TFC Week In Review 12-06-24

THIS WEEK'S EDITIONS OF THE FIRST CALL

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POLL

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What’s the worst golf advice you’ve ever received?

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: What annoys you most when playing golf — either on or off the course? | Read

BUSINESS

Association of Golf Merchandisers: Announces 2025 Platinum Award winners

Distinction honors innovation, excellence in golf shop merchandising

PGA of America: Extends partnership with Patina Restaurant Group

Extension, which runs through 2034, adds two additional Ryder Cup events

Sqairz: Partners with Golfweek Senior Nation

Brand to be the official footwear sponsor for the 2025 season

Tagmarshal: Helps nab golf cart theft ring

Course-management software locates carts stolen from Ontario, Canada, golf courses

Greyson Clothiers: To celebrate the opening of its Grand Rapids, Michigan, stores with a ribbon cutting and limited early-release of the Greyson x Saucony shoe on Dec. 6. Greyson is offering a limited early release of 50 pairs of the shoe to in-store guests on Saturday, Dec. 7, before it debuts online on Dec. 9.

CLUBS / COURSES

Landscapes Unlimited, Landscapes Golf Management: To lead Lazy J Grand Lodge project

Companies to guide the transformation and addition of an 18-hole championship course at Ideal, South Dakota, hunting retreat

COMPETITION

Farmers Insurance Open: Willie Mack III receives sponsor exemption

Mack III, a member of the APGA Tour, earned his second exemption on the heels of his debut performance at the 2024 U.S. Open

Hero World Challenge: Aaron Rai wins Hero Shot at Albany

Rai defeated Jason Day in event that opened the Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas

Hero World Challenge: Hero Motocorp extends title sponsorship

Tiger Woods to continue as global corporate partner of Hero MotoCorp, which extended its sponsorship of tournament through 2030

LPGA: Updates 'Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility'

Update will be effective starting with the 2025 season

Perfect Golf Event: Partnering with St. Louis Women’s Championship

The new Annika Women’s All-Pro Tour event, scheduled for June 18-22, will be the first women’s professional golf tournament in St. Louis since 2001

PGA NCCGA: Fall Championship, Invitational begins Dec. 7

More than 44 collegiate club golf teams and 10 individuals will compete for a national title Dec. 7-8 on Pinehurst Resort's No. 5, No. 6 and No. 8 courses

USGA: Announces 'Competitive Fairness Gender Policy'

Policy will take effect for the 2025 championship season, and reflects several changes related to transgender athletes

St. Augustine Amateur: Field to include 34 college programs represented either as commitments, current players or alumni, and 27 high school players. The tournament is set for Dec. 6-8 at St. Johns Golf Club in Elkton, Florida.

DESTINATIONS

Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel: Unveils new indoor golf simulators

Circling Raven Golf Suites will enable year-round indoor experiences on courses such as St. Andrews' Old Course and Pebble Beach Golf Links

EVENTS

AGM: Announces December 2024 webinars

Webinars will help prepare for the 2025 PGA Show, forge brand partnerships and leverage cutting-edge technology

PGA Show: In-person connections elevate global gathering

Attendees will have numerous opportunities throughout the Jan. 21-24 event in Orlando, Florida, to network and engage in professional growth

GEAR

Astral Putters: Returning to the PGA Show in 2025

Putter brand will showcase its modular putter platform in its booth and at the event's putting green

Club Champion: Offering a 20% bonus on gift cards

Special holiday promotion runs through Dec. 9 and customers who purchase Club Champion gift cards will receive a bonus card worth 20% of the gift card’s value

PEOPLE

Golf Travel Writers of America: Selects Len Ziehm as executive director

Also selected were Bruce Vittner (treasurer), Tom Gorman (membership director) and Dan Vukelich (secretary, webmaster)

LPGA: Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan steps down

Liz Moore to serve as interim Commissioner while association begins global search

PGA of America: Names Jenny Lewis executive director of REACH Foundation

Northern Texas native will oversee strategy, impact and fundraising for the 501(C)(3) foundation

PGA of America: Steve Parker earns PGA Master Professional designation

Parker, PGA of America board of director, is teaching professional at Portage Country Club in Akron, Ohio

PGA of America: Tom Beeler earns PGA Master Professional designation

Beeler is the general manager and director of golf at Youghiogheny Country Club in McKeesport, Pennsylvania

Williams Athletic Club: Luxury lifestyle brand adds investors

Names acclaimed golf stylist Marty Hackel and Gilly Group CEO Alyson Ramsey Johnson to brand's leadership team

MEDIA

NBC Sports: Kevin Kisner becomes lead analyst for golf coverage

Kisner to call majority of NBC events, including U.S. Open, Open Championship, Players Championship, FedEx Cup Playoffs and Ryder Cup

TECHNOLOGY

Noteefy: Rolls out platform at American Golf, Los Angeles County courses

Automated tee time demand system is now available across 45 golf courses operated by American Golf, including 20 in the Los Angeles County market

Spectrum: Plans to exhibit at 2025 PGA Show, Jan. 21-24

Company will showcase its golf technologies that are designed to provide integrated analysis of stance, swing and trajectory for golfers at individual driving range bays