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| Friday Dec 12, 2025 |
THIS WEEK'S EDITIONS OF THE FIRST CALL
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
▪️ What do you view as being the biggest story in golf for 2025 — on or off the course?
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.
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What's to become of Si Woo Kim and Brooks Koepka, or LIV Golf for that matter?; Hideki Matsuyama is a treasure; Back to the future with equipment.
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BUSINESS
Fairway Advisors: Announces the sale of Stadium Golf Club, an 18-hole public facility located in Schenectady, New York, to New City Equities. Terms of the agreement were not announced.
Steve Dresser Golf Academy: Unveils its 2026 golf school packages at True Blue Golf Club in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. The academy will offer one- to five-day packages, complete with upgraded technology, personalized instruction and access to a Mike Strantz-designed practice facility. Classes feature a maximum student-teacher ratio of 3:1. For information, SteveDresserGolfAcademy.com.
Piza Golf: Launches an immersive redesigned website that celebrates nearly two decades of golf course architecture by principal Agustin Piza. The website (www.pizagolf.com) showcases the firm’s expertise in golf course design, master planning, project management and immersive virtual experiences, but also highlights his most innovative current work, including the TGL virtual golf concept showcased in the portfolio section.
USGA: The application deadline for the USGA’s Pathways Discover Internship — a unique 10-day internship held during the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills from June 12-22, 2026 — is Dec. 31. The program creates a behind-the-scenes U.S. Open experience for college and graduate students from a wide array of backgrounds. It’s the fifth year of Pathways, where over 40% of former participants are currently working in either golf or in sports. To apply, click here.
CLUBS / COURSES
Indian Wells Golf Resort: Reopens its acclaimed Players Course for residents and resort guests following a comprehensive renovation led by course architect John Fought. Headlining the most notable changes to the Indian Wells, California, course is the redesign of the ninth, 17th and 18th holes. Previously separated from the rest of the golf course by the Whitewater Wash, the par-3 No. 17 and par-4 No. 18 holes have been relocated to the north side of the wash to streamline the dramatic home-stretch of the layout that played host to the 2024 Epson Tour Championship. Additionally, the par-5 ninth is now closer to the resort’s clubhouse to improve access to food and beverage amenities.
DESTINATIONS
MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com: Holding a tee-time promotion through Dec. 16 where golfers can save 20% on 2026 golf when booking four or more rounds at select Founders Group International courses. The holiday savings apply to rounds played Feb. 15 – Dec. 31, 2026. Golfers can book the offer exclusively at MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com or call 866-694-2448.
Viya: Expands European Tour Destinations partnership with the addition of Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to the network. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, host to the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, is a world top 100 course; Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a luxury beachfront destination and the first Audubon certified course in the United Arab Emirates.
GEAR
SeeMore Putter Company: Introduces the SKx and SBx, zero torque mallet putters. These new models mark SeeMore’s first-ever zero torque mallets, blending balance engineering with the company’s patented RifleScope Alignment Technology. The SKx and SBx feature a precision-milled aluminum body paired with a milled stainless-steel face. The putters will retail starting from $425–$500, depending on customization, and will be available through select fitters, instructors and retail partners beginning this month.
Northwestern Golf: Announces its formal reintroduction with upcoming innovations, and a new world headquarters located in Fortville, Indiana. Set to be introduced are the Thunderbird Series, featuring drivers, hybrids and irons; the Thunderbird XD Set, engineered for new distance and accuracy; the Thunderbird Performance Set, designed for the highly skilled advanced amateur and professional player; and Proprietary SpeedFlex shaft technology that provides improved distance.
PEOPLE
The Club at Olde Cypress: Names Jerrod Tumbleson as general manager of the Naples, Florida, private golf and lifestyle community. Tumbleson, who succeeds longtime GM Ken Lanigan, previously served in leadership roles at Grey Oaks Country Club, also in Naples.
PHILANTHROPY
Folds of Honor: Partners with pro football player T.J. Hockenson to establish two Folds of Honor scholarships at the University of Iowa. The scholarships will be given to qualified recipients from military and first responder families for the 2025-2026 academic year in Hockenson’s name. A two-time Pro Bowl selection (2020, 2022), in 2023, he set the mark for the most receptions at tight end in a single season in Minnesota history finishing with 95.
