The First Call 04-07-2023

FIRST THOUGHT

The 2023 Masters wasted no time in producing a marquee leaderboard on Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club. World No. 3 Jon Rahm and No. 9 Viktor Hovland, along with four-time major champion Brooks Koepka all opened at 7-under 65. But of the 22 players within five strokes of the lead, 12 are former major champions. Buckle up.

IN THIS ISSUE

> Readers explain why the Masters is so special | Read
> The latest industry news | Read

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is the allure of the Masters — the traditions, the course, the fact it's the first major played annually on the same course? Share your thoughts.

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: Why the Masters is unlike any other major

Readers of The First Call put into their own words what sets the year's first major and Augusta National apart from the upcoming three

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Bob Casper recalls another side of his father, Billy Casper
Radio co-host joins 'Golf Innerview' host Ann Liguori to talk about the three-time major champion, including the 1970 Masters, and storylines to expect at Augusta National
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' episodes]

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]

INDUSTRY NEWS

Bear Trap Dunes GC: Names Michael Rushin as head golf professional

Rushin will oversee golf operations and tournament planning for the 27-hole club located in Ocean View, Delaware, and owned by the Carl M. Freeman Companies

Quail Valley Golf Course and City Centre: Hires Kelly O'Donnell as GM

Lifelong Texan to oversee operations of the Missouri City, Texas, golf facility

Golf Pride: Unveils Honorary Starter, a MCC ALIGN Limited Edition grip that features a special green and white color scheme with yellow accents. The grip combines rubber and cord for improved performance, and features a raised ridge to assist hand placement. It retails for $12.49 and is available in standard size only.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Brooks Koepka living large at Masters, leads with Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland
[Doug Ferguson | Associated Press | Read]

> The lengthened 13th hole officially debuted at Augusta National, and the bite is back
[Joe Passov | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> Were LIV golfers Masters-ready? On Thursday, they provided some answers
[Alan Bastable | Golf.com | Read]

> In 'constant' pain, Tiger Woods opens Masters in 2-over-par 74
[Rex Hoggard | Golf Channel | Read]

> 'As quick as possible': Jim Dent, The Patch excited for revival with Augusta National
[David Westin | Augusta Chronicle | Read]

> Phil Mickelson more talkative after typically atypical opening round
[Dave Shedloski | Golf Digest | Read]

#QOTD

"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."

— Henry Ford

ROUNDS AND WEATHER

> Rounds for the previous week finished up 7% vs. 2022 as much of the nation experienced significantly drier weather this year.

The Great Plains finished up 30% in total rounds vs. 2022 as temperatures were 7 degrees warmer this year and there was less rain vs. last year. The North and California regions were the only regions to have total rounds decline vs. last year, as heavy rains and colder temperatures continue to hamper both regions.

> Pacing over the next seven days is projected to be up 15% vs. last year as drier, warmer weather is projected across the nation.

In total rounds, the Northeast region is pacing the furthest ahead of last year (64%) as little to no precipitation is projected for much of the week. All regions are currently pacing to finish ahead of last year in total rounds

> Weekday golfers as a percentage of total golfers finished at 57% as much of the nation experienced heavy precipitation on Friday, which shifted more rounds into weekend play.

MAKE GOLF YOUR CAREER

> First Assistant Golf Professional
Racine Country Club
Racine, Wisconsin | More

> Assistant Golf Professional
Belmont Golf Course
Henrico, Virginia | More

> Golf Course Superintendent
Chenal Country Club
Little Rock, Arkansas | 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.

TUNING IN

Augusta National Golf Club: Masters
Site: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia.
Television [ET]: Today, 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (ESPN); Saturday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (CBS); Sunday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (CBS).
Leaderboard | GCSAA Fact Sheet

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.