The First Call 05-07-2026

FIRST THOUGHT

Of the 548 respondents to The First Call | Extra poll question "How many signature events should the PGA Tour have?", 36% selected "Four." That was followed by "None" (30%), "Eight" (28%) and "Sixteen" (6%).

POLL

▪️ Who is the favorite to win the PGA Championship? | Vote
▪️ Previous: Do you like Jim Furyk as the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup captain? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

▪️ How would you like to see the PGA Tour schedule structured — length, signature events, new events? | Respond
▪️ Previous: How should the PGA of America go about making future Ryder Cup captain selections? | Read

GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS

PGA Buying Summit: Registration opens for the 2026 event

The fashion-forward marketplace will be held July 26–29 in Frisco, Texas

PGA Championship: Jason Soucy named championship director for 2028

The appointment marks Soucy’s second stint as a championship director for the PGA Championship. In addition to the 2028 major at The Olympic Club's Lake Course in San Francisco, California, he also directed the 2025 edition at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina

Concert Golf Partners: Names Javier Rosenberg as Chief Operating Officer

The former president of Northwood Hospitality, and Americas president and COO of Carlson Rezidor (Radisson Hotel Group), Rosenberg has expertise in real estate, investment management and operations across the hospitality industry in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America

Anniston CC: Names Kyle Carpenter as GM, director of golf

ExecuSearch conducts successful search supporting club’s mission and growth

The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club: Launches new membership program

The St. Simons Island, Georgia, club is transitioning to a fully private model that coincides with a comprehensive $7 million transformation of the club’s golf course and practice facilities, led by designer Beau Welling

Bobby Jones Links: To manage Live Oaks GC

The semi-private club is located just northwest of Jackson, Mississippi

Horseshoe Bay Resort: Announces summer, fall golf packages

Texas’ Hill Country resort unveils multi-day golf packages and Golf Academy sessions

Indoor Golf Alliance: Offers free webinar May 13

The webinar "Fill Empty Bays and Stay Connected with Your Golfers" will be hosted by IGA president Phil Immordino

Marriott Golf: Unveils Marriott Golf Academy promotion

Orlando, Florida, destination's Summer Golf School Free Night Promotion is valid May 15 through September 15 for its two- and three-day golf schools

GolfForever: Reports on a 79-year-old's game improvement

Former Los Angeles (California) City firefighter Gene Merchant reportedly added 40 yards off the tee after using GolfForver's fitness system

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

▪️ A relaxed Rory McIlroy says he’s more motivated than ever after Masters repeat
[Steve Reed | Associated Press | Read]

▪️ Bryson DeChambeau plans to focus on YouTube if LIV Golf ends
[Mark Schlabach| ESPN | Read]

▪️ The architecture of Aronimink: Site of the 2026 PGA Championship
[Fried Egg Golf | Watch]

▪️ Arccos data shows amateur driving distance hasn’t changed
[David Dusek | Golfweek | Read]

▪️ Claire Dowling to be first woman captain of Royal and Ancient Golf Club
[Adam Schupak | Golfweek | Read]

TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

RECENT DROPS

🎧 GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Inside Rory McIlroy’s repeat Masters triumph
Guest: Conor McKeon, writer for the Irish Independent.
Listen | Archives

🎧 DRIVER$: INSIDE THE GOLF INDUSTRY
Golf course operations in the land of 8:30 p.m. tee times
Guests: Settlers Bay Golf Course's Amos Stephens (superintendent, partner and general manager) and Vicky Urbina (executive director, partner and operator).
Listen | Archives

ARCHIVES: 🎧 Podcasts | ▶️ Videos

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

▪️ Marketing Manager
Golf VX
Northbrook, Illinois | Info

▪️ HVAC/R and Maintenance Mechanic
PGA Tour
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida | Info

▪️ Assistant Treasurer
Acushnet Company | Titleist/Foot Joy
Fairhaven, Massachusetts | Info

▪️ The First Call Job Board
▪️ Buffalo Groupe Job Openings

CALENDAR

MAY
7: Golf Business Technology Conference, Belfast, Ireland | Info
15-16: British Golf Show, Marlow, England | Info

COMPLETE CALENDAR >

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