The First Call 04-12-2023

FIRST THOUGHT

Fueled by a duel between eventual champion Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, CBS reports that its final-round Easter Sunday coverage was the most-watched golf telecast on any network in five years, averaging 12.058 million viewers. Also, that figure is up 19% vs. last year. Only the 2018 Masters, won by Patrick Reed, (13.045 million viewers) was better. Viewership peaked with more than 15 million viewers from 7-7:15 p.m. ET on Sunday.

IN THIS ISSUE

> More than bragging rights at stake in Commander-in-Chief's Cup | Read
> For Air Force, the mission is direct — beat Army, best Navy | Read
> 'Driver$': How fans can play the tour | Listen
> Tom Doak returns to Cape Kidnappers | Read
> The latest industry news | Read

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are your thoughts on the 2023 Masters?

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.

'What if ... ?' leads to inaugural Commander-in-Chief's Cup

Air Force, Army, Navy are set to renew rivalries and build a legacy event, April 17-18 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia

For Air Force, the mission is direct — beat Army, best Navy

In the battle of golf supremacy among the service academies, Air Force's reputation goes beyond the perception of being 'a golf course and then the runway'

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

DRIVER$
How fans can play the tour
Commonwealth Golf CEO Brian Doxtator joins 'Driver$' co-hosts Jon Last and David Klein to discuss the company's innovative concept that allows anyone to own a financial stake in aspiring tour pro careers
[Listen | More 'Driver$' episodes]

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]

INDUSTRY NEWS

Reynolds Lake Oconee: New Tom Fazio course planned

Future 18-hole design will utilize the existing Bluff nine of The National course along with adjacent land distinguished by a creek, large natural boulders and an existing pond

GCSAA: Announces funding of $170,064 for turfgrass research in 2023

Grants support four turfgrass research projects at universities across the U.S. through 2025; funded by GCSAA Foundation research endowments and Chapter Cooperative Grant Program

Landscapes Golf Management, Barstool Golf Time: Form partnership

Agreement gives Landscapes Golf Management-operated courses free access to golfers in Barstool network; courses maintain control over tee-time pricing, data and special promos

SwingU: March College Player of the Month Award recipients announced

Seven divisional winners were selected by a committee of coaches from their respective divisions; award is in partnership with the Golf Coaches Association of America

Troon Partners Network: Names Ryan Pensy VP of strategic partnerships

Pensy to lead division that connects companies/brands with Troon; Sabrina Hale elevated to account manager

Troon: Selected to manage Cocotal G&CC in Punta Cana

Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon will manage the golf operations, agronomy, retail, and sales and marketing at the Dominican Republic club

Drop Not Golf: Device introduced at trio of UK golf shows

Nearly 20,000 golfers in Birmingham, London and Dublin attended show; generated substantial sales volume for Drop Not Golf

Srixon: Offers golfers more versatility with combo sets

ZX Mk II Iron Combination Sets give golfers the ability to fine-tune iron setup based on performance needs and personal preference

Fujikura: Major success at Masters

Brand reports it was the No. 1 driver and wood shaft at the year's first major; five top-10 finishers at Masters used a Fujikura driver shaft

Black Desert Resort GC: Featured in pre-Masters show

'The Masterful Tom Weiskopf' featured an interview with architect Phil Smith, Weiskopf's longtime design partner, and included footage of the new course set to open on May 27

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Patrick Cantlay strikes back at criticism of slow play in Masters
[Evan Priest | Golf Digest | Read]

> West High School golf team receives hefty donation in effort to gravitate more students toward the game
[Conor McCue | CBS | Watch]

#QOTD

"Believe me, the reward is not so great without the struggle."

— Wilma Rudolph

ICYMI

Design Notes: Tom Doak renovates New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers

A view of Cape Kidnappers' 15th green and 16th tee.

Tom Watson will design Cypress Shoals near Augusta; Weibring-Wolfard tweaks the bunkers at Illinois’ WeaverRidge

TUNING IN

PGA Tour: RBC Heritage
Site: Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Television [ET]: Thursday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS).
Leaderboard | GCSAA Fact Sheet

LPGA Tour: Lotte Championship
Site: Hoakalei Golf Club, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Television [ET]: Today-Saturday, 7-11 p.m. (Golf Channel).
Leaderboard | GCSAA Fact Sheet

MAKE GOLF YOUR CAREER

> Teaching Professional
Trails End Golf Center
Oregon City, Oregon | More

> Food and Beverage Coordinator
Lakeland Village Golf Course
Allyn, Washington | More

> Assistant Golf Professional
Country Club of Roswell
Roswell, Georgia | 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.

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.