The First Call 06-16-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

While it's not quite the same as winning a grand slam, finishing top 10 in each of a year's four majors is a pretty significant accomplishment. Since 2004, eight players have finished in the top 10 in each of the season's four majors: Jon Rahm (2021), Brooks Koepka (2019), Jordan Spieth (2015), Rickie Fowler (2014), Tiger Woods (2005), Vijay Singh (2005), Ernie Els (2004) and Phil Mickelson (2004). Halfway through the 2022 major season, only three players still have the opportunity to turn the trick — Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy and Will Zalatoris.

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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

> Curtis Strange's '88 U.S. Open win is special memory for Jim Kwitchoff, Chris Gildea
[Jim McCabe | Power Fades | Read]

> USGA says it could shut out LIV Golf players in future events
[Bob Harig | SI / Morning Read | Read]

> On the sidelines of the PGA Tour-LIV Golf battle, the DP World Tour faces a crucial decision
[Dan Rapaport and John Huggan | Golf Digest | Read]

Ahead feels at home at U.S. Open

The Massachusetts-based apparel manufacturer, based about 60 miles south of this week's championship in Brookline, has been an innovative presence at USGA championships since 1998

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW

Of the green grass locations that offer pickleball as an amenity, 7% are rated as Top Target A facilities by Longitudes Group. B-rated facilities total 18%, C-rated 27% and D-rated 38%.

Source: Longitudes Group

THE INDUSTRY

Malcolm DeMille, American Family Insurance Championship collaborate

Handcrafted trophy manufacturer designs PGA Tour Champions event's perpetual and champion’s trophy, which was recently won by Thongchai Jaidee

Palmilla GC hosts FGC Cabo World Series

Winners in 10 boys, girls age divisions are crowned in inaugural Future Champions Golf World Series event held outside the United States

Won: By Skechers brand ambassador Brooke Henderson, the ShopRite LPGA Classic in Galloway, New Jersey. Henderson, who signed with Skechers in 2016, achieved her 11th career LPGA title wearing Skechers' Go Golf footwear and apparel.

Debuted: By Ogio Europe, a new line of limited-edition, fully waterproof golf bags, exclusive to the European market. Ogio's 2022 all-elements Woode hybrid golf bags have been released in eight color schemes, ranging from black up to a bright red galactic design named "Nebula."

Awarded: By the USGA, a $25,000 IDEA grant to First Tee — Massachusetts, which will help attract more diverse coaches and volunteers, particularly in underrepresented communities in Boston, Brockton and Springfield, where participants can join for free. Funds will also be used to offer free or low-cost rounds of golf at William J. Devine Golf Course, a municipally owned course in Franklin Park. The IDEA Grant program was launched by the USGA in 2021 with a focus on its championship host communities and for programs delivered through its Allied Golf Association network in every state.

#QOTD

"You not only have to be good, but you also have to have two horseshoes up your rear end. You've got to be lucky to win the U.S. Open."

— Sam Snead

ICYMI

The Country Club: Old world charm, new world demands

While this U.S. Open venue drips with history, the course has a sporty new look that is built to test today's modern players

VOICES

Donnie Dotson is using a tech investor mindset to jumpstart golf careers

Carry founder and CEO has taken his business development and investing experience to create a platform that connects up-and-coming golfers with investors through a sense of community

Listen

TUNING IN

United States Golf Association: U.S. Open
Site: The Country Club, Brookline, Massachusetts | GCSAA Fact Sheet
Television: Today, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (USA Network), 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (NBC), 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (USA Network); Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (USA Network), 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (NBC); Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. (NBC); Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. (NBC).

LPGA Tour: LPGA Meijer Classic
Site: Blythefield Country Club, Belmont, Michigan | GCSAA Fact Sheet
Television: Today-Sunday, 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel).

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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