The First Call 10-04-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

Seventeen Canadians have combined to win 42 times on the PGA Tour, the latest in that victory column coming from Mackenzie Hughes on Sunday at the Sanderson Farms Championship. Of those 42 wins, 9.5% (4) have come at Sanderson Farms, the other Canadian winners being Nick Taylor (2014), Richard Zokol (1992) and Dan Halldorson (1986).

> Question of the Week: What statistics — if any — do you track each golf round? And have you noticed improvement over time?

Send replies on this question or other topics to shall@buffalogroupe.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.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Ryder Cup director concerned for Italian fans
[Andrew Dampf | Associated Press | Read]

> Trevor Immelman: Mixed Presidents Cup idea is ‘disrespectful’ on all accounts
[Brentley Romine | Golf Channel | Read]

> Base pay becomes a game-changer for PGA Tour's working class
[Bob Harig | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> LIV Golf is wreaking havoc on equipment endorsement deals. Industry insiders explain
[David Dusek | Golfweek | Read]

> Brewery owner aims to revive long-shuttered Jordan Point Golf Club
[Michael Platania | Richmond BizSense | Read]

Design Notes: Spain's Finca Cortesin debuts new first hole for Solheim Cup

Peter Matkovich and Louis Oosthuizen to design new Heritage La Reserve layout in Mauritius; Jim Lipe continues Punta Mita renovation in Mexico; Ombria Resort in Portugal to open in 2023

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW ...

Total square footage of off-course golf facilities (including specialty retail, clubfitters and learning centers) increased 19% to 9.2 million from 2019-2022.

Source: Longitudes Group off-course retail database

THE INDUSTRY

Wilson introduces Staff Model collection of putters

The collection is available in four different styles and retails for $349.99

Radmor introduces fall line with new styles, colors

Sustainably-sourced line features both men’s and women’s golf apparel in sepia, earth and powerful blue and red tones

Greg Norman Collection to exhibit at 2023 PGA Show

Golf lifestyle brand will be making its 32nd appearance as a key anchor in the Show’s apparel exhibition hall

Troon-affiliated facilities raising breast cancer awareness, funds

Throughout October golf properties will fly pink-checkered flags on their 18th greens to drive awareness and will have various fundraising events to support PLAY for P.I.N.K.

Troon launches 2023 Troon Card program

Proceeds from October Troon Card sales to assist with Hurricane Ian relief efforts

Troon Events announces 2023/2024 Pro-Am Series

Collection of golf events offers premier competition with hospitality at iconic venues; registration is now open

Mackenzie Hughes wins Malcolm DeMille-design trophy

Sanderson Farms Championship winner shares ties with trophy sculptor as both were born in Hamilton, Ontario and moved to the United States

Played: By Charley Hull, Nippon Shaft's N.S.Pro Modus3 Tour 125 and 120 steel shafts in her irons and wedges, respectively, to win The Ascendant LPGA on Sunday.

Hired: By Zero Friction, Tom Cismoski in the newly created role of Senior Vice President, U.S. Sales. Cismoski previously worked at TaylorMade Golf and Honma Golf.

Debuted: By Titleist, its 2023 Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls at the Sanderson Farms Championship. Titleist’s tour seeding and validation process for the 2023 versions had been scheduled to begin this week at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas. Garrick Higgo (T-3 finish), M.J. Daffue (T-61) and Gary Woodland (missed cut) put the balls into play at Sanderson Farms.

#QOTD

"Success is dependent on effort."

— Sophocles

ICYMI

TFC Inbox: The cases for and against LIV Golf receiving OWGR points

The league's credibility — and possible success — may rest on being awarded OWGR points. The First Call readers present strong opinions for both sides

CALENDAR

OCTOBER
11-13: Golf Inc. Strategies Summit, Kiawah Island, S.C. | Info
26: Fore Hire Virtual Job Fair | Info

NOVEMBER
6-9: International Association of Golf Administrators, Point Clear, Ala. | Info

JANUARY
23-25: Golf Business Conference, Orlando, Fla.
24-27: PGA Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

FEBRUARY
6-9: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info
10-12: West Michigan Golf Show, Grand Rapids, Mich. | Info

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

THE LAST CALL

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