The First Call 06-22-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

Given the peppering of breaking news from golf these days, thinking back to the 2021 Travelers Championship seems more than 12 months ago. But who can forget the eight-hole sudden-death playoff in which Harris English outlasted Kramer Hickok? And to think that tied five other finishes for the second longest playoff. The longest remains the 1949 Motor City Open, 11 holes between Lloyd Mangrum and Cary Middlecoff that neither won outright. By mutual agreement they were declared co-winners due to darkness.

> The First Call | Weekend Edition: Join the growing The First Call | Weekend Edition community for free on Substack. The weekender is a recap of the industry's happenings and continues to evolve. And, like The First Call, it's emailed directly to your inbox each Saturday morning. So check it out here.

> Question of the Week: How would you resolve the ongoing PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf situation?
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.

Follow The First Call

Subscribe | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Brooks Koepka said there was 'no other option,' then miraculously found LIV Golf
[Stephanie Apstein | SI / Morning Read | Read]

> PGA Tour plans for revamped fall schedule with marquee events and no wrap-around
[Rex Hoggard | Golf Channel | Read]

> Streamsong in Florida announces names of new short course and putting course by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
[Jason Lusk | Golfweek | Read]

Nick Faldo calls it a career in the broadcasting booth

Six-time major champion will end CBS Sports lead golf analyst role in August; Trevor Immelman elevated as successor in 2023

THE INDUSTRY

PGA Buying and Education Summit schedule adds value

New golf industry careers program, AGM special events, Southwest PGA Section Town Hall, networking reception among activities planned for Las Vegas show, July 11-12

U.S. Open host superintendent recognized by USGA

Dave Johnson, director of grounds at The Country Club, receives the USGA's inaugural Marshall platter, which recognizes excellence in USGA partnership regarding agronomy and course preparation

Royal Albartross adds matching belts to 2022 footwear collection

The Foxtrot Collection of belts align with the Fieldfox line of golf sneakers

F45 Training Holdings Inc. taps Buffalo Groupe as agency of record

54 Brands, a full-service B2B marketing company within Buffalo, to oversee the relationship

Duca del Cosma in for PGA Buying and Education Summit and Show

Luxury Italian lifestyle and golf footwear brand will reveal its new 2023 spring collection at the upcoming show

True Linkswear ambassador Joel Dahmen finishes T-10 at U.S. Open

Dahmen wore True Lux Pros en route to matching his best finish in a major and earning an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Open

Team Troon's Matt Fitzpatrick wins U.S. Open

Team Troon is a collection of top international golf talent that represents the Troon brand and includes Justin Thomas, Gary Woodland and Bubba Watson

Rolex ambassador Matt Fitzpatrick wins U.S. Open

Fitzpatrick wins first major championship and joins a dozen other Rolex brand ambassadors who have won a U.S. Open

Announced: By Nick Faldo, CBS Sports’ lead golf analyst since 2007, his decision to retire from broadcasting following the Wyndham Championship, the PGA Tour's regular-season finale, in August. CBS Sports also announced that Trevor Immelman, who joined CBS Sports’ golf team in 2019, has been named CBS Sports’ lead golf analyst beginning in 2023.

Announced: By the PGA of America, KPMG and the LPGA Tour, that the purse for this week's KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be doubled to $9 million. The purse is double the $4.5 million total awarded last year and represents a 300% increase since 2014 ($2.25 million). The winner’s share of the purse also will be doubled to $1.35 million.

#QOTD

"Greed is so destructive. It destroys everything."

— Eartha Kitt

ICYMI

Design Notes: Tom Weiskopf set to open Utah’s Black Desert Resort

Tripp Davis continues renovations at historic Thunderbird; John LaFoy aims to enhance Alabama’s Riverchase; Agustin Piza creates restoration plan for Tijuana Country Club

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Streamsong Resort (@streamsongresort)