The First Call 08-31-2021

FIRST THOUGHT

Farmers Insurance is moving more chips behind the diversity-driven Advocates Professional Golf Association by announcing on Monday the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Fall Series, a series of three events in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

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READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> First look: U.S. Ryder Cup team unveils uniforms
[Janice Ferguson | Morning Read | View]

> Martin Ebert: Golf course architect
[Cookie Jar Golf | Listen]

> Don Poynter, Who Made Toilets Talk and Golf Balls Walk, Dies at 96
[Neil Genzlinger | New York Times | Read]

Inverness Club: lessons from a proper course restoration

Inverness Club — 4th Hole Post Restoration

Led by course architect Andrew Green, this week's Solheim Cup site has not only been restored to previous glory, but serves as a reminder for clubs looking to do the same

Fact of the Day

DID YOU KNOW?

Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi have less than 5% golf participation. This trio of states' combined public golf course total is only 277.

Source: Longitudes Group Market Value Model 2021

THE INDUSTRY

Tour Edge finishes 1-2 at Ally Challenge

Tour Edge ambassador Bernhard Langer finishes 2nd, moves to No. 1 on Charles Schwab Cup money list

Architect Agustin Piza collaborates on new NextLinks eGolf Arena

Piza, along with NextLinks eGolf Arena founder Dave Shultz, to complete indoor golf and entertainment concept; NextLinks board of directors announced

Ping introduces virtual golf-ball-fitting tool

Ball-fitting tool is available direct to consumers for a $39 fee at ballfitting.com; Generates a detailed fitting report contrasting the top 5 best-matched balls

Patrick Cantlay plays SuperStroke grip in BMW Championship win

Cantlay plays Flatso 1.0 putter grip to become 1st player on PGA Tour to win three times this season

Solheim Cuppers, Hall-of-Famers commit to ShopRite LPGA Classic

Annual tournament returns to Bay Course at Seaview in Galloway, N.J., Oct. 1-3

ShopRite LPGA Classic give exemptions to Rachel Drummond, Brynn Walker

Megha Ganne was previously announced for an exemption into the Sept. 27-Oct. 3 tournament in Galloway, N.J.

Announced: By NBC Sports, the first-ever all-women golf broadcast, set for the ShopRite LPGA Classic, Oct. 1-3 on Golf Channel. The team will feature Beth Hutter (producer), Cara Banks (play-by-play), Judy Rankin and Paige Mackenzie (analysts), and Karen Stupples and Kay Cockerill (on-course reporters).

Launched: By Vault Media Group, the PGA Tour Vault, a book and digital experience that celebrates the PGA Tour. Under an exclusive licensing agreement with the PGA Tour, the ebook will highlight the tour's history, courses and players. David Meeks, former managing editor of USA Today Sports, is serving as editor-in-chief, while photographer Marc Serota is director of photography.

#QOTD

"The saddest part about being human is not paying attention. Presence is the gift of life."

— Stephen Levine

FEATURES

ICYMI — Q&A: Jason McCarty

Jason McCarty splits time as director of golf at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., and Cabot Saint Lucia, a Coore and Crenshaw-designed course that will open in 2022 in the eastern Caribbean. McCarty, of New Zealand, identifies his keys to leadership and the challenges created by the ongoing pandemic.

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER
9-10: National Golf Course Owners Association Multi-Course and Resort Operators Retreat 2021, Monterey, Calif. | Info
21-24: World Golf Expo 2021, Hainan, China | Info

JANUARY
25-28: PGA Merchandise Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

FEBRUARY
5-10: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, San Diego, Calif. | Info

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

LAST CALL

L🇺🇸F🇪🇺G🇺🇸
The ‘calm before the storm’ has never been as true as it is right now. #SolheimCup pic.twitter.com/kr7VAO4B2p
— Abby I. Liebenthal (@AbbyLiebs) August 25, 2021