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| Tuesday Jun 02, 2026 |
U.S WOMEN'S OPEN TALKING POINTS
1. A Historic First for "Hogan’s Alley"
Riviera Country Club is one of the most storied and revered venues, famously nicknamed "Hogan's Alley" for Ben Hogan winning three tournaments on the course in an 18-month span. While it has hosted legendary men’s events — including the 1948 U.S. Open, multiple PGA Championships, and the annual Genesis Invitational — 2026 marks the first time in history that Riviera is hosting a USGA women's championship.
2. Nelly Korda’s Run at Historic Dominance
Every major needs a blockbuster centerpiece storyline, and world No. 1 Nelly Korda is providing exactly that. Korda enters the tournament in blistering form, having already captured three victories this season, including her third career major title at the Chevron Championship. Korda seeks to be the first reigning world No. 1 to hoist the Harton S. Semple Trophy since Inbee Park in 2013.
3. The Ultimate Chess Match
Riviera is notorious for demanding strategic precision over raw power. Between its tricky Kikuyu grass, penal bunker complexes and heavily contoured greens, it is a pure shot-maker's course. Ahead of the 2026 season, the course underwent subtle modifications, including lengthening the historic fourth and 18th holes to protect its teeth against modern equipment.
POLL OF THE WEEK
Defending Shinnecock Hills
How should the USGA handle the setup of Shinnecock Hills for the U.S. Open? Should the course's natural architecture and coastal winds be its own defense, or should the USGA aggressively manipulate the course setup to protect par?
>> Vote
Last Week: If you were the Golf Czar for a day, which PGA Tour rule change would you implement first? | Results
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Funding the Local Muni
With high-profile projects like the National Links Trust putting a spotlight on historic municipal courses, should local cities subsidize public golf as a community asset, or should muni courses be expected to operate entirely as self-sustaining, profitable businesses?
>> Respond
Last 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? | Read
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➡️ Reason to believe: U.S. Women’s Open debuts in L.A. at time filled with meaning, ongoing recovery
Sam Farmer | USGA | Read
➡️ Sentry Insurance named new sponsor for PGA Tour's Torrey Pines event
Tim Schmitt | Golfweek | Read
➡️ For Michelle Wie West, U.S. Women’s Open return is about family — including Jerry West
Beth Ann Nicholes | Golfweek | Read
➡️ ‘The numbers don’t lie’: Pay controversy roils Pebble Beach caddie yard
Josh Sens | Golf.com | Read
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Michigan’s Egypt Valley gets a Chris Wilczynski renovation; Kristine Kerr progresses on transforming New Zealand’s Boulcott’s Farm.
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Buffalo Groupe's chief growth officer joins host Nate Moore to discuss the golf industry's evolution and trends, as well as how his personal background has helped him navigate relationships within the sport.
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Rejecting signature events and other no-cut tournaments, readers of The First Call overwhelmingly want meritocracy. They argue the Friday cut line delivers an added level of interest.
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JUNE
9-10: Multi-Course & Resort Operators Retreat 2026, Monterey, California | Info
To submit events for the calendar, please include the event name, date, location and informational link to info@firstcallgolf.com.
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