The First Call 01-06-2023

FIRST THOUGHT

While December is typically a celebratory month because of the holidays, there was little to toast in terms of golf playable hours (GPH) for the month. According to Pellucid, the severe weather delivered by the bomb cyclone that rolled across the United States led to a 30% decline in GPH vs. 2021. That led to a year-to-date deficit of -7% vs. 2021.

> Question of the week: What do you hope will be the biggest or best storyline in 2023?

Send replies on this question or other topics to shall@buffalogroupe.com. For your response to be published, you must include first and last name, along with city and state of residence. Read last week's responses.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Masters extends two special invitations for first time since 2019
[Gabrielle Herzig | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> The PGA Tour is about to look different. Will it be different enough?
[Dylan Dethier | Golf.com | Read]

> Tentative PGA Tour fall schedule for 2023 shows seven events
[Rex Hoggard | Golf Channel | Read]

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Why singer Steve Azar's life could be a country song
Music composer / singer joins host Ann Liguori to discuss his career and how golf fits into the equation
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview With Ann Liguori' episodes]

BEHIND THE GOLF BRAND
How Sunday Golf found its niche, paves a new trail
Host Paul Liberatore interviews CEO Ronan Galvin, who discusses how finding a niche allowed Sunday Golf to revolutionize the golf bag industry in just a few short years
[Listen | More 'Behind The Golf Brand' episodes]

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
How Sqairz does the common in an uncommon way
Founder Bob Winskowicz shares with host Colin Weston how having Arnold Palmer in his mentorship corner was one of many positive experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
[Listen | More 'The ModGolf Podcast' episodes]

THE INDUSTRY

Wilson enhances its Duo Soft golf ball

Upgraded ball is for players motivated by faster ball speeds and longer distances; balls will be available for purchase Jan. 19

Bonfit names Read the Greens, Golf Media as its PR agency

PR agency will work with the Bonfit Sport Division to create, launch and sustain a public relations and media program for the brand's golf specific products

AGM Product Preview Reception returns on eve of the PGA Show

Attendees can get an advance look at the newest products to be debuted before official opening of the PGA Show; free event set for Tuesday, Jan. 24

Inventors Spotlight to showcase innovative products at PGA Show

Inventors of new golf training aids, teaching aids, accessories and equipment will gauge interest of attending PGA pros, industry leaders and media at the Inventors Spotlight Exhibit Pavilion

PGA Show features new Career Zone to provide golf career insight

Employer-led panel presentations and networking events allow PGA professionals, college students and second-career professionals to connect with employers on the Show Floor

Divots Sportswear to make record 46th trip to PGA Show

Company will debut 2023 collections for Divots, Byron Nelson and Carnoustie Sportswear brands

Branson Golf recognized as leading North American destination in 2022

Home to 10 courses in the southwest Missouri Ozarks, Branson Golf claims five of Missouri's top-10-rated courses and offers additional attractions to visitors

Announced: By Callaway Golf, a multiyear partnership with global music and entertainment star Niall Horan. The singer-songwriter will collaborate with Callaway on game-expanding initiatives to help connect with a wider, younger audience.

Announced: By the PIF Saudi International, that British Open champion Cameron Smith has committed to play in this year's tournament, Feb. 2-5 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. The PIF Saudi International moved to the Asian Tour in 2022 as part of a new partnership, and tickets are now available.

Announced: By the PGA of America, that Michael Block of Mission Viejo, California; Sandra Changkija of Kissimmee, Florida; and Bob Sowards of Dublin, Ohio, won their respective 2022 PGA of America PGA Professional, Women’s PGA Professional and Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Awards.

> More Industry News

#QOTD

"If a man be endowed with a generous mind, this is the best kind of nobility."

— Plato

ICYMI

Pinehurst Resort taps Tom Doak for No. 10 design

Noted course architect to create distinctly different layout on land that used to be site of The Pit

ROUNDS AND WEATHER

> Rounds played finished this past week up 25% vs. 2022 due to improved weather across North America. California was the lone exception, finishing down 12% due to heavy rain over the latter part of the week.

> Pacing over the next seven days is projected to finish down 2% to prior year due to continued heavy rain throughout most of California.

The Mid-Atlantic region is projecting to have the highest finish over the next seven days at +83% due to significant temperature improvements vs. prior year. The California region is forecasted to have the worst performance over the next seven days projecting to finish down 32% as heavy rain continues to affect the region.

> Weekday golfers as a percentage of total golf business continues to trend upward, finishing over 60% for this week.

TUNING IN

PGA Tour: Sentry Tournament of Champions
Site: Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua, Hawaii.
Television (ET): Today, 6-10 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 4-6 p.m. (NBC Sports), 6-8 p.m. (Golf Channel).
Leaderboard | GCSAA Fact Sheet

CALENDAR

JANUARY
23-25: Golf Business Conference, Orlando, Fla. | Info
24-27: PGA Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info
28-29: Columbus Golf and Travel Show, Columbus, Ohio | Info

> View complete calendar

To submit events for the calendar, please include the event name, date, location and informational link to info@firstcallgolf.com.