The First Call 02-25-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

In 2021, the average number of rounds played per golfer for the year was 21.1, according to the National Golf Foundation. The figure was the highest since an average of 19.4 in 1999.

> Question of the Week: What's on your mind? Let us know your thoughts on any golf-related topic.
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

> Players at the Honda Classic donning 'Rosie' ribbons in honor of the late golf journalist
[Riley Hamel | Golfweek | Read]

> Phil Mickelson can survive his latest controversy, crisis management experts say. Here's how
[Joel Beall | Golf Digest | Read]

> Phil Mickelson has more to lose than sponsors
[Chris Kuc | Front Office Sports | Read]

Puma pushes through challenges for record-breaking 2021

Sustained brand momentum, product launches help fuel a positive tone for company's Q4 report

Justin Thomas graduates from designing golf holes on napkins

28-year-old PGA champion is collaborating with Jack Nicklaus on Panther National, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., the 1st course that will feature Thomas' name

ESPN '30 for 30' episode focuses on Greg Norman's 1996 Masters collapse

Latest installment of network's documentary series will debut April 5 in advance of Masters week

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW?

In a recent survey of recreational golfers, 29% of female casual golfers aged 20-39 have been playing for 10-plus years. For the same demographic, 51% of males have been playing 10-plus years.

Source: Longitudes Group

THE INDUSTRY

Junior Golf Hub launches College Match feature

Feature pairs junior golfer with list of 10 closest college matches based on player, college data

Island set to host PGA Tour's Puerto Rico Open, Feb. 28-March 6

Tournament tees off what is expected to be an unprecedented year for the ascending Caribbean golf destination

GolfPass recognizes Indian Wells Golf Resort as best in U.S., California for 2022

The California resort named to website's Golfers’ Choice 2022 Top 50 U.S. Courses, Best Golf Courses in California lists

Los Angeles set to host consecutive LPGA events for first time

Tickets currently on sale now for the JTBC LA Open, April 18-24, and JTBC Championship at Palos Verdes, April 25-May 1

Celebrated: By the First Tee, its 25th anniversary year with a series of events and an anniversary storytelling hub on firsttee.org. Since launching on Nov. 13, 1997, First Tee has grown to a network of nearly 150 chapters with programs delivered at 1,400 golf courses, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers in all 50 states and select international locations. Dr. Amber Hardeman, who joined First Tee – Greater Dallas in 2005, is the first of several alumni to be featured in conjunction with the anniversary.

ICYMI

Sponsors split with Phil Mickelson, Workday next?

KPMG, Heineken ended respective relationships with Mickelson within hours of his prepared statement on Tuesday, Workday not expected to renew deal in March

ROUNDS AND WEATHER

> The past week saw another seven days of positive performance vs. last year as rounds played finished up +34% over 2021.

> Temperatures had the greatest positive impact on play this past week — on average +6 degrees across the country — but especially in the Great Plains and Central Valley regions. Both areas were by over 12 degrees vs. 2021.

> The Great Plains and Northeast finished as the top performing regions this past week vs. 2021. Warmer temperatures throughout the areas was the main reason.

> Positive performance is expected to continue from the Florida and Mid-Atlantic regions. For the next five days, both areas are on pace to finish up by over 45% for rounds played vs. 2021.

#QOTD

"Grace under pressure."

— Ernest Hemingway

TUNING IN

PGA Tour: Honda Classic
Site: PGA National (Champions Course).Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Television: Today, 2-6 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (NBC).

PGA Tour Champions: Cologuard Classic
Site: Omni Tucson National, Tucson, Ariz.
Television: Today, 7-9 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel).

CALENDAR

FEBRUARY
25-27: Colorado Golf Expo, Denver, Colo. | Info
25-27: Kansas City Golf Show, Overland Park, Kan. | 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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