The First Call 05-19-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

Masters champion Scottie Scheffler enters this week's PGA Championship as the world's No. 1 golfer. That, however, is not a good barometer of how he will fare. The last current No. 1 golfer to win the PGA was Rory McIlroy in 2014. Here are the PGA results of the No. 1 players since then: McIlroy (2015, 17th place), Jason Day (2016, 2nd), Dustin Johnson (2017, t-13th; 2018, t-27th; 2019, 2nd); Justin Thomas (2020, t-37th) and Johnson (2021, missed cut).

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> Question of the Week: Southern Hills Country Club is hosting its fifth PGA Championship this week. How would you rate the Perry Maxwell-designed Tulsa, Oklahoma, club compared with other championships sites?
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

> Transient clubs hit hard by gas pricing
[Steve Eubanks | Golf Business | Read]

> Black club pro hopes to thrive, inspire at PGA Championship
[Doug Ferguson | Associated Press | Read]

> Bill Spiller: The man who broke golf’s color barrier
[Laz Versalles | Fire Pit Collective | Read]

How an algorithm is making golf a more equitable game off the tee

Course architect Richard Mandell's Tee Shot Distance Equity factors swing speed, not handicap, in equalizing the game for all levels of play

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW

There were 5.4 million avid golfers in the United States in 2021. The year-over-year avid growth rate (3.2%) from 2020 was slightly lower versus the total golfer growth rate (3.3%), suggesting more new and casual golfers were participating in 2021.

Source: Longitudes Group

THE INDUSTRY

Blessings Collegiate Invitational returns to Blessings GC in October

Tournament field to feature premier men’s and women’s collegiate programs from across the United States

The Preserve Golf Club's solar installation puts it on path of self-sustainability

Innovative floating solution inspired by Northern California winery

Announced: By Duca del Cosma, that the company has been designated by PGA Magazine as its Golf Shop Owners exclusive footwear company. Duca del Cosma will have an opportunity to communicate with PGA Magazine's influential contacts through platforms, meetings, and marketing.

#QOTD

"A good round of golf is if you can hit about three shots that turnout exactly as you planned them."

— Ben Hogan

TUNING IN

PGA of America: PGA Championship
Site: Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, Oklahoma | GCSAA Fact Sheet
Television: Today-Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (ESPN+), 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (ESPN); Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (ESPN), 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (CBS).

CALENDAR

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

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