The First Call 06-17-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

The U.S. Open is certainly living up to its reputation as a championship open to anyone who can qualify. Just look at the first-round leaderboard. Five of the six players tied for second or better, including leader Adam Hadwin, of Canada, earned spots into this week's field via Final Qualifying. The only player already qualified for the 122nd U.S. Open was Rory McIlroy, whose 3-under-par 67, has him and four others a stroke behind Hadwin. The last player who made the field via Final Qualifying and went on to win was Lucas Glover in 2009.

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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

> Adam Hadwin leads U.S. Open as Rory McIlroy makes statement with clubs
[Doug Ferguson | Associated Press | Read]

> Home of 1913 U.S. Open champ Francis Ouimet restored for golf history
[Jimmy Golen | Associated Press | Read]

> In passing up big money, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas have found a voice instead
[Dan Rapaport | Golf Digest | Read]

> Saudi Arabia should take a mulligan on golf. Here’s what it can do instead.
[Thomas Friedman | New York Times | Read]

> Over 112 holes of muni golf, the sport’s possibilities shine through
[Barry Svrluga | Washington Post | Read]

> One of golf's most connected amateurs has much to say on LIV Golf and none of it positive
[Michael Rosenberg | SI / Morning Read | Read]

Annika Sorenstam enters canned cocktails business with Fizzy Beez

Ten-time major champion buzzes into the ready-to-drink cocktail marketplace seeking to differentiate the product with honey and a philanthropic initiative

THE INDUSTRY

Mystic Creek GC welcomes new director of golf

Sandy Davison named to oversee all golf operations for the 18-hole El Dorado, Arkansas, facility

Club Champion expands store count with 4 new markets

Company totals 42 locations in the United States with the opening of studios in Huntsville, Alabama; Westport, Connecticut; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Peachtree City, Georgia

Audubon International, Epar announce partnership

Non-profit conservation organization to work with the Australian environment compliance specialist to promote sustainability in golf across the continent

Announced: By the Legends Tour, an agreement with British golf shoe brand Royal Albartross to become the tour's footwear partner. Royal Albartross will help support the Tour and its popular Alliance Series and Celebrity Series with a three-year commitment until 2024.

Introduced: By Adidas Golf, its CodeChaos 22 golf shoe in limited-edition and exclusive colorways to start and in-line colorways to follow. Initially introduced in 2020, Adidas has expanded its TwistGrip technology to across the heel, forefoot and higher on the sidewall wraps. The footwear will be available in both laced and BOA models for men and women, alongside a junior BOA model. All models and colorways will be available beginning June 24.

#QOTD

"There are more bogeys in the last nine holes of the U.S. Open than in any other tournament in God's creation."

— Raymond Floyd

ICYMI

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

ROUNDS AND WEATHER

> Rounds played finished last week down 8% vs. last year, a decline of 7% vs. prior week driven by slower weekend play.

> There were no significant changes in weather compared to prior year, resulting in minimal impact to rounds played.

> Central Valley and the Mid Atlantic finished as the top performing regions vs. 2021. The reasons were decreased precipitation (-25% vs. 2021) and temperatures flat compared to last year.

> Positive performance is expected from all regions over the next five days. All regions are on pace to finish up vs. 2021 due to the upcoming Father’s Day and Juneteenth holidays.

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 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

Fun fact: the original idea for borrowing holes from Brookline’s Primrose 9 came from Mrs. Virginia Peirson. The wife of a former golf chairman at The Country Club, Pierson’s plan was first implemented at the 1957 US Amateur. pic.twitter.com/KxfybQhBHD
— Michael Wolf (@bamabearcat) June 16, 2022