Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
FIRST THOUGHT

Of the 122 respondents to The First Call poll question, "Should a world ranking system factor in LIV Golf events?" 66% chose "No."

IN THIS ISSUE

> Proud 90 apparel makes bold statement | Read
> Design Notes: Apes Hill Barbados reopens after Ron Kirby reno | Read
> The latest industry news | Read

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Should the Players Championship, which this week will feature 43 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking (as of Friday's field release), be considered in the same discussion as the four majors — if no, why not?

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 city and state of residence. Read last week's responses.

Proud 90 puts the fun in funky fashion collection
Apparel brand founder Rick Versace Jr. took a look at Rickie Fowler — his fashion, not his game — and created a line of polos with a playful vibe for the rest of us
INDUSTRY NEWS
Partnership allows courses using Teesnap software to distribute tee times on GolfNow's online platform
Read More
Partnership will provide brand category exclusivity, marketing and product supply at 300 junior golf events annually, on-site activation and digital branding assets
Read More
Winners from seven divisions were chosen based on a voting committee made up of coaches from those respective divisions
Read More
Deal will provide juniors and parents access to college coaches and education about collegiate golf and the recruiting process
Read More
Clubfitting company tests new putter line that touts performance, new dual-milled faces, refined shapes and weight distribution
Read More
READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> LIV Golf announces first tournament sponsor
[Joel Beall | Golf Digest | Read]

> PXG lays off 125 employees
[Tony Covey | MyGolfSpy.com | Read]

> 'This is what fans want': Commissioner Jay Monahan looking forward to future of PGA Tour scheduling
[Adam Schupak | Golfweek | Read]

> Phil Mickelson claims the PGA Tour rejected his efforts to bring in $1 billion for 8 big events
[Tod Leonard | Golf Digest | Read]

> PGA Tour players' meeting at TPC Sawgrass provides clarity amidst sweeping changes
[Rex Hoggard | Golf Channel | Read]

#QOTD
"I think we all knew that even when Jon Rahm was in college you could have made the argument that he was a top-20 player in the world."
— Rory McIlroy, on the potential Jon Rahm possessed dating back to his collegiate playing days at Arizona State University where he was the No. 1-ranked amateur in 2015
ICYMI
Design Notes: Apes Hill Barbados reopens after Ron Kirby reno
Progress continues for Dormie Network’s GrayBull in Nebraska; Drew Rogers begins new renovation phase at Michigan’s venerable Plum Hollow
TFC PODCAST NETWORK

DRIVER$
An early outlook at the 2023 golf market
Co-hosts Jon Last and David Klein look at how this season could defy macro market level trends
[Listen | More 'Driver$' episodes]

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Honda Classic's Ken Kennerly talks the future of the PGA Tour event
Tournament's executive director emeritus joins host Ann Liguori to talk about the PGA Tour stop's past, present and future
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' episodes]

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
Perseverance, pivoting and the ability to adapt
Ryan Engle, founder and CEO of Golf+, joins host Colin Weston to share how his love for writing code and playing golf led to the creation of his company's VR gaming platform
[Listen | More 'The ModGolf Podcast' episodes]

CALENDAR

MARCH
11-12: New Jersey Golf and Travel Show, Edison, N.J. | Info
18-19: Niagara Golf Show and Sale, Niagara Falls, Ontario | Info

> View complete calendar

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