significant upgrade of its state-of-the-art training facilities, the academy will now operate fully under the Tommy Fleetwood Academy brand and expands its partnership with Viya, which has a TFA location at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The facility will include two swing studios with advanced simulators, a dedicated indoor putting studio, and world-class training systems such as Platform Golf, Trackman, Swing Catalyst and Sam PuttLab.