The First Call 10-29-2021

FIRST THOUGHT

Next week, a new Saudi-backed series of tournaments is expected to be announced. Greg Norman will reportedly be the commissioner, but how many events and which players will participate is still undetermined. The PGA Tour has previously stated that it would suspend or ban any player who participated in the previously proposed Premier or Super Golf League. There could also be trickle-down effects tied to endorsement deals, so the biggest news in the coming weeks may not be on the course, but off it.

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READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Can the PGA Tour gain popularity by following Formula 1’s footsteps?
[Sean Zak | Golf.com | Read]

> Gil Hanse's Ballyshear Links, inspired by the famed Lido, opens in Thailand
[Jason Lusk | Golfweek | View]

> No Laying Up Podcast: Jon Rahm
[No Laying Up | Listen]

How Live View Sports is changing swing analysis feedback

CEO Shane Yang joins 'Behind the Golf Brand' podcast to discuss how the Live View Golf training aid is taking an age-old concept and accelerating the learning process

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW?

According to a survey by Longitudes Group of avid female golfers, 60% of Baby Boomers say they have a golf handicap, while only 48% of Generations X and Y females report having a golf handicap.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Los Cabos a major force in Conde Nast traveler survey

Premier destination’s leading resorts sweep 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards

Primland celebrates festive fall celebrations

Auberge Resorts Collection destination in Blue Ridge Mountains announces full schedule of seasonal events

Orrin D. Vincent,  founder of OB Sports Golf Management, dies at 76

Vincent passed away Oct. 25 at his home in La Quinta, Calif.; Built OB Sports into leading management firm before being sold to Troon in 2019

Cleveland Chapter wins Super Bowl of Golf

Former Browns linebacker Frank Stams leads Cleveland in 41st NFL Alumni Super Bowl of Golf at Mission Inn Resort and Club

FEATURES

Puttr making way to market thanks to bootstrapping, crowdfunding

When Matt Allard was met with disappointment over a putting mat ordered online, he didn't look for another, he decided to build his own — Puttr, a gamified training aid

#QOTD

"I don't think of work as work and play as play. It's all living."

— Richard Branson

ROUNDS AND WEATHER

> This was another elevated week of demand nationwide as warmer temperatures continue to extend seasonal market play. Total rounds played finished behind 2020 by -10% and up +78% overall versus 2019.

> Increased precipitation early in the week resulted in an increase of over 300% in rainfall versus 2020, substantially impacting play in the Northeast and California.

> Florida once again finished as the top performing region for the past 7 days, with continued positive weather resulting in total rounds played being up versus 2019 and 2020.

> Over the next few days, expect to see continued strong performance from the Mountain Pacific and Florida regions. Both regions are on pace to finish up by over 20% for total rounds played versus 2020.

TUNING IN

PGA Tour: Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Site: Port Royal Golf Club, Southampton, Bermuda.
Television: Today-Sunday, 1-4 p.m. (Golf Channel).

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER
6: RARE, Bear Creek Golf Club, Dallas, Texas | Info
7-10: International Association of Golf Administrators Annual Conference, Frisco, Texas | Info
8-10: National Links Trust Symposium on Municipal Golf, Washington, D.C. | Info
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

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