The First Call 03-31-2023

FIRST THOUGHT

Next week, Augusta National Golf Club will unveil its revamped par-5 13th hole for the Masters. The tees have been moved back 35 yards to make the hole play 545 in length. It's the fifth time there has been a significant yardage change since the tees were extended 5 yards forward in 1967. The hole originally played 480 yards in 1934. The tees were extended to the rear by 5 and 7 yards in 1974 and 1975, respectively. In 2002, they were moved back 20 to 25 yards to make the hole play over 500 yards.

IN THIS ISSUE

> Down Masters memory lane outside the ropes | Read
> TGR Design to build Philly short 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.

TFC Inbox: A trip down Masters memory lane

The First Call readers share their favorite stories, moments that have occurred at the tradition-laden major through the years

INDUSTRY NEWS

Troon: Honors facilities for performance, guest/member service

Affiliated facilities were recognized for outstanding performance in 2021 and 2022; conference included Caddiemaster, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Icon Management, Indigo Sports and Troon Prive

Arcis Golf: Extends partnership with Els for Autism for 5th year

Round Up 4 Els for Autism campaign begins April 1 with the mission to transform the lives of people with autism, and those caring for them

Folds of Honor: To sponsor Insperity Invitational’s Greats of Golf

Nine-hole scramble to feature 16 golf legends during the second round of the Insperity Invitational, April 29 in The Woodlands, Texas

Sun Mountain: Popular classic golf bag collection adds more models

New bags in the Mid-Stripe Collection include Mid-Stripe 14-Way Stand Bag, Mid-Stripe Ace Stand Bag, Mid-Stripe 4-Way Cart Bag and Mid-Stripe 14-Way Cart Bag

Somerby GC: Hosts Hearts & Diamonds Spectacular

Byron, Minnesota, club hosted event in support of Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota, and raised more than $270,000

Jones Creek Golf Club: Will open The Practice Club training facility, powered by Toptracer, on April 3 in Evans, Georgia. The golf practice and entertainment facility, which will caters to players of all skill levels, will have eight covered hitting bays, eight outside hitting bays and two academy studios.

Principal, PGA Tour Champions: Announce a five-year extension agreement with the Principal Charity Classic to continue its long-standing support for the annual tournament held at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. Principal will remain title sponsor in its efforts to raise money for Iowa Charities focused on supporting children in areas of education, health, financial security and stability.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> TaylorMade survey suggest golfers strongly oppose USGA, R&A golf ball rollback
[David Dusek | Golfweek | Read]

> Cam Smith sees Masters as crucial for LIV: 'It's important to show a high standard of golf'
[Bob Harig | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> Bobby Jones vs. the world: The untold story of how the Masters became the Masters
[Michael Corcoran | Golf.com | Read]

#QOTD

"Passion first and everything will fall into place."

— Holly Holm

ICYMI

Design Notes: Tiger Woods to build short course at Philly’s Cobbs Creek

Raymond Hearn revitalizes Michigan’s Saint John’s Resort; Jeff Howes completes the Bucharest Golf Club in Romania

ROUNDS AND WEATHER

> Rounds played finished up 8% vs. 2022 as much of the nation experienced significantly warmer temperatures (+8 degrees on average).

The Central Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic regions finished up a combined 41% higher in rounds vs. last year as temperatures were 8 to 10 degrees higher vs. last year.

> Pacing over the next seven days is projected to be up 3% vs. 2022 as drier, warmer weather is projected across the nation.

The Central Valley region is pacing the furthest ahead of last year at +32% in total rounds as temperatures are projected to be 10 to 15 degrees higher vs. last year. The Northeast region is pacing the furthest behind last year at –5% as heavy rain is projected for much of the week.

> Weekday golfers as a percent of total golfers finished above 60% for the second consecutive week. The weekend days were affected by heavy rain and snow on the east and west coasts.

TUNING IN

PGA Tour: Valero Texas Open
Site: TPC San Antonio (Oaks), San Antonio, Texas.
Television [ET]: Today, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 1-3:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3:30-6 p.m. (NBC); Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 2:30-6 p.m. (NBC).

LPGA Tour: DIO Implant LA Open
Site: Palos Verdes Golf Club, Palos Verdes Estates, California.
Television [ET]: Today, 7-9:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel).

LIV Golf: LIV Golf Orlando
Site: Orange County National (Crooked Cat), Orlando, Florida.
Television [ET]: Saturday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. (CW Network).

Augusta National Golf Club: Augusta National Women's AmateurSite: Augusta, Georgia.
Site: Champions Retreat, Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia.
Television [ET]: Saturday, noon to 3:30 p.m. (NBC).

MAKE GOLF YOUR CAREER

> Growth Brands Content Manager
Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)
Daytona Beach, Florida | More

> Assistant Golf Professional
Denver Parks and Recreation
Denver, Colorado | More

> Program and Development Coordinator
First Tee – Upstate South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina | More

> View a complete listing of jobs

Make Golf Your Career is a golf industry DE&I initiative launched by Make Golf Your Thing that allows job seekers to search, find and apply for opportunities throughout the industry in one place.

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.