The First Call 03-11-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

Surveys conducted by sports scientists from Abertay University in Dundee, Scotland, reveal that last year’s AIG Women’s British Open at Carnoustie had a positive influence on golf and, specifically, women’s golf. Though a small sample size, 67 percent of the roughly 300 respondents who were surveyed before and after the event said they would consider playing more golf as a result of the Open. Afterward, there was a 20 percent increase in the number of people who said women golfers can inspire others and a 16 percent increase in those who believe women golfers should be considered elite athletes.

Editor's Note: If you like what you've been reading in The First Call each Monday through Friday, then you can also add Saturday to your list. We have launched The First Call | Weekend Edition for free on Substack. The weekender is a recap of the industry's happenings and also gets you in a weekend frame of mind. And, like The First Call, it's emailed directly to your inbox. So check it out here.

> Question of the Week: In your opinion, is the Players Championship on par with a major championship in terms of field and prestige?
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.

Follow The First Call

Subscribe | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Substack

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> With one heartfelt speech, Tiger Woods revealed many new sides of himself
[Michael Bamberger | Golf.com | Read]

> Tommy Fleetwood's close shave saves face at Players Championship
[Gary Van Sickle | Morning Read | Read]

> Competing for customers
[Michael Williams | Golf Business | Read]

Player 2 focuses on golf, then lifestyle with new apparel brand

A scaled-back PGA Show in January provided ideal setting for upstart apparel company to maximize its time in the spotlight — debuting new product, making connections

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW?

In a recent survey, 70% of golfers with an average score below 80 had received a professional clubfitting. The percentage dropped to 53% for golfers with average score between 80 and 89, and 44% with an average 90 and above.

Source: Longitudes Group

THE INDUSTRY

Ecco Golf unveils spring / summer 2022 collection

Men’s Ecco Golf Biom C4 highlights new offerings

Dumbarnie Links named to Scotland’s ‘Best' lists

Fife, Scotland, daily-fee links course named Scotland’s Best Golf Experience and Best Golf Course (£151 and over) at The Scottish Golf Tourism Awards

TurfHound Inc. furthers commitment to First Tee

Youth at facilities in Virginia, Ohio and Georgia to benefit from company's preferred pricing program

ICYMI

Dick’s Sporting Goods closes 2021 on uptick, carries momentum into 2022

Company positions itself well for continued growth; Adidas enjoys similar success despite supply chain obstacles, factory shutdowns and increased freight costs

#QOTD

"They call it golf because all the other four-letter words were taken."

— Raymond Floyd

ROUNDS AND WEATHER

> As seasonal courses slowly begin to open for the year and weather conditions start to improve, the demand for golf remains steady as rounds played this week finished up +2% vs. 2021 and +31% vs. prior week.

> A week of above freezing temperatures in almost all areas of the country were offset by significantly increased precipitation, which contributed to the slightly positive performance vs. last year.

> The Mid-Atlantic and Florida finished as the top performing regions vs. 2021 this past week, thanks to another week of significantly warmer weather.

> Positive performance is expected from the California and Mountain Pacific regions. Both areas are on pace to finish up vs. 2021 by 30% for rounds played the next five days.

TUNING IN

PGA Tour: The Players Championship
Site: TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium), Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. | GCSAA Fact Sheet
Television: Today, noon-6 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. (NBC).

LPGA Tour: Honda LPGA Thailand
Site: Siam CC (Pattaya Old), Chonburi, Thailand.
Television: Today, 1-3 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 1:30-3:30 a.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 1:30-4:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).

CALENDAR

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE PLAYERS (@theplayerschamp)