The First Call 02-21-2025

FIRST THOUGHT

Kris Ventura is making a return to the PGA Tour after finishing 24th on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List. On Thursday, Ventura, a native of Puebla, Mexico, owned a share of the Mexico Open's opening-round lead after a 7-under-par 64. The round marked his career low opening-round score and it's the first lead he has held after any round in 57 starts on the PGA Tour.

IN THIS ISSUE

> 'Cookie Jar Golf' podcast: Philip Truett, Walton Heath Golf Club member and historian | Listen
> 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' podcast: Kevyn Cunningham, director of golf, Half Moon Jamaica | Listen
> Design Notes: Forest Dunes to branch out with Gil Hanse/Jim Wagner-designed SkyFall | Read

POLL

> Do you agree with the LPGA’s new Pace of Play Policy, which includes lowered timing thresholds for stroke penalties? | Vote
> Previous: How often do you let golfers play through? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

In observance of the upcoming Academy Awards, what three movies would you nominate if there was a Best All-Time Golf Movie category?

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.

> Responses to the previous question: Share your thoughts on President Donald Trump being asked to join the negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabian backers of rival LIV Golf? | Read

Lists are back. Here's a new Top 10

Comedian Bill Murray's recent top-10 list on SNL's 50th reunion show prompts Gary Van Sickle to create his own list of Top 10 Things That Moved The Needle last week.

INDUSTRY NEWS

LPGA: Announces Q-Series dates for 2025

California, Florida and Texas to host three Pre-Qualifying 54-hole competitions

Five Iron Golf, Fubo: Announce March Match Play

Tournament, presented in partnership with FuboTV Inc., is a single-player, elimination-style event for golfers of all skill levels; champion to receive a trip to Casa De Campo and a one-year Fubo subscription

Atlanta Athletic Club: Earns prestigious Cashman Award

AGM honor for golf shop’s visual merchandising highlights its ‘relentless pursuit of excellence’

PGA Tour Superstore: Louisville store grand opening set for March 29

Visitors can try out putters and practice their short game on the store's putting greens, while the store also offers lessons from certified teaching pros, clubfitting, interactive simulators for practice and play, along with club repair

APGA Tour: Chase Johnson wins Black History Month Classic

Johnson carded a final-round 2-under-par 68 for a one-stroke victory in the second tournament of the 2025 Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour season

Sqairz: Baseball shoes now available on Dicks.com

Company launched its GFP baseball / softball footwear line in fall 2024. Shoes are engineered to help players generate more power and efficiency in their movements

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Tiger Woods joins another White House meeting as PGA Tour moves closer to Saudi deal
[Doug Ferguson | Associated Press | Read]

> What TGL's title sponsor thinks of the early days of the indoor league
[Dave Shedloski | Golf Digest | Read]

> A women's golf world tour? Two LPGA dads send a letter to Trump for help
[Beth Ann Nichols | Golfweek | Read]

#QOTD

"One-fifth of the people are against everything all the time."

— Robert Kennedy

ICYMI

Design Notes: Forest Dunes to branch out with Gil Hanse/Jim Wagner-designed SkyFall

Australia’s Commonwealth gets a Tom Doak renovation; Kipp Schulties rejuvenates the East course at Florida’s Hunter Run.

TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

THIS WEEK'S DROPS

COOKIE JAR GOLF
Discovering James Braid: Part 3
Guest: Philip Truett, Walton Heath Golf Club member and historian
[Listen | More 'Cookie Jar Golf' episodes]

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Half Moon Jamaica: A slice of paradise
Guest: Kevyn Cunningham, director of golf, Half Moon Jamaica
[Listen | More "Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori" episodes]

PODCASTS

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
How Dormie Workshop tells stories through leather headcovers
Guest: Todd Bishop, co-founder
[Listen | More 'The ModGolf Podcast' episodes]

DRIVER$: INSIDE THE GOLF INDUSTRY
The year ahead in the golf industry
Guests: Co-hosts Jon Last and David Klein of Sports and Leisure Research Group
[Listen | More 'Driver$: Inside the Golf Industry' episodes]

VIDEOS

UP RIVER FILM COMPANY
The Land as It Lies: Gamble Sands
Ever wonder what playing golf on Mars would be like? Then Gamble Sands might be a good place to start.
[Watch | More videos from Up River Film Company]

THE COACH MO GOLF SHOW
Creating an impactful foundation
Rob Ohno, Annika Foundation CEO and president, joins host Mo Gesualdi to discuss how the foundation is inspiring, empower youth golfers
[Watch | More "The Coach Mo Golf Show" episodes]

LIBRARIES: Podcasts | Videos

TUNING IN

PGA Tour: Mexico Open
Site: Vallarta Vidanta, Vallarta, Mexico.
Television [ET]: Today, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (NBC).
GCSAA Fact Sheet

LPGA Tour: Honda LPGA Thailand
Site: Siam Country Club (Old), Chonburi, Thailand.
Television [ET]: Today, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).

DP World Tour: Kenya Open
Site: Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi, Kenya.
Television [ET]: Today, 5-10 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 4:30-9 a.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 4-9 a.m. (Golf Channel).

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

> Golf Course Superintendent
Hillandale Golf Course
Durham, North Carolina | Info

> Golf Shop Merchandiser
Cohasset Golf Club
Cohasset, Massachusetts | Info

> Regional Event Managers
Mobile Golf Events
Chamblee, Georgia | Info

> The First Call Job Board

CALENDAR

JUNE
24-25: NGCOA Multi-Course & Resort Operators Retreat, Monterey, California

> View complete calendar

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