The First Call 02-08-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

The National Golf Foundation reports that there were 130.5 course closures — as measured in 18-hole equivalents — in 2021. That amounted to a net decline of about 1 percent of the total golf supply in the United States. While it marked the 16th straight year closures topped 100, it was the lowest number since 2010. Ohio had the most closures (18), followed by Florida (15) and California (11).

> Question of the Week: The yet-to-be-named Saudi-backed golf league is reportedly going to feature 54-hole, no-cut tournaments, along with a team element. Considering the PGA Tour schedule features 46 stroke-play events, should it consider changing or adding new formats?
Send replies on this question or other topics to shall@morningread.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.

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READ, WATCH, LISTEN

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FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW?

In a recent survey of recreational golfers, 65% of golfers between the ages of 20 and 39 reported playing more golf now than compared to two years ago, and 61% said the reason was because they enjoy the game more.

Source: Longitudes Group

THE INDUSTRY

Chubb Classic receives 5 hall-of-fame commitments

PGA Tour Champions field expands with additions of Fred Couples, Davis Love III, Sandy Lyle, José Mariá Olazábal and Ian Woosnam; Tourney set for Feb. 14-20

Collegiate tournaments on tap for Reynolds Lake Oconee

Reynolds Lake Oconee Invitational set for Feb. 18-20; 17th annual Linger Longer Invitational on tap for March 20-22

Creating a LinkedIn experience for golfers

Lydia Davies, founder and CEO of TeeMates Golf, is on an entrepreneurial journey to connect golfers and joins 'The ModGolf Podcast' to discuss her new app

Listen

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am vs. Saudi International? A close call

Readers of The First Call weigh in on whether PGA Tour players should support the long-standing Tour stop or take appearance money to play in Saudi Arabia

#QOTD

"In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive."

— Lee Iacocca

CALENDAR

FEBRUARY
8-10: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, San Diego, Calif. | Info
11-13: West Michigan Golf Show, Grand Rapids, Mich. | Info
18-20: Toledo Golf Show, Toledo, Ohio | Info
19-23: CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo, San Diego, Calif. | Info
20-22: Carolinas PGA Super Show, Greensboro, N.C. | Info
25-27: Colorado Golf Expo, Denver, Colo. | Info
25-27: Chicago Golf Show, Rosemont, Ill. | Info

JULY
26-27: Multi-Course and Resort Operators Retreat, Charleston, S.C.

JANUARY 2023
24-27: PGA Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

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

LAST CALL

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