The First Call 09-29-2025

FIRST THOUGHT

Aside from the final 15-13 result in Europe's favor, here are a few numbers of note:
▪️ Europe won just one singles match on Sunday, which is the lowest such total since 1959 when Great Britain managed just one singles win. It is the lowest total in years in which there were 12 singles matches.
▪️ The United States earned 8.5 points in singles, matching the highest total during the era of 12 singles matches.
▪️ This was the closest Ryder Cup since 2012 when Europe won 14.5-13.5 at Medinah. Each of the last five Ryder Cups entering this year were decided by at least five points.
▪️ Europe has won 11 of the last 15 Ryder Cups.
▪️ A player was withdrawn from a Ryder Cup singles match three times since 1979, thereby invoking "the Envelope Rule" — 1979, Mark James (shoulder injury) vs. Gil Morgan; 1991, Steve Pate (injured ribs in minor car accident) vs. David Gilford; 1993, Sam Torrance (infected toe) vs. Lanny Wadkins.

POLL

▪️ Should the Ryder Cup "envelope rule" be eliminated? | Vote
▪️ Previous: Has the Ryder Cup become overhyped? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are your observations about the 45th 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.

▪️ Previous: Who should be the 2027 Ryder Cup captains for Europe and the United States? | Read

5 takeaways from a roller coaster Ryder Cup

The 45th edition went to the extremes in many ways — both on and off the course. The question now is what's next?

Is it Tiger Woods' time to be the U.S. Ryder Cup captain?

Readers of The First Call offer their opinions on who should be the next Ryder Cup captains for the U.S. and Europe.

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GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS

Kapalua Golf: Owner pledges $750,000 to support Maui nonprofits

The pledge is in response to The Plantation Course at Kapalua not being able to host the PGA Tour's The Sentry after the course’s conditions deteriorated due to a lack of irrigation water. The tournament brings an estimated $48 million in economic activity and Maui each year

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New Jersey native and captain’s pick Rayee Feng secures winning point

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READ, WATCH, LISTEN

▪️ ‘Two more years!’ Luke Donald wins another Ryder Cup and European players want their captain back
[Brian Mahoney | Associated Press | Read]

▪️ In close Ryder Cup loss, Keegan Bradley singles out Bethpage Black course setup as mistake
[Eddie Pells | Associated Press | Read]

▪️ Harris English sits out the final day of the Ryder Cup thanks to the withdrawal rule
[Stephen Whyno / Eddie Pells | Associated Press | Read]

▪️ Rory McIlroy completes near impossible job with Bethpage Ryder Cup mission achieved
[Andy Bull | The Guardian | Read]

▪️ Europe’s Captain Everything reaches legend status, solidifies his place in history
[Dave Shedloski | Golf Digest | Read]

▪️ Caddie apologizes for heated exchange during Saturday Ryder Cup match
[Jessica Marksbury | Golf.com | Read]

#QOTD

“It’s been the most stressful 12 hours in my life. Shout-out to the Americans. I knew it would be tough. I didn’t think they would be this tough."

— Luke Donald, European captain after Sunday's Ryder Cup singles in which the United States scored a record-tying 8.5 points but fell shy, 15-13

ICYMI

What to expect from Bethpage Black's Ryder Cup setup

For the Ryder Cup, the "country club for the people" is expected to play a bit more gentler than previous championships, which means look for more birdies than bogeys.

Early course designs display Jim Furyk's architectural fancy

Using the same thinking man’s golf mentality that helped him win 17 PGA titles, the 2003 U.S. Open champion is easing into the world of course architecture with two projects in Florida.

Design Notes: Kettle Forge cooks up all-star design, development team

Arizona’s Desert Highlands progresses with its Nicklaus Design-led renovation; CDP and KruseGolf collaborate on a consult for Australia’s Portsea

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THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation
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▪️ Export Compliance and Logistics Analyst | FootJoy
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TFC EVENTS

The Friars Golf Club: Spring Couples Trip

March 5-8, 2026 | Ponte Vedra Beach, 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 >

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