The First Call 06-03-2026

FIRST THOUGHT

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

GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS

GCSAA: CEO Rhett Evans to conclude his tenure after 2 decades

Evans will remain in his role throughout the transition period before officially stepping down in September 2027.

The Sentry: Sentry Insurance becomes title sponsor of Torrey Pines event

Beginning in January 2027, the PGA Tour tournament will be renamed The Sentry and will feature a Saturday finish, broadcasting across CBS, Golf Channel, and ESPN+.

WTGL | Trybe Ventures: Adds Aryna Sabalenka to its investor group

Also joining are Olympic hockey gold medalist Hilary Knight and five WNBA stars.

Golf Channel: Memorial Tournament, U.S. Women's Open headline coverage

Also, network will air the NCAA Men's Championships, KLM Open and the American Family Insurance Championship.

Club Pelican Bay: Appoints Michael Steele as director of golf operations

The private Florida club utilized PGA ExecuSearch to hire the industry veteran, who formerly oversaw golf operations and a large associate team at PGA National Resort.

First Tee: Welcomes 23 young leaders into its college scholarship program

The incoming 2026 class of Scholars represents 20 chapters nationwide and will receive financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities.

MGI Golf: Launches the Sureshot Pinloc 7000 laser rangefinder series

The new lineup features three premium models equipped with rapid target acquisition optics, intelligent targeting software, and built-in rechargeable batteries.

Shot Scope: Reports on its new LM1 Launch Monitor

The radar-based device delivers fast, reliable metrics like carry distance and clubhead speed across three versatile modes, syncing seamlessly with a free data-tracking app.

Reynolds Lake Oconee: Expands lodging with new Landing Cottages

Located steps from the golf course, the 12 new four-bedroom accommodations offer relaxed indoor-outdoor living and premium amenities for groups and families.

Nauka GC: Opens exclusive Tom Fazio course in Riviera Nayarit

The private 920-acre community features a 7,600-yard layout across four environments alongside the newly opened Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Power Tee: Installs automatic systems at new Florida entertainment venue

Pine Royale, located in Callahan, Florida, now features Trackman technology, mini-golf and a vibrant social atmosphere alongside its automated driving range.

Upper Deck Golf: Launches first Spanish event inside the Bernabéu

The interactive golf experience will transform the iconic Real Madrid stadium this September, featuring tee boxes in the stands and custom greens on the pitch.

Rocket Classic: YouTube influencer Brad Dalke to make PGA Tour debut

The Good Good Golf content creator and former U.S. Amateur runner-up accepted a sponsor exemption to compete at Detroit Golf Club in July.

The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas: Delivers golf getaway in heart of Texas

Sprawling Dallas-area retreat features private villas overlooking the 18th green, panoramic course views, modern practice facilities and premium amenities.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

➡️ 'Another Korn Ferry Tour': Sponsors pushing back on PGA Tour track plan
Adam Schupak | Golfweek | Read

➡️ This Hall of Famer grew up playing Riviera for $50 a month. Now she’s a member
Dylan Dethier| Golf.com | Read

➡️ Take 5: After qualifying at 14, a mature 19-year-old kovelesky returns to Women’s Open
David Shefter | USGA | 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.