Thursday Jan 25, 2024
FIRST THOUGHT

Of the 192 respondents to The First Call's poll question "Golf Channel and NBC Sports analyst Brandel Chamblee has developed a reputation for polarizing viewpoints. What is your opinion of him?", an overwhelming 67% said they liked him, while 25% chose "Dislike" and the remaining 8% selected "No opinion."

IN THIS ISSUE

> Pickleball makes presence known at PGA Show | Read
> PGA Show Notebook: Some shots are worth a celebration | Read
> Under Armour OK with being alone at PGA Show Demo Day | Read
> PGA Show Notebook: Here and there at Demo Day | Read

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

The annual PGA Show — being held this week in Orlando, Florida — showcases the latest apparel, gear and technology the golf industry has to offer. If you could invent one item that would either improve your game or your golf experience, what would it be?

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.

2024 PGA Show
Pickleball makes presence known at PGA Show
The sport is exploding at clubs and in communities across the country for good reasons — its fun and easy to play
PGA Show Notebook: Some shots are worth a celebration
Wasted Wedge debuts the ideal toasting club in the New Product Zone; Unique Rabbit Studios takes big to new level
INDUSTRY NEWS
Winners were recognized at the 71st PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, and the recipients will be formally honored at the 2024 PGA Annual Meeting in November
Read More
Association of Golf Merchandisers recognizes the distinguished achievers at the 2024 AGM Platinum Award presentation
Read More
Actor and comedian stars in phase two of the association's second phase of the "We Love this Game" brand campaign unveiled at the PGA Show
Read More
San Clemente, California, course holds grand opening festivities on Jan. 13
Read More
Offerings combine thoughtful design with larger striking areas for added forgiveness, playability 
Read More
Instructors, coaches see live, remote golf instruction demonstrated
Read More
READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Adrian Meronk set to join LIV Golf
[Tom Kershaw | The Times | Read ($)]

> Why did the LPGA-LET merger vote not happen? The answer is Golf Saudi
[Beth Ann Nichols | Golfweek | Read]

> Allied Golf Associations play a starring role in American golf
[Jim Gorant | USGA | Read]

#QOTD
"The beginning is the most important part of the work."
— Plato
ICYMI
Under Armour OK with being alone at PGA Show Demo Day
Sportswear brand unveils its new Drive Pro golf shoes
PGA Show Notebook: Here and there at Demo Day
The annual event was the first peek at the latest golf and lifestyle products, including Broken Tee craft vodka, Cobra Golf's Darkspeed driver and Bridgestone's Mindset visual-aid golf balls
TUNING IN

PGA Tour: Farmers Insurance Open
Site: Torrey Pines Golf Club (North, South), San Diego, California.
Television [ET]: Today, 3-7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Friday, 3-5 p.m. (Golf Channel), 5-8 p.m. (CBS); Saturday, 2-4 p.m. (Golf Channel), 4-8 p.m. (CBS).
Leaderboard | GCSAA Fact Sheet

LPGA Tour: LPGA Drive On Championship
Site: Bradenton Country Club, Bradenton, Florida.
Television [ET]: Today-Friday, noon to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 4-5 p.m., 6-8 p.m. (tape delay); Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
Leaderboard | GCSAA Fact Sheet

DP World Tour: Ras Al Khaimah Championship
Site: Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Television [ET]: Today-Friday, 3-8 a.m.; Saturday, 3:30-8 a.m.; Sunday, 3-8 a.m.
Leaderboard

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]

Make Golf Your Career

> Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Ben Geren Golf Course
Fort Smith, Arkansas | Info

> Golf Course Superintendent
Troon
Washington, New Jersey | Info

> Director, GHIN Golfer Products
United States Golf Association
Liberty Corner, New Jersey | 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
24: Golf Business Conference, Orlando, Florida | Info
24-26: PGA Show, Orlando, Florida | Info
29-February 1: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Phoenix, Arizona | Info

FEBRUARY
6: Women Fore Hire Virtual Career Fair | Info
9-11: West Michigan Golf Show, Grand Rapids, Michigan | 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.