At this week's Valspar Championship, Sam Burns seeks to join a rare fraternity of players who have won the same tournament three years in a row. In the last 40 years, only Steve Stricker (John Deere Classic, 2009-2011), Stuart Appleby (Sentry Tournament of Champions, 2004-2006) and Tiger Woods (six tournaments, the most recent being the Farmers Insurance Open, 2005-2008) have performed the hat trick.

IN THIS ISSUE

> Nicklaus Design, Troy Vincent to renovate Pawleys Plantation |
Read
> Behind the Golf Brand: How Sweet Rollz is changing the putter grip market | Listen
> Sensible Weather may have relief for ruined rounds | Read
> The latest industry news | Read

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

In observance of March Madness, if a true 64-player, survive-and-advance format tournament existed — and included players from all tours — who would be your top eight seeds?

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.

Payntr Golf: Earns three top-5 finishes in MyGolfSpy’s Best Spikeless Golf Shoes 2023. Of the 29 models and styles tested, the Payntr X 001 was awarded Most Comfortable in addition to its second-place finish overall; the Payntr X 003 ranked third overall; and the brand’s newest model, the Payntr X 005, finished fifth overall.

USGA, The R&A: Proposes a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organizers the option to require use of golf balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf. The MLR is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf. Golf balls that conform to the MLR must not exceed the current Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 317 yards (plus 3 yards tolerance) at modified Actual Launch Conditions (ALC) with a clubhead speed of 127 mph and based on a calibration setup of 11 degrees and 37 revolutions per second (2,220 rpm) as part of this proposal. If adopted, the proposal would take effect on Jan 1, 2026.

> Scottie Scheffler on another big run, this one getting attention
[Doug Ferguson | Associated Press | Read]

> The USGA and R&A's golf ball rollback announcement, explained for regular golfers
[Luke Kerr-Dineen | Golf Digest | Read]

> PGA Tour, Acushnet release statements in response to USGA, R&A news about proposal to roll back the golf ball
[Cameron Jourdan | Golfweek | Read]

> Tiger Woods asks court not to invalidate NDA with ex-girlfriend Erica Herman
[Alex Miceli | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> Case between Tiger Woods and Erica Herman could test newly passed federal laws
[Alex Miceli | Sports Illustrated | Read]

BEHIND THE GOLF BRAND
How Sweet Rollz is changing the putter grip market
Co-founder Lance Garvin joins host Paul Liberatore to discuss his company's dedication to putting performance through its putter grips
[Listen | More 'Behind the Golf Brand' episodes]

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
For Jillian Foss, no risk equals no fun
Foss, founder of #LEGS (Ladies Executive Golf Society), joins host Colin Weston to discuss how she combines her entrepreneurial passion with a sense of purpose
[Listen More 'Behind the Golf Brand' episodeses]

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Preserving Arnold Palmer's legacy
Ken Boehner, president and chairman of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, joins host Ann Liguori to discuss the 'Arnie's Army Legacy Experience'
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' episodes]

PGA Tour: Valspar Championship
Site: Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead), Palm Harbor, Florida.
Television [ET]: Thursday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (NBC).
GCSAA Fact Sheet

LIV Golf: LIV Golf Tucson
Site: The Gallery Golf Club (South), Marana, Arizona.
Television [ET]: Saturday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. (CW Network).

PGA Tour Champions: Hoag Classic
Site: Newport Beach Country Club, Newport Beach, California.
Television [ET]: Friday, 6-8 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel).
GCSAA Fact Sheet

MARCH
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.