The First Call 01-11-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

How mind boggling were the Sentry Tournament of Champion scores this week? Jon Rahm (33-under par) and Matt Jones (32) both eclipsed Ernie Els’ record of most stokes under par in a 72-hole tournament since 1950 (31, 2003 Sentry Tournament of Champions) — and still lost. Rahm even made a tour-record 32 birdies (44 percent of the holes played), shot a third-round 61 and still finished a stroke behind champion Cameron Smith, who finished at 34-under 258.

Question of the Week: What can the golf industry do to grow the women's game? Send replies to shall@morningread.com and please include name, along with city and state of residence. Read last week's responses.

Follow The First Call

Subscribe | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Cabot buys World Woods in Florida as latest addition to a growing list of properties
[Jason Lusk | Golfweek | Read]

> LPGA will soon have more options for online gambling
[Beth Ann Nichols | Golfweek | Read]

> As Tulsa prepares for PGA at Southern Hills, city's municipal golf courses continue to languish
[Kevin Canfield | Tulsa World | Read]

> New era for leading German golf course design firm
[Richard Humphreys | Golf Course Architecture | Read]

Radmor Golf's disruptive approach to apparel

Co-founders Scott Morrison and Bob Conrad were simply tired of golf apparel made of polyester, so they partnered to create an alternative that also helps the environment

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW?

The five least walkable indexed golf states in the United States are North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. Longitudes Group defines walkability as the proportion of unrestricted golf courses by state compared to the proportion of total in the United States. Lowest walkability is described as 'a culture of riding in golf carts' or riding because golf carts are mandated.

Source: Longitudes Group golf course walkability database

THE INDUSTRY

Club Champion acquires Canadian custom fitter TXG

The acquisition marks the first time that Club Champion will take its club fitting services beyond United States borders

Agustin Piza, Brandel Chamblee to hold fireside chat on Jan. 24

Course architects will kick off the 2022 Golf Business Conference in Orlando

West Bay Club completes phase 2 of renovation project

The Estero, Fla., celebrates completing the second phase of its $20 million-plus amenity improvement plan

Manchester CC hires new executive chef, director of food and beverage

Bedford, N.H., club names Daniel Henry as executive chef; Ann Sorrell as director of food and beverage

Lyle & Scott to debut High Summer 22 Collection at PGA Show

New collection features polos, knitwear, technical layering pieces and bottoms that work to seamlessly transition golfers from warm to cooler months

Reynolds Lake Oconee launches sweepstakes with Bruce Arians

'Great Plays With Bruce Arians Sweepstakes' features golf with Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl-winning head coach, lodging, transportation and meals

GolfForever launches swing trainer wholesale pricing program

Training tool connects fitness, golf and personalized video instruction; Now available at wholesale pricing for public resale

ICYMI

U.S. Women's Open makes major strides in purses, venues

The USGA announces a significant purse increase, along with the championship's first presenting partner and five future host sites

Inverness eyes more majors

A massive restoration and being awarded the 2027 U.S. Women's Open, along with the U.S. Amateur in 2029, has put the venerable Toledo, Ohio, club back in any major discussion

Showdown between tours on horizon

The First Call readers view money — either to entice professionals to play the Saudi-backed Asian Tour or the cost amateurs have to pay to play — as among the top issues in 2022

#QOTD

"Aging is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength."

— Betty Friedan

CALENDAR

JANUARY
25-28: PGA Merchandise Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

FEBRUARY
5-10: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, San Diego, Calif. | Info
18-20: Toledo Golf Show, Toledo, Ohio | Info
19-23: CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo, San Diego, Calif. | Info
25-27: Colorado Golf Expo, Denver, Colo. | Info

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

LAST CALL

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Fried Egg (@fried_egg_golf)