The First Call 06-09-2025

FIRST THOUGHT

This week, Oakmont Country Club is hosting its record 10th U.S. Open. So nine previous championships on the course just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an ample sample size in determining the type of champion it produces. Let's just say the previous nine champions are major-caliber players. Aside from 1935 champion Sam Park Jr., the remaining eight Oakmont champions have won two or more majors and five have won three or more. The list includes Tommy Armour (1927 champion, three majors won), Ben Hogan (1953, nine), Jack Nicklaus (1962, 18), Johnny Miller (1973, two), Larry Nelson (1983, three), Ernie Els (1994, four), Angel Cabrera (2007, two), and Dustin Johnson (2016, two). Of the multiple major winners, Hogan and Nicklaus won the career Grand Slam, while the other six won another major aside from the U.S. Open.

POLL

> Which will define Phil Mickelson's golf legacy more? | Vote
> Previous: Who will win the 2025 U.S. Open? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Phil Mickelson, 54, has said the 2025 U.S. Open may be his final appearance in the national championship that he has finished second in a record six times. What have been your favorite Mickelson U.S. Open memories?

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 the city and state of residence.

INDUSTRY NEWS

NBC Sports: Details live coverage of 125th U.S. Open

Nearly 300 hours of U.S. Open programming including broadcast, featured groups, and studio coverage across NBC, Peacock and Golf Channel

LPGA: Unveils largest fundraising initiative in its history

LPGA to hold 75th Anniversary Pro-Am, Jan. 12-15, 2026 at Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Hay and The Links at Spanish Bay, to support the LPGA Foundation’s mission of inspiring the next generation of female golfers

Make Golf Your Thing Grassroots Grants Program: To award 70 grants

The program is administered by the American Golf Industry Coalition, and was created to help make the game more inclusive and accessible. Launched in 2020, the grants program is distributing $500,000 to grassroots organizations nationwide, bringing the total program investment to $3 million over six years.

First Tee: Names 27 college scholars

This year’s scholar class includes six first-generation college students and five collegiate golfers; Scholars will receive financial support, mentors and professional development opportunities

Sqairz: Founder, CEO Bob Winskowicz to speak at 2025 Consistent Golf Summit

The global virtual summit is designed to help golfers play more consistently, gain distance and build confidence on the course, and is free to attend

Aviara GC: To host Crystal Cup qualifier on July 10

Amateur golfers to compete for spots in the Crystal Cup finale at Georgia's Sea Island Resort in October

BallenIsles CC: Foursome partners make pair of aces

Club members Lori Garon and Lisa Hoberman, playing in the same foursome on May 6, each aced the 97-yard, par-3 second hole just minutes apart. The odds of two players from the same foursome acing the same hole are one in 17 million.

Kroger Queen City Championship: Reigning champ Lydia Ko to return

Field of 144 to also feature winner of the Women’s Western Junior Championship, June 9-13

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Ryan Fox wins Canadian Open with ‘best shot I’ve ever hit’ in playoff to beat Sam Burns
[Associated Press | Read]

> Joaquin Niemann wins LIV Golf Virginia for 4th victory in the Saudi-funded tour’s first 8 events of the year
[Associated Press | Read]

> Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn team to win the American Family Insurance Championship
[Associated Press | Read]

> Jennifer Kupcho wins ShopRite LPGA Classic, ending nearly 3-year drought
[Associated Press | Read]

> Samantha Wagner takes home first win at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship
[Epson Tour | Read]

#QOTD

"The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy."

— Carl von Clausewitz

ICYMI

Design Notes: Coore & Crenshaw open The International’s Pines

Art Schaupeter and Casa Verde Golf break ground on Boulders Resort & Spa's North course renovation; Damian Pascuzzo and Steve Pate resurrect California’s Campus Commons.

TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

RECENT DROPS

🎧 GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Nicholas Callaway offers a new chapter on father Ely's life
Guest: Nicholas Callaway, co-editor and co-publisher of "The Unconquerable Game: My Life in Golf and Business" by Ely Callaway
Listen | Archives

▶️ CONTENT CLUBHOUSE
Ep. 4: Noah Schwartz
Guest: Noah Scwartz, content creator manager and founder of Touch Grass Sports.
Watch | Archives

▶️ UP RIVER FILM COMPANY
The Land as It Lies: Erin Hills
Watch | Archives

ARCHIVES: 🎧 Podcasts | ▶️ Videos

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

> Manager, Major Gifts
Western Golf Association / Evans Scholars Foundation
Glenview, Illinois | Info

> Seasonal Travel Assistant
Land & Links
Aiken, South Carolina | Info

> Assistant Superintendent
PGA National
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida | Info

> The First Call Job Board

TFC EVENTS

The Friars Golf Club: Young Pro Championship & Pro-Am

January 16-19, 2026 | Orlando, Florida

CALENDAR

JUNE
17-19: North America Golf Tourism Convention, Birmingham, Alabama | Info
24-25: NGCOA Multi-Course & Resort Operators Retreat, Monterey, California | Info

JULY
28-30: PGA Buying Summit, Frisco, Texas | Info

OCTOBER
6-7: Golf Business Network Instructing Summit, Palm Desert, California | Info
14-15: Golf Business TechCon 2025, Frisco, Texas | Info

> View complete calendar

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