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| Tuesday Jun 06, 2023 |
As golf continues to grow in the number of participants, so does the number of women. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of on-course women and girls playing golf has increased 15% since 2019. Of the nearly 25.6 million on-course golfers in 2022, slightly more than 6.4 million in total (25.1%) were women — a total greater than the female population in the three most populous U.S. cities (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago) combined.
IN THIS ISSUE
> Q&A: Tom Doak on Antipodean adventures, land deals and legacy | Read
> PGA Professional Spotlight: Nick Bednar | Read
> Has a year changed the view of LIV Golf? | Read
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What are your expectations for the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, June 12-18? Thoughts on the course, potential favorites, other topics?
Send replies on this question or other topics and questions you would like to have asked to shall@buffalogroupe.com. For a response to be published, you must include your first and last name, along with city and state of residence. Read last week's responses.
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In a wide-ranging interview with contributor Hal Phillips, the course architect discusses his new Pinehurst project and recent handiwork in Australia and New Zealand
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NICK BEDNAR
Vice President of Operations, Troon
The First Call: What is one challenge you currently see in the industry? Thoughts on how to address it?
Nick Bednar: I think the current economic and inflationary environment has put a strain on all businesses, and golf is no exception. Rising costs are a very real concern, and we have to be mindful of how that ultimately impacts our members and guests in terms of affordability.
While the industry is getting smarter about pricing and revenue management, golf doesn’t have to be expensive. Plus, the popularity of off-course venues has taught us golf doesn't have to be a traditional, 18-hole experience either. Competition for time is another big concern that may shift the demand dynamic in the future.
We need to continue to listen and learn as this dynamic shifts, and make every effort to find ways to retain our core while bringing new players to the game in creative ways.
PGA Tour, Deere & Company, Quad Cities Golf Classic Charitable Foundation: Announce that John Deere has signed a multiyear extension as title sponsor of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Since the tournament’s inception in 1971, the John Deere Classic has helped raise $159.57 million for charity, 98 percent of which has been raised since John Deere assumed title sponsorship in 1998.
> First look at the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low Golf
[Nicolaus Li | Hypebeast | Read]
> The LPGA doesn't have a player whose name transcends golf in the U.S. Historic winner Rose Zhang is in position to change that
[Beth Ann Nichols | Golfweek | Read]
> To play or not play the week before a major? There's no correct answer
[Bob Harig | Sports Illustrated | Read]
> Golf's longest day: U.S. Open final qualifying
[USGA | Read]
"Why should I care what other people think of me? I am who I am. And who I wanna be."
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A lot has happened in the 12 months since LIV Golf debuted, but the opinions of The First Call readers remain mostly unchanged
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GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Michelle Wie West on role of host for LPGA's Mizuho Americas Open
Former U.S. Women's Open champion joins host Ann Liguori to talk about serving as host for the new Mizuho Americas Open, life after her playing career and the need for more progress on Tour
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' episodes]
BEHIND THE GOLF BRAND
How On Point Golf has grown so rapidly
Founder Briston Peterson joins host Paul Liberatore to discuss his company's wild ride as a manufacturer of three-dimensional ball markers
[Listen | More 'Behind the Golf Brand' episodes]
DRIVER$
How the USGA is managing equipment innovation
Co-hosts Jon Last and David Klein provide an inside look at the USGA’s equipment standards department
[Listen | More 'Driver$' episodes]
> Intern/Assistant Golf Professional
Mayacoo Lakes Country Club
West Palm Beach, Florida | Info
> Certified Personal Coach
Golftec
Geneva, Illinois | Info
> Assistant Golf Professional
Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club
Palo Alto, California | Info
> View a complete listing of jobs
Make Golf Your Career is a golf industry DE&I initiative launched by Make Golf Your Thing that allows job seekers to search, find and apply for opportunities throughout the industry in one place.
JULY
25-27: GCBAA Summer Meeting, Lake Geneva, Wisc. | Info
AUGUST
19-22: African American Golf Expo and Forum, Louisville, Ky. | Info
To submit events for the calendar, please include the event name, date, location and informational link to info@firstcallgolf.com.
