The First Call 03-27-2025

FIRST THOUGHT

On Tuesday night, Atlanta Drive GC won the inaugural SoFi Cup, sweeping New York Golf Club in the best-of-three series. Of the 642 respondents to The First Call | Extra poll question published before the championship's start "Will you watch the best-of-three TGL Finals Series between Atlanta and New York?" 55% selected "No." Twenty-nine percent chose "Yes," while 9% chose "Do not know when it is" and 6% chose "Thought it was already over."

IN THIS ISSUE

> Is it real or counterfeit? Can you even tell? | Read

POLL

> Playing hickory-shafted clubs | Vote
> Previous: Should Augusta National Golf Club create a Women's Masters? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Regarding professional golfers and the media, should players be obligated to speak to reporters during a tournament week? Or does a player's communication via social media suffice?

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 the city and state of residence.

> The Ringer recently published The 100 Best Sports Moments of the Quarter Century, which included several golf entries. In your opinion, what have been the best golf moments since 1950? | Read

INDUSTRY NEWS

Dave Pelz: Renowned golf coach, innovator, author dies at 85

Pelz passed away March 23, 2025, at his home in Dripping Springs, Texas

Cleveland Golf: Roger Cleveland’s legacy comes full circle with return

Club designer first founded Cleveland Classics Golf Company in 1979, which was later rebranded to Cleveland Golf; first club he ever made was a recreation of Bobby Jones’ Calamity Jane putter

Asics: Unveils limited edition Japan S golf shoe

Featuring a white and jasper green colorway that pays tribute to the iconic colors of Augusta National Golf Club, the shoe blends Masters tradition with performance

Williams Athletic Club: To exhibit at Southeast Caribbean Golf Show

Following a successful launch at the PGA Show in January, the apparel brand will attend the April 15-17 show in Jupiter, Florida

KemperSports, Touchstone Golf: Announce strategic partnership

The agreement is expected to benefit clients, golfers and properties and set the stage for future growth in key markets

Perfect Golf Event, Vortex: Partner on rain coverage

Golf tournament and event organizers now receive automatic rain coverage when utilizing Perfect Golf Event Eagle, Double Eagle and Ace packages, providing financial protection in the event of .5-inches of rain between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Cobbs Creek Foundation: Lincoln Financial becomes founding partner

Partnership will further the development of community education, networking and mentorship programs at Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PGA of America REACH Foundation, Folds of Honor: Partner on Patriot Golf Days

Veteran and first responder families supported by grassroots fundraising throughout May

Apes Hill Barbados: Unveils Hilltop Villas

Completion of Little Apes short course, well-being programs, new real estate offerings among activities, amenities and enhancements at evolving property

Great Lakes Championship: Turtle Creek Casino becomes pro-am sponsor

New Epson Tour event will be held at The Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan, in June

Junior PGA Championships: Announces venues for 2028 event

Girls and boys and will compete at the Country Club of Rochester and Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York

Troon: Schedule set for 2025 Troon Challenge

Dates and locations are posted on TroonChallenge.com; regional qualifying will run from May through August at 25 facilities in eight states; national finals set for Oct. 6-7

Marriott Golf: Showcases The Resort at Pelican Hill

Newport Coast, California, destination announces a pair of stay-and-play golf packages

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Dave Pelz, renowned short-game coach and innovator, dies at 85
[Mike Stachura | Golf Digest | Read]

> Jim Nantz reveals plan to retire from Masters broadcast
[Max Schreiber | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> Jack Nicklaus wins case over use of his own NIL
[Michael McCann | Sportico | Read]

#QOTD

"Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret."

— Benjamin Disraeli

ICYMI

Is it real or counterfeit? Can you even tell?

Golf apparel and gear may look and feel like the real thing, but the giveaway as to whether it’s a counterfeit may be the price tag. Be wary, though, because the counterfeit practice is spreading online.

ON TOUR

PGA Tour: Texas Children's Houston Open
Site: Houston, Texas.
Course: Memorial Park Golf Club.
Television [ET]: Today-Friday, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (NBC).

LPGA Tour: Ford Championship
Site: Chandler, Arizona.
Course: Whirlwind Golf Club (Cattail).
Television [ET]: Today-Friday, 6-7 p.m. (NBC Sports app), 7-9 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel).

European Tour: Hero Indian Open
Site: New Delhi, India.
Course: DLF Golf and Country Club.
Television [ET]: Today-Friday, 3:30-8:30 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 4-8:30 a.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 2:30-7:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).

PGA Tour Champions: The Galleri Classic
Site: Rancho Mirage, California.
Course: Mission Hills Country Club.
Television [ET]: Friday, 4-6 p.m. (NBC Sports app), 10 p.m. to midnight (Golf Channel-tape delay); Saturday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel).

PGA Tour Americas: 93 Abierto del Centro
Site: Cordoba, Argentina.
Course: Cordoba Golf Club.

PGA Tour of Australasia: The National Tournament
Site: Cape Schanck, Australia.
Course: The National Golf Club (Gunnamatta),

Sunshine Tour: DNi Tour Championship / The Courier Guy Playoffs Series
Site: Gauteng, South Africa.
Course: Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate.

TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

PODCASTS

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
How the Valspar Championship flies under the radar
Guest: Bobby Barnes, resort manager / interim general manager, Innisbrook Golf Resort
Listen | Archives

DRIVER$: INSIDE THE GOLF INDUSTRY
A unique case study in golf destination marketing
Guest: Sam MacPhail, CEO, Golf Prince Edward Island
Listen | Archive

VIDEOS

THE COACH MO GOLF SHOW
How Rapsodo Golf is changing golf technology
Guest: Justin Bryant, Community Manager / Golf, Rapsodo
Watch | Archives

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
Fun is the leading message for golf
Guest: Jay Karen, CEO, NGCOA
Watch | Archives

ARCHIVES: Podcasts | Videos

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

> Vice President and Managing Director
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
Miami, Florida | Info

> Academy Coordinator / Player Development Professional
Coto De Caza Golf and Racquet
Coto De Caza, California | Info

> Business Manager
Cardinal Golf Club
Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia | Info

> The First Call Job Board

TFC EVENTS

The Friars Golf Club: Kentucky Bourbon & Horses

April 22-27, 2025 | Louisville / Lexington, Kentucky

CALENDAR

MARCH
31-April 3: CMAA, Communications Summit, Charleston, South Carolina | Info

APRIL
2-4: Asia Golf Tourism Convention, Danang, Vietnam | Info

MAY
19-21: IAGTO European Convention, Gran Canaria, Spain | Info

JUNE
17-19: North America Golf Tourism Convention, Birmingham, Alabama | Info
24-25: NGCOA Multi-Course & Resort Operators Retreat, Monterey, California | Info

JULY
29-30: PGA Buying Summit, Frisco, Texas | Info

> View complete calendar

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