The First Call 05-09-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

A recent National Golf Foundation survey of 75 U.S. golf resorts reported that advance bookings for 2022 golf trips are up 12% over the same period last year, and almost 20% versus before the pandemic. In a survey of core golfers (those who play eight-plus rounds annually), 82% are expected to take at least one golf-centric trip in 2022 — up from around 66% a year ago.

> The First Call | Weekend Edition: Join the growing The First Call | Weekend Edition community for free on Substack. The weekender is a recap of the industry's happenings and continues to evolve. And, like The First Call, it's emailed directly to your inbox each Saturday morning. So check it out here.

> Question of the Week: What do you believe will be Phil Mickelson's lasting legacy — 45 PGA Tour wins and six majors or his involvement with LIV Golf and reports of gambling issues.
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.

Follow The First Call

Subscribe | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> The tricky situation facing the DP World Tour as it braces for LIV Golf
[John Huggan | Golf Digest | Read]

> 5 Clubs Conversation: Seth Waugh, CEO, PGA of America
[Gary Williams | Five Clubs | Watch]

> Renovations restore classic looks to these Texas golf courses
[Mark Kazlowski | Dallas Morning News | Read]

PGA Championship? No clear-cut favorite emerges

The First Call readers offer their picks for the upcoming PGA Championship and believe Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson could play a role in the storyline

THE INDUSTRY

Majors Challenge pool platform readies for PGA Championship

Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson add to the intrigue at season's second major being contested at Southern Hills Country Club

Harbour Town Lighthouse adds new historical chapter with Fresnel lens

‘Invention that saved a million ships’ now on display for visitors to The Sea Pines Resort

SknVue launches campaign during Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Kicks off campaign by providing new solutions for skin health while specifically encouraging golfers to take charge and manage their skin wellness

Bayside Resort GC wins Golden Fork Award from Golf Inc. magazine

Selbyville, Delaware, club is one of a dozen golf venues in the 2022 Golden Fork Awards that have either introduced new dining facilities, improved existing spaces or that have reinvented themselves during the pandemic

Appointed: By the Nicklaus Companies, Phil Cotton as chief executive officer. Cotton succeeds John Reese, who is transitioning to vice chairman at Nicklaus Companies after more than 10 years as CEO.

ICYMI

Coore & Crenshaw: The cornerstones of success

As they approach the 40th anniversary of their partnership, the esteemed course designers reflect on their humble beginning and the philosophy that has paid dividends over the years

Snapshot: Solid Q1 bolsters Acushnet's optimism for 2022

Revenues are up 8% heading into the peak golf season, giving executives reason to believe consumer spending will continue — even if rounds played dip

#QOTD

"It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome."

— William James

CALENDAR

MAY
10-11: National Golf Day | 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. | Info

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

JANUARY 2023
23-25: Golf Business Conference, Orlando, Fla.
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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PGA Championship (@pgachampionship)