|
|
| Tuesday Jun 17, 2025 |
The Travelers Championship has a tradition of extending sponsor exemptions to players who develop into A-listers. Consider this list of sponsor exemptions through the years — Webb Simpson (2008 sponsor exemption; 2012 U.S. Open winner), Rickie Fowler (2009; five-time U.S. Ryder Cup member), Nick Taylor (2010; five-time PGA Tour winner), Patrick Cantlay (2011; 2021 Tour Championship), Justin Thomas (2013; 2017, 2022 PGA Championship winner), Jon Rahm (2015; 2021 U.S. Open, 2023 Masters winner), Wyndham Clark (2017; 2023 U.S. Open winner), Collin Morikawa (2019; 2020 PGA Championship, 2021 British Open winner) and Ludvig Aberg (2023; 2023 European Ryder Cup member). One of this year's four invites went to Luke Clanton, the former Florida State standout who recorded four top-10s and 10 made cuts in 13 PGA Tour starts as an amateur, including runner-up finishes at the 2024 John Deere Classic and RSM Classic. Clanton turned professional earlier this month at the RBC Canadian Open.
POLL
> Was Oakmont Country Club a fair U.S. Open test? | Vote
> Previous: Which will define Phil Mickelson's golf legacy more? | Results
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What are your thoughts on the 2025 U.S. Open?
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.
> Last week's question: 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? | Read
> U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun turned a free fall into a title at rain-soaked Oakmont
[Eddie Pells | Associated Press | Read]
> Did Sam Burns get robbed of title shot by a 'temporary water' ruling?
[Tod Leonard | Golf Digest | Read]
> Who is Brian Rolapp? Insiders speak on PGA Tour CEO’s pedigree and plan
[James Colgan | Golf.com | Read]
"I never knew whether to pity or congratulate a man on coming to his senses."
|
Readers of The First Call share their thoughts about the six-time U.S. Open runner-up who may — or may not — have played in his final U.S. Open at Oakmont.
|
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
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
To submit events for the calendar, please include the event name, date, location and informational link to info@firstcallgolf.com.
