Wednesday Sep 08, 2021

FIRST THOUGHT

Good news for aspiring professional golfers — if you're from Sweden. According to a study by the Global Odds Index, Sweden has the best odds of producing a top-tier golfer (considered to be a player at the highest levels internationally) at 1:8170. The odds here in the United States? 1:51346. America, however, produces the highest percentage of top-tier golfers at 23.09%, followed by the U.K. (10.17%) and Japan (7.96%). 

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> Sky Sports celebrates 25 years of women’s golf with new LPGA Tour and LET rights deal
[Sky Sports | Read]

> Callaway Golf Company provides business update and increases financial outlook
[Callaway Golf | Read]

> Sportsbox AI CEO: Any golfer can get a swing analysis and recommended tips
[Joe Lemire | SportTechie | Read]

Q&A: Nicole Wheatley
Nicole Wheatley, CEO of Medi8 Golf, tells of her fortuitous journey into golf and how listening and honesty are bedrocks to conducting business.

The First Call: Please give us a short overview of your company.
Nicole Wheatley: Medi8 [located in Staffordshire, England] is an international public relations and marketing agency specializing in golf. I launched the business in 2007 and since then we have worked with brands, products and people around the world.

TFC: In one sentence, describe what you do for a living.
NW: My job is to uncover the interesting stories behind our clients' brand and products and deliver them in a way that will capture peoples’ imagination

TFC: What time do you wake in the morning, and what time do you typically start the workday?
NW: Everyone will tell you I am not a morning person, but I have a walking, talking alarm clock [my child] who wakes me at 7:07 every day. I don't let home and work overlap unless absolutely necessary, so I don't check emails or messages until after the school run. 

TFC: What are key elements to leadership or to being a good leader?
NW: Listening. You learn so much. Listening to an employee, a customer, a business interaction or even some industry gossip helps you navigate your way. It helps you to understand what people need, to identify new opportunities and, most significantly, listening also helps build relationships. Human beings long to be heard. That's one of the main reasons why social media sky rocketed.

TFC: What's the secret to your success?
NW: Being honest. Not everyone will like what they hear, but I will always be truthful. 

TFC: Who is your role model?
NW: Dolly Parton is the first person who springs to mind. She's unashamedly herself, which is easier said than done. 

TFC: Knowing what you know today, what professional advice would you give a younger you?
NW: To have more confidence in my gut feelings. 

TFC: What’s the last book you read?
NW: I have just finished a trilogy called the “Book of the Ancestor.” It's about kick-ass nuns saving the world and it's not for the faint-hearted.

Precision Pro

Fact of the Day
DID YOU KNOW?
The e-commerce channel now represents 18% of all golf balls sold in the United States. Green grass (34%), off course (20%), sporting goods (18%) and mass merchants (10%) make up the remaining.

Source: Longitudes Group Market Value Model 2021
THE INDUSTRY
11 students will receive merit-based scholarships for golf/turf management or related fields
Read More
Boonchant will receive exemption to the Cambia Portland Classic; participate in a two-day mentorship retreat with Inkster; advance to second stage of LPGA Q-School in October
Read More
Respective winners wore Cyclone, Pins Thintech spikes
Read More
Grassroots Grants Program supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations or programs that aim to increase participation of underrepresented populations in the game of golf
Read More
FedEx Cup champion plays Flatso 1.0 putter grip
Read More
Why are there so few women golf course architects?
While women have proven themselves capable, fewer opportunities and perhaps a lingering stigma, are keeping the needle from moving faster
#QOTD
"I never dreamed about success. I worked for it."
— Estee Lauder
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

DECEMBER
6-9: Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference and Show, Columbus, Ohio | 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