The First Call 06-14-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

While LIV Golf's inaugural tournament, LIV Golf Invitational – London, debuted on Thursday, it did so without a traditional television deal in place. Viewers could tune in via the tour's website, Facebook or YouTube. Per Apex Marketing, the tournament's first day drew an average audience of 93,000 on YouTube. According to Golf Monthly, Saturday's final round on YouTube totaled 775,000 views and final-round highlights were viewed 320,000 times.

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> Question of the Week: Who will win the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, and why?
Send replies on this question or other topics to shall@morningread.com. For your response to be published, you must include first and last name, along with city and state of residence. Read last week's responses.

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READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Once a man of the people, Phil Mickelson is now only about money and himself
[Michael Rosenberg | SI / Morning Read | Read]

> Gary Koch's history at The Country Club is deeper than most
[Dave Shedloski | Golf Digest | Read]

> Ty Votaw: Golf’s executive ambassador
[Thomas Leary | Sports Business Journal | Read]

> LIV Golf has money to blow
[Liam Killingstad | Front Office Sports | Read]

> The majors have a major decision to make on LIV Golf players' eligibility
[Alex Miceli | SI / Morning Read | Read]

Design Notes: Nicklaus Design celebrates a return to an old favorite

Tripp Davis tweaks The International’s Oaks course in Massachusetts; Dan Hixson soon to open Bar Run in Oregon; Raymond Hearn wraps up a revitalization of New Jersey’s Metedeconk National

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW

In the United States, the 157 green grass locations with pickleball courts also report having tennis as an amenity.

Source: Longitudes Group

THE INDUSTRY

‘Make Golf Your Thing’ initiative awards 81 grassroots grants

Grant program provides support to organizations dedicated to increasing golf participation among underrepresented populations; a total of $750,000 in grants awarded

Youth on Course announces partnership with Texas Golf Association

Through nonprofit, Texas golfers ages 6 to18 years old can play at over 40 golf courses in the state, and over 2,000 others across the U.S. and Canada for $5 or less a round

Puma Golf celebrates the U.S. Open with Love H8 collection

Gary Woodland, Bryson DeChambeau to wear pieces from the new collection, along with the 2022 Volition America Collection

Whiskers unveils ‘Americana Collection’ for Fourth of July

Shoelace manufacturer creates men’s, women’s red, white and blue, golf-specific laces in solid and pattern designs

FlightScope announces U.S. Open week specials

Through Father’s Day, June 19, golfers can get $200 off FlightScope’s popular Mevo+, $50 off Mevo launch monitors when shopping at FlightScopeMevo.com

PXG to host 2nd PXG Women’s Day to Play

PXG celebrates its employees during Women’s Golf Month

67 Troon-affiliated courses named Golfweek’s best

Publication recognizes 51 daily-fee/resort properties on its 2022 Best Courses You Can Play, State-by-State list; 16 private clubs were named to the Best Private Courses, State-by-State ranking

Landscapes Golf Management supports ‘Phantom of the Open’ movie

Operator of more than 50 golf courses and country clubs across America pledges its promotional support of the new movie that debuts to major, secondary markets throughout June

Baltusrol GC to host On Course Foundation’s 2022 Simpson Cup

Set for August 28-31, event pits teams of injured service members from the United States and United Kingdom against one another in Ryder Cup-style matches

Announced: By the R&A, that England's Hillside and Southport and Ainsdale golf clubs will host the 2023 British Amateur, followed by Ballyliffin in County Donegal, Ireland, in 2024. Also, Prince's Golf Club in Sandwich, England, and Royal Birkdale, a 10-time host to the Briitsh Open, will host the 2023 and 2024 British Women's Amateurs, respectively.

ICYMI

Tiger Woods achieves new status — billionaire

According to Forbes, the 15-time major champion's net worth is now estimated to be at least $1 billion, joining LeBron James and Michael Jordan in the 10-digit club among athletes

#QOTD

"A difficult golf course eliminates a lot of players. The U.S. Open flag eliminates a lot of players. Some players just weren't meant to win the U.S. Open. Quite often, a lot of them know it."

— Jack Nicklaus

CALENDAR

JUNE
22-23: LPGA Leadership Academy, Saginaw, Mich. | Info

JULY
13-14: LPGA Leadership Academy, Liberty Corner, N.J. | Info
19-20: LPGA Leadership Academy, Gainesville, Va. | Info
26-27: Multi-Course and Resort Operators Retreat, Charleston, S.C. | Info

AUGUST
1-2: LPGA Leadership Academy, Newcastle, Wash. | Info

JANUARY 2023
23-25: Golf Business Conference, Orlando, Fla.
24-27: PGA Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

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

LAST CALL

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