Thursday Jan 26, 2023
FIRST THOUGHT

The Farmers Insurance Open moved to San Diego's Torrey Pines Golf Course in 1968 and greatness appears to be a thread among the players with the tournament's lowest scoring averages (minimum of 10 rounds). Tiger Woods, a seven-time winner of the event, is first at 69.28. He is followed by Jon Rahm (69.29), Rory McIlroy (69.33) and Jack Nicklaus (69.71).

> Subscribe: The First Call | Quick Reads (LinkedIn)| Weekend Edition (Substack)
> Follow: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | PostTwitter

> Question of the week: How, if at all, will LIV Golf's recent announcement of a television deal with The CW Network change public opinion of the second-year league?

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

> As the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf antitrust case drags on, is a settlement the endgame?
[Alex Miceli | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> Ex-NBA guard J.R. Smith aims to make golf more accessible
[Aaron Beard | Associated Press | Read]

> PGA Show: Tom Watson praises advancements in golf technology for making game easier to play
[Chris Bengal | CBSSports.com | Read]

2023 PGA SHOW
New survey shows the grass can be greener on the other side
Off-course golf participation continues to grow and surpassed green grass golf for the first time in 2022, according to a survey by the National Golf Foundation and Topgolf
Apparel Notes: Tall Order socks are leaving a large footprint
FootJoy device seeks the proper fitting shoe; True Linkswear going beyond footwear into apparel; and more
Are the clubs you're playing the real deal? How would you know?
U.S. anti-counterfeiting group explains what to look for in questionable clubs; World Long Drive gets infusion for 2023; new board game seeks to win best new product at the PGA Show
THE INDUSTRY
New 2,500-square-foot facility features four indoor bays powered by Tecswing and are equipped with OptiMotion; facility includes an indoor putting green and lessons are enhanced by Tecputt
Read More
Subsidiary of DSG Global exhibits complete lineup of commercial Fleet Carts, GPS Fleet Management System, Shelby consumer and utility carts, and introduces the SR-1 single-rider cart
Read More
Chandler Phillips wins The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic played on oceanside course, Jan. 15-18, in Great Exuma, Bahamas
Read More
Bal.On Smart Kit, Continental's golf training tool, launches at PGA Show
Read More
Using golf courses as learning labs, First Green helps students apply classroom knowledge to outdoor settings and connects STEM concepts to golf course management and conservation
Read More
Four new machines, specialized in high-tech foam molding, will more than triple capacity for the company and help meet increased product demand
Read More
Newly issued patent for adjustable driver system was followed by International Trade Commission order affirming prior patents and preventing the importation of replica or counterfeit systems
Read More
#QOTD
"Humility is really important because it keeps you fresh and new."
— Steven Tyler
ICYMI
Pik’r is its name, range balls is its game — and its changing golf
Scientific range picker is designed to alleviate golf’s labor shortage while enhancing operational safety
From the Baffler to today, Cobra Golf remains an industry presence
Mach One Golf Balls proves the game can have a lighthearted side; Loudmouth apparel as outlandish as ever
The power of the PGA Show
Novice in the golf industry strikes it big after winning best new product category a year ago
TUNING IN

PGA Tour: Farmers Insurance Open
Site: Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course, North Course), 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, 2:30-4:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 4:30-8 p.m. (CBS).
Leaderboard | GCSAA Fact Sheet

DP World Tour: Hero Dubai Desert Classic
Site: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Television (ET): Today, 2:30-8:30 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2-8 a.m.
Leaderboard

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Realizing the Azores' understated beauty
Pilar Melo Antunes, Azores Golf sales and marketing director, joins host Ann Liguori to tell the story of the nine-strand Portuguese archipelago — and why it's ideal for golf
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' episodes]

THE 19TH HOLE WITH MICHAEL WILLIAMS
65,000 and counting: Club Champion has a club for everyone
Casandra Bausch, Club Champion's director of marketing, joins host Michael Williams to discuss the company's explosive growth and the array of available club combinations it offers
[Listen | More 'The 19th Hole with Michael Williams' episodes]

BEHIND THE GOLF BRAND
Power Tee is changing how golfers practice
CEO Martin Wyeth joins host Paul Liberatore to tell of his journey to create an automatic teeing system for indoors, driving ranges and country clubs — and, perhaps, golf's future
[Listen | More 'Behind the Golf Brand' episodes]

CALENDAR

JANUARY
26-27: PGA Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info
28-29: Columbus Golf and Travel Show, Columbus, Ohio | Info

FEBRUARY
1: Women Fore Hire Virtual Career Fair | Info
3-5: Philadelphia Golf and Travel Show, Philadelphia, Pa. | Info
6-9: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info
6-9: Golf Industry Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

> View complete calendar

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