The First Call 06-18-2026

FIRST THOUGHT

GOLF IN MOTION MONTHLY

Golf In Motion Monthly is Buffalo Groupe's new market indicator, measuring consumer traffic across 13,000 golf facilities, retailers, and more to reveal where the industry is growing, stabilizing, or softening. See where the game is moving and find new opportunities headed into the second half of the year.
>> Read

POLL OF THE WEEK

Lefty's Legacy
In light of Phil Mickelson's career-spanning controversies — ranging from extreme sports gambling to his recent removal from a California golf club over employee misconduct allegations — can golf fans separate his off-course personal life from his on-course achievements?
>> Vote

Last Week: If you were in the producer's chair for a tournament broadcast, what is the single biggest change you would make? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Elite Golf’s New Era Dawns
The PGA Tour is proposing a two-tier schedule for 2028 with the upper tier consisting of 23 tournaments, including the three FedEX Cup events and four majors. How would you round out the remaining 20?
>> Respond

Last Week: Who is your pick to win the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, why will they win, and what will be the winning score? | Read

Shinnecock is what it is ... hard

With extreme winds forecast, the USGA is erring on the side of caution at the 126th U.S. Open, using a flexible, well-hydrated setup to keep the brutal course tough but fair.

Sorry, Forrest Gregg: History always repeats itself at Shinnecock Hills

Forget the flukes. History proves that only elite ball-strikers win U.S. Opens on this iconic New York course. Here are the 10 stars most likely to claim the crown this week. [$]

18 swings that have defined 21st century majors

Gary Van Sickle sorts through 25-plus-years worth of major championship shots to find the best that will vie for the most memorable come 2099 — if we get that far. [$]

GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS

USGA: Unveils immersive digital features for 126th U.S. Open

The golf organization will provide real-time shot tracking alongside custom feed notifications from Shinnecock Hills to enhance viewing options during the historic tournament days.

PGA Buying Summit: Reveals special evening schedule for Texas summit

The July market gathering will feature networking opportunities, runway fashion presentations and friendly team match competitions inside the newly built luxury resort destination.

Ping: Signs Wyndham Clark to an exclusive putter agreement

Clark, a four-time PGA Tour winner and 2023 U.S. Open champion, will play a Scottsdale TEC putter.

Bad Birdie | Payntr Golf: Enter into golf footwear collaboration

The apparel brand will launch two limited-edition sneaker drops utilizing an established spikeless platform, starting with a patriotic design ahead of the upcoming summer holidays.

Big Max: Blade IP2 wins best lightweight pushcart from My Golf Spy

The ultra-compact trolley folds down to five inches deep and weighs under fifteen pounds, utilizing a durable aluminum frame with a dual footbrake and an expansive organizer panel.

Ace Indoor Golf: Launches limited-time Father's Day simulator discounts

The retail company features special promotional reductions on impact screens and protective frame padding alongside professional tracking devices from premier manufacturing brands.

Performance Golf: Named training partner of American Century Championship

The digital instruction platform will provide interactive artificial intelligence swing analysis and coaching tools for fans and celebrity players during this July event in Nevada.

Square Golf: Debuts an affordable tour-accuracy Omni launch monitor

The upgraded tracking device features infrared sensors alongside a helpful on-screen display to deliver comprehensive swing statistics without requiring premium subscription plans.

Wild Dunes Resort: Showcases its signature Tom Fazio coastal courses

The South Carolina island getaway blends scenic Charleston vistas with premium beach lodging and fine dining options located just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

➡️ Hitting the century mark: Scott playing in 100th consecutive major
David Shefter | USGA | Read

➡️ Time has been wasted in golf's distance debate, but little has changed
David Dusek | Golfweek | Read

➡️ Could windblown U.S. Open get out of control? There’s a plan to prevent that
Alan Bastable | Golf.com | Read

➡️ Long Island’s most elusive golf course hides up the road from Shinnecock
James Colgan | Golf.com | Read

TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

RECENT DROPS

🎧 GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Jack Druga provides an insider's look at Shinnecock Hills
Guest: Jack Druga, former Shinnecock Hills Golf Club head golf professional and current vice president / development and PGA ambassador for the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation.
Listen | Archives

🎧 | ▶️ CONTENT CLUBHOUSE
Golf is about people
Guests: Glenn Gray, chief growth officer, Buffalo Groupe.
Listen / Watch | Archives

ARCHIVES: 🎧 Podcasts | ▶️ Videos

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

▪️ Rules Official | Epson Tour
LPGA
Daytona, Florida | Info

▪️ Head Golf Professional
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
St. Simon's Island, Georgia | Info

▪️ Director of Sales
Troon
Wailuku, Hawaii | Info

▪️ The First Call Job Board
▪️ Buffalo Groupe Job Openings

CALENDAR

JULY
7-9: International Indoor Golf and Technology Trade Show and Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada | Info

27-29: PGA Buying Summit, Frisco, Texas | Info

COMPLETE CALENDAR >

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