The First Call 03-27-2023

FIRST THOUGHT

By virtue of his two PGA Tour wins in 2022, Sam Burns, 26, had placed himself on U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson's radar for September's team. With his 7-0 match-play run at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, he earned more than just a passing glance. En route to winning, Burns knocked off the likes of Adam Scott, Patrick Cantlay, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young.

IN THIS ISSUE

> Has golf lost its way with proposed rollback | Read
> Bandon Dunes unveils details of new par-3 course | Read
> The latest industry news | Read

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is your favorite Masters memory?

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.

Has golf lost its way with the proposed golf ball rollback?

Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open 2016

Course architect Tom Marzolf, a senior designer with the Fazio Design Group and former ASGCA president, believes the USGA/R&A golf ball proposal is a step, but perhaps not the right one

INDUSTRY NEWS

Golf Datatech: Apparel sales up YTD on 2022

Golf apparel winners and losers followed gender lines in February

Golf Datatech: Big ticket items down in February

February retail sales of golf equipment in the U.S. were down for the sixth consecutive month, dropping by a little over 3% for the month and are down almost 8% thru the first two months

Sunnyside G&CC: Names Seth Henrich as new GM

Henrich will oversee golf operations, food and beverage, agronomy, maintenance operations for the Waterloo, Iowa, club

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Former President of the PGA of America Suzy Whaley talks distance debate, Golf Nation and more
[Riley Hamel | Golfweek | Watch]

> Carl Jackson, Augusta National’s most famous caddie, tells all
[Josh Sens | Golf.com | Read]

> LIV Golf claims PGA Tour blocked broadcasters from deals, calls CW a 'secondary network' in filing
[Alex Miceli | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> This golf course near Pinehurst with a Donald Ross connection can be yours for ‘only’ $2.9 million
[Matthew Rudy | Golf Digest | Read]

> Sam Burns wins final Match Play in rout over Cameron Young
[Doug Ferguson | Associated Press | Read]

> Celine Boutier beats Georgia Hall in playoff to claim 3rd LPGA victory
[Associated Press | Read]

#QOTD

"Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind."

— Jackie Joyner-Kersee

ICYMI

Design Notes: Bandon Dunes unveils details of new par-3 course

Ross, Crace and Quitno collaborate on Texas’ Starcke Park; bunker reno starts at Ayla, Jordan’s first all-grass golf course

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

DRIVER$
Building the perfect golf app
Golf Genius CEO Mike Zisman reflects on golfer experience apps and technology with co-hosts Jon Last and David Klein
[Listen | More 'Driver$' episodes]

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
John Simpson tells of IMG's early days, emerging stars
Before becoming founder and CEO of On Course Foundation, Simpson managed the emerging careers of Hall of Famers such as Bernhard Langer, Nick Price and Nick Faldo. He joins host Ann Liguori to share his stories
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' episodes]

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]

CALENDAR

JULY
25-27: GCBAA Summer Meeting, Lake Geneva, Wisc. | Info

> View complete calendar

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