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| Wednesday Jun 07, 2023 |
Of the 98 respondents to The First Call poll question "Do you like no-cut tournaments on the PGA Tour?", 78% responded no, while another 18% was undecided.
IN THIS ISSUE
> The big reveal: PGA Tour, DP World Tour, PIF unite | Read
> Say what? Reactions to the seismic PGA Tour, PIF deal | Read
> Q&A: Tom Doak on Antipodean adventures, land deals and legacy | Read
> PGA Professional Spotlight: Nick Bednar | Read
QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK
1. What are your thoughts on the PGA Tour's deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the principle backer of LIV Golf, that was announced on June 6?
2. 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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The PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the main backer of LIV Golf, reach a deal that ends litigation and seeks to "to unify the game of golf"
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News that the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF, the principle backer of LIV Golf, had brokered an agreement caught the golfing world by surprise, but not without a response
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> PGA Tour and European tour agree to merge with Saudis and end LIV Golf feud
[Doug Ferguson | Associated Press | Read]
> Updates: PGA and LIV merger — deal increases Saudi Arabia’s influence in golf
[New York Times | Read]
> Saudi Arabia to spend billions on shock merger of PGA Tour and LIV Golf
[Samuel Agini / Arash Massoudi / Sara Germano / Sujeet Indap | Financial Times | Read ($)]
> PGA Tour’s letter to players outlines framework for LIV Golf, DP World Tour merger
[Golf Channel | Read]
> How did PGA Tour players learn about LIV Golf merger? Mostly on Twitter, like you
[Nick Dimengo | Golf.com | Read]
> LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman didn't know about LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger, according to Saudi Arabia PIF governor
[Joel Beall | Golf Digest | Read]
> PGA Tour deal with LIV reduces elite golf to public relations for a tyrant
[Eamon Lynch | Golfweek | Read]
> In one stunning and silent move, Jay Monahan brings in billions and kills LIV Golf
[Michael Rosenberg | Sports Illustrated | Read]
> The high-profile advisers behind LIV Golf and the PGA Tour's surprise merger
[David Heller / Liana Baker / Dinesh Nair | Bloomberg | Read]
> Golf stocks jump as PGA-LIV deal seen fueling sport’s growth
[Katrina Lewis | Bloomberg | Read]
> A complete timeline of LIV Golf, leading up to PGA Tour merger
[Ricky Hamel | Golfweek | Read]
> A dummy’s guide to the LIV/PGA Tour merger: Answering 21 burning questions
[James Colgan | Golf.com | Read]
“There’s been a lot of tension in our sport over the last couple years. But what we’re talking about today is coming together to unify the game of golf."
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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: RBC Canadian Open
Site: Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Canada.
Television [ET]: Thursday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 2:30-5:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 5:30-7:30 p.m. (CBS); Sunday, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 2:30-6:30 p.m. (CBS).
GCSAA Fact Sheet
LPGA Tour: Shoprite LPGA Classic
Site: Seaview Golf Club (Bay Course),Galloway, New Jersey.
Television [ET]: Friday, 12:30-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 2:30-5 p.m. (Golf Channel).
GCSAA Fact Sheet
DP World Tour, Ladies European Tour: Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed
Site: Ullna Golf & Country Club, Stockholm, Sweden.
Television [ET]: Thursday-Friday, 7 a.m. to noon (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to noon (Golf Channel).
PGA Tour Champions: American Family Insurance Championship
Site: University Ridge Golf Club, Madison, Wisconsin.
Television [ET]: Friday 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay); Saturday, 8:30-10:30 p.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay); Sunday, 8-10 p.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay).
GCSAA Fact Sheet
Korn Ferry Tour: BMW Charity Pro-Am
Site: Thornblade Club, Greer South Carolina.
Television [ET]: Thursday, noon to 2 p.m. (Golf Channel); Friday, 8:30-10:30 p.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay); Saturday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay); Sunday, 5-7 p.m. (Golf Channel).
GCSAA Fact Sheet
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.
