The First Call 04-13-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

Masters Sunday is appointment TV for most golf fans, and the 2022 edition proved irresistible. The main storylines of Tiger Woods wrapping up an improbable week and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler backing up the billing on the biggest stage added up to the most watched golf telecast in three years. In 2019, of course, Woods won his fifth green jacket.

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> Question of the Week: What are your thoughts of this year's Masters — likes, dislikes, favorite moment?
Send replies on this question or other topics to shall@morningread.com. For your response to be published, you must include first and last name, along with city and state of residence. Read last week's responses.

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READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> From drones to Sir Nick, CBS covered Masters with style and sensibility [John Hawkins | Morning Read | Read]

> Seoul: North Korea destroying South Korean-owned golf course [Hyung-Jin Kim | Associated Press/ABC News | Read]

> Cannon blast marks start of 2022 RBC Heritage after 2 years of COVID-19 restrictions [Sam Ogozalek | The Island Packet | Watch]

BirdieBall helps golfers get more practice in small spaces

BirdieBalls are limited-flight golf balls that fly 40-60 yards when struck by a driver. They can also draw or slice like the real thing.

Listen

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW?

The oldest golf course on the Epson Tour circuit is South Bend (Ind.) Country Club, built in 1916 and designed by George O'Neil.

Source: Longitudes Group

THE INDUSTRY

BigShots Golf to open at Firestone CC

Tech-driven eatery and entertainment experience will open first Ohio location in 2022

Capstone hospitality names Buffalo Agency its official public relations partner

The company’s talented team works with clubs and organizations across North America, bringing each a customized sales plan, renewed energy and competitive spirit.

Full Swing partners with KemperSports to bring sports technology to golfers across the country

Full Swing to provide golf simulator and launch monitor technology to KemperSports clients and properties across the country

Entrada at Snow Canyon unveils new David McLay Kidd-designed course

McLay Kidd redesigned the St. George, Utah, club’s former Johnny Miller and Fred Bliss-designed course, which opened for play in 1996

Indigo Sports, Cincinnati Recreation Commission agree to contract extension

Extension to operate and market CRC's six courses runs through 2026 with optional extensions available through the year 2030

Junior Golf Hub renews title sponsorship of Hurricane Junior Golf Tour

The tour hosts events for boys and girls ages 8-18 in 27 states and Canada

McConnell Golf continues to dominate North Carolina rankings

North Carolina Golf Panel ranks all 10 of McConnell Golf’s North Carolina courses in the state’s top 100, including a trio of layouts rated among the top 20

SQAIRZ named official shoe of the United States Golf Challenge

SQAIRZ will be supplying their USA shoe to the winning teams at the USGC King’s Cup National Championship who will make up Team USA for the 2023 International King’s Cup.

Club Champion acquires Australian clubfitter PureForm Golf

Club Champion continues international expansion after earlier acquisitions in Canada, United Kingdom

Golftec opens instruction, clubfitting center in Buffalo

New 3,600-square-foot facility features five indoor bays with Foresight Sports simulators

Miura Golf introduces KM1, KM2 putters

The blade model putter line is the first released by the Japanese clubmaker in four years

GCSAA names Ed Several as chief marketing officer

Newly created position will focus on GCSAA brand marketing and the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show

PGA Show Buying & Education Summit provides early preview of Spring 2023 merchandise, July 11-12, 2022, in Las Vegas

PGA Professionals and golf buyers can book Spring 2023 orders, while experiencing exhibits, education, One2One appointments and peer networking events.

ICYMI

Design Notes: Status quo on the redesign of Augusta National’s iconic 13th hole

Tom Jackson renovates Myrtle Beach’s River Hills; Brian Ross and Colton Craig debut Kentucky’s Park Mammoth; Tim Lobb restores the heathland to England’s Isle of Purbeck

#QOTD

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."

— John Lennon

TUNING IN

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

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

CALENDAR

APRIL
13: SportTechie State of the Industry, New York, N.Y. | Info

JUNE
7: Women's Golf Day | Info
22-23: LPGA Leadership Academy, Saginaw, Mich. | Info

JULY
13-14: LPGA Leadership Academy, Liberty Corner, N.J. | Info
19-20: LPGA Leadership Academy, Gainesville, Va. | Info
26-27: Multi-Course and Resort Operators Retreat, Charleston, S.C.

AUGUST
1-2: LPGA Leadership Academy, Newcastle, Wash. | Info

JANUARY 2023
24-27: PGA Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

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

LAST CALL

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