The First Call 09-11-2025

FIRST THOUGHT

Of the 350 respondents to The First Call | Extra poll question "Who has the better Ryder Cup fans in terms of boisterousness, creativity and spirit?", a resounding 70% chose Europe.

POLL

> Which are you more likely to watch on Sundays in the fall? | Vote
> Previous: How would you grade European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald's six selections (Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick}? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What will be the keys to winning the 2025 Ryder Cup?

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.

The reimagining of a course

In the latest Up River Film Company video, see how Indian Wells Golf Resort's Players Course has been reimagined by architect John Fought, from redesigned fairways and cutting-edge technology to sustainability-driven landscaping.

Watch

BUSINESS

Strengthening club governance: Insights, opportunities for improvement

Private clubs are making progress in adopting governance best practices, but there still remain areas to pursue — focusing on strategic oversight, risk management and member communication.

TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

RECENT DROPS

🎧 DRIVER$: Inside the Golf Industry
Did AI choose that nasty pin position?
Guest, Jon Schultz, founder, EZLocator.
Listen | Archives

🎧 / ▶️ CONTENT CLUBHOUSE
Michael Rodriquez: You may know him as 'Homie Golf'
Guest: Michael Rodriguez (Homie Golf), content creator.
Listen / Watch | Archives

ARCHIVES: 🎧 Podcasts | ▶️ Videos

GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS

GCSAA: Announces 2025 Women’s Leadership Academy participants

Event, Nov. 11-13 in Lawrence, Kansas, is designed to help turfgrass professionals empower their future

Troon: Hyperice named wellness sponsor of TaylorMade Troon Invitational

Pro-am event, taking place Feb. 17-22, will feature amateur players and PGA of America Golf Professionals in a four-day tournament at Pebble Beach Resorts courses

Troon: 4 affiliated properties are hosting high-profile tournaments

The PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and USGA are each in play this weekend

Newton Golf Company: Names Addison Kloch as an affiliated athlete

A member of the high school class of 2026 from Agoura Hills, California, Kloch has made a verbal commitment to play at California State University, Fullerton

Lansdowne Resort: Offers Mulligan Golf Package for groups of 8 to 24 players

The two-night, three-day package includes a round of golf on both of the resort’s 18-hole courses — the Robert Trent Jones Jr. Golf Course and Greg Norman Golf Course

Folds of Honor: Celebrity Greens to install backyard makeover over for family

This installation is the first in support of a first responder family since the Folds of Honor mission expanded to serve the first responder community in 2022

Skechers World Champions Cup: Names trio of captains

Jim Furyk, Darren Clarke and Mike Weir will lead the respective U.S, Europe and International teams in the PGA Tour Champions event, Dec. 4-7 at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Florida

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Europe’s Ryder Cup pairings strategy comes into focus at BMW PGA
[Josh Schrock | Golf.com | Read]

> 18 things spotted, after walking 3 hours with Keegan Bradley in Napa
[Nick Piastowski | Golf.com | Read]

> Donald Trump's Doonbeg course to host 2026 Irish Open
[Matt Gault | BBC | Read]

> European veteran rips qualification process for Ryder Cup team
[Max Schreiber | Sports Illustrated | Read]

#QOTD

"We know what we are, but know not what we may be."

— William Shakespeare, "Hamlet"

ICYMI

Updated branding brings Hawaiian hemp wellness to golf world

SwingEase hits the market with a refreshed identity, smart positioning and a captivating visual campaign that brought Hawaiian-grown relief directly to the golf community.

ON TOUR

PGA Tour: Procore Championship
Site: Silverado Resort (North), Napa, California.
Television [ET]: Today, 1-4 p.m. (Golf Channel); Friday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel).
GCSAA Fact Sheet

European Tour: BMW PGA Championship
Site: Wentworth Golf Club (West), Virginia Water, England.
Television [ET]: Today-Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Golf Channel).

LPGA Tour: Kroger Queen City Championship
Site: TPC River’s Bend, Maineville, Ohio.
Television [ET]: Today, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Friday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m. (Golf Channel).
GCSAA Fact Sheet

PGA Tour Champions: Sanford International
Site: Minnehaha Country Club, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Television [ET]: Friday-Sunday, 4-7 p.m. (NBC Sports app), 9:30-11:30 p.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay).
GCSAA Fact Sheet

Korn Ferry Tour: Simmons Bank Open
Site: Vanderbilt Legends Club, Franklin, Tennessee.
Television [ET]: Today, 4-6 p.m. (NBC Sports app); Friday-Sunday, 4-6 p.m. (Golf Channel).

COMPLETE SCHEDULE >

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

> Senior Director, Member Programs
GCSAA
Lawrence, Kansas | Info

> Communications Manager
Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation
Glenview, Illinois | Info

> General Manager
Stevens Point Country Club
Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Info

> The First Call Job Board
> Buffalo Groupe Job Openings

TFC EVENTS

The Friars Golf Club: Young Pro Championship & Pro-Am

January 16-19, 2026 | Orlando, Florida

CALENDAR

OCTOBER
6-7: Golf Business Network Instructing Summit, Palm Desert, California | Info
14-15: Golf Business TechCon 2025, Frisco, Texas | Info

NOVEMBER
18-20: Golf Business Canada Conference and Trade Show, Niagra Falls, Ontario | Info

JANUARY
20-23: PGA Show, Orlando, Florida | Info

COMPLETE CALENDAR >

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