The First Call 01-16-24

FIRST THOUGHT

Playoff? Did someone say playoff? The PGA Tour needed just its second tournament of 2024 to record its first playoff finish. A year ago, there were 12 extra-hole finishes. Sunday's Sony Open playoff, won by Grayson Murray, was the 14th in tournament history — and first since 2022 — and the third playoff with
three or more participants since the start of the 2022-23 PGA Tour season.

IN THIS ISSUE

> Who is best for NBC Sports' golf analyst role? | Read
> 'The ModGolf Podcast': Amy Bockerstette | Read

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

As the PGA Tour begins its five-tournament West Coast Swing, which is the tournament you are most looking forward to in this stretch — The American Express, Farmers Insurance Open, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, WM Phoenix Open or Genesis Invitational?

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.
> Read responses to last week's question.

TFC Inbox: Who is best for NBC Sports' golf analyst role?

$\Kevin Kisner — 144th British Open$

Kevin Kisner's tryout at The Sentry was mostly well received, but could the network do better? The First Call readers chime in

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
What is your superpower?
Amy Bockerstette and her father Joe join host Colin Weston to discuss her viral moment at the WM Phoenix Open and how that led to her I Got This Foundation
[Listen | More 'The ModGolf Podcast' episodes]

DRIVER$: INSIDE THE GOLF INDUSTRY
An app that cracks the code on optimizing tee-time availability
Noteefy founder Jake Gordon joins co-hosts Jon Last and David Klein to discuss the platform that fills last-minute cancellations with close-in demand
[Listen | More 'Driver$: Inside the Golf Industry' episodes]

BEHIND THE GOLF BRAND
SuperStroke stakes its claim to No. 1
SuperStroke's executive vice president Ian Zubkoff joins host Paul Liberatore to discuss the putter grip company's position in the marketplace
[Listen | More 'Behind the Golf Brand' episodes]

INDUSTRY NEWS

Noonan Caddie: To exhibit digital caddie platform at PGA Show

Company will showcase its digital caddie app that takes golf simulator data to predict shot landing and roll

Flyway Hats: Introducing its golf, resort headwear collection at PGA Show

New line features straw gamblers and fedoras, classic Ivy League caps, and contemporary safari styles at booth No. 5857

Srixon: Q-Star Tour series golf balls feature tour-level performance

Q-Star Tour and Q-Star Tour Divide deliver maximum greenside spin, more distance and control for moderate swing speed golfers

American Fit: Debuting expanded presence at PGA Show

All 2024 men’s, women’s and junior holiday, fall, winter collections will be unveiled in Orlando, Florida

Swing Control: Black Floral and True Fall capsule series to debut at PGA Show

In addition to the new capsule series, expanded pieces from the brand's globally inspired Tuscan Sun, Caribbean Sea, Sahara Sky and French Riviera Collections will be introduced

Kavooa Golf: Names Drew Piller as national sales manager

Piller's responsibilities include managing a team of nationwide sales representative, collaborating on training-aid development, and developing marketing and sales strategies

True Spec Golf: Reviews TaylorMade's Qi10 drivers

Brand examines the new look and technology behind the Qi10 Max, Qi10 LS and the Qi10 driver heads, which TaylorMade claim to be more forgiving due to the redesigned 60X carbon twist face

Island Resort & Casino: 2024 golf packages now available

Northern Michigan destination prepares for another year as pre-bookings are on pace to pass 2023

Gorman Golf Media: Names Greg Wise as publisher of eSouthernGolf

eSouthernGolf, established in 2001, is a digital marketing platform that highlights the best of golf in the South and features a weekly newsletter that reaches 100,000 readers

SwingU: Signs Monique Thoresz to use Coach platform

Director of instruction at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, will use the platform to provide advanced statistical reporting to her students

Cleveland Golf: Introduces its ZipCore XL and Halo XL full-face irons

Equipment manufacturer uses an artificial intelligence-driven process to create MainFrame — a club face and weighting combo that boosts both COR and MOI for higher ball speeds and more forgiveness

AGM: Holding a product preview reception on eve of PGA Show

Attendees will receive an advance look at the newest products to be debuted before the official opening of the PGA Show

Arcis Golf: Unveils value-added frequent play programs for 2024

Benefits include access to Grayhawk Golf Club and 14-day advance bookings at daily fee facilities in the Phoenix, Arizona, area

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> How do you assess Keith Pelley’s legacy with the DP World Tour? It’s complicated — and unfinished
[John Huggan | Golf Digest | Read]

> Bryson DeChambeau is bullish on LIV Golf's future — and a reconciliation with the PGA Tour
[Bob Harig | Sports Illustrated | Read]

#QOTD

"He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else."

— Benjamin Franklin

Make Golf Your Career

> Head Golf Professional
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
San Antonio, Texas | Info

> General Manager
Port Huron Golf Club
Fort Gratiot, Michigan | Info

> Outside Services
Hunters Run Golf and Racquet Club
Boynton Beach, Florida | Info

> View a complete listing of jobs

Make Golf Your Career is a golf industry DE&I initiative launched by Make Golf Your Thing that allows job seekers to search, find and apply for opportunities throughout the industry in one place.

CALENDAR

JANUARY
23-24: Golf Business Conference, Orlando, Florida | Info
23-26: PGA Show, Orlando, Florida | Info
29-February 1: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Phoenix, Arizona | Info

MARCH
4-8: Club Management Association of America World Conference and Club Business Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada | Info

> View complete calendar

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