The First Call 05-29-2026

FIRST THOUGHT

Experience with the overnight lead varies wildly across the top of the Charles Schwab Challenge leaderboard. J.J. Spaun holds a first-round lead/co-lead for the eighth time in his career (1-for-7 converting to a win), Tom Kim is in this position for the third time (0-for-2 converting), and Andrew Putnam claims his very first career 18-hole lead in his 255th PGA Tour start.

POLL

▪️ If you were the Golf Czar for a day, which PGA Tour rule change would you implement first? | Vote
▪️ Previous: Will PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, 31, be a one-hit major champion or will he win more? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

▪️ Do you believe the PGA Tour needs a cut line to remain competitive, or is the no-cut model better for the fans who just want to see the big names? | Respond
▪️ Previous: What are your opinions of the PGA Championship — the winner, the overall play, the course? | Read

The Patch is back: Augusta’s historic muni is bustling

The nearly century-old course got a needed makeover thanks to its nearby neighbor — Augusta National Golf Club — and noted architects Tom Fazio, Beau Welling and Tiger Woods.

Golf Business Live: Greg Nathan, National Golf Foundation

The NGF president and CEO joins host Jay Karen to have a data-driven conversation on the current state of the industry.

WATCH

GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS

Audubon International: Appoints Ken Benoit as the new interim CEO

Benoit, a longtime GCSAA member with 30 years of industry experience, steps into the role after serving as director of the Signature Sanctuary Certification Program.

Westin Rancho Mirage Resort: Hires Aaron Garcia as golf course superintendent

Garcia brings over 12 years of experience to lead agronomy operations, coinciding with a championship greens improvement project on the Pete Dye Resort Golf Course.

Troon Partners Network: Adds Redvanly as a preferred apparel partner

Through a multiyear agreement, the premium clothing brand will launch marketing and retail programs across golf, tennis and pickleball facilities nationwide.

Old Westbury G&CC: Unveils total renovation of 27-hole course

Led by Brian Silva, the project modernized 27 holes with USGA-spec greens and new irrigation, completing the massive renovation under budget in just three months.

PDI: Launches a global athlete team to showcase long-term performance

Player Development Index's roster features professional golfers from the PGA Tour and other major circuits, highlighting a data-driven, holistic system for long-term player development.

Full Swing: Names BYU's Kihei Akina as brand player ambassador

The BYU standout freshman and Big 12 Freshman of the Year will use the Full Swing KIT launch monitor to refine his game as he joins the brand's roster of ambassadors.

Big Max: Wins 3 Golf Monthly Editors’ Choice Awards

The Blade Trio push cart, Aqua IPX Tour, and Aqua Eight H bag were recognized for excellence in innovation, waterproof performance, and functional design.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

▪️ T-Mobile adds to golf portfolio through new USGA sponsorship
[Josh Carpenter | Sports Business Journal | Read]

▪️ LIV Golf cuts key streaming service as questions about future continue to linger
[Jay Coffin | Golf Digest | Read]

▪️ The next decade of golf agronomy
[Perfect Putt | Read]

TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

RECENT DROPS

🎧 DRIVER$: INSIDE THE GOLF INDUSTRY
Satisfying a hunger for golf
Guest: Spencer Potter, founder, Club Grub.
Listen | Archives

🎧 CONTENT CLUBHOUSE
Golficity's Frank & Mike Fasano: Family Business
Guests: Frank Fasano and Mike Fasano, co-founders, Golficity.
Listen | Archives

ARCHIVES: 🎧 Podcasts | ▶️ Videos

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

▪️ Rules Official | Epson Tour
LPGA
Daytona, Florida | Info

▪️ Head Golf Professional
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
St. Simon's Island, Georgia | Info

▪️ Director of Sales
Troon
Wailuku, Hawaii | Info

▪️ The First Call Job Board
▪️ Buffalo Groupe Job Openings

CALENDAR

JUNE
9-10: Multi-Course & Resort Operators Retreat 2026, Monterey, California | Info

COMPLETE CALENDAR >

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