Friday Oct 31, 2025
FIRST THOUGHT

Just how high can the golf industry go in terms of rounds played per year? The question is worth exploring after Golf Datatech reported a standout September in which rounds were up 1.8% nationally over the same period a year ago. And it was enough to keep the market on a record-setting pace in 2025. Year-to-date, rounds played are up 1.4% over last year's record year.

POLL

▪️ Which golfer had the best overall 2025? | Vote
▪️ Previous: Tiger Woods recently underwent his seventh back surgery. Where do you believe he will play competitively again? | Results

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

If you could construct a nine-hole Par-3 course using your favorite par-3 holes — played or just seen — what nine would they be?

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: What is your favorite golf superstition — either your own or one you have heard or read about? | Read

How Big Cedar Lodge bolstered Branson's place on golf map
Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, turned an old Ozarks fishing lodge into a checklist golf destination and helped transform the golfing region.
GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS
Save on early registration through Nov. 11 at PGAShow.com
Read More
World No. 1 Jackson Koivun among seven players from 2025 team set to attend
Read More
Membership is open to those living outside 200-mile radius of The Keep and includes exclusive access, preferred tee times, special invitations to signature events
Read More
Line is a rare collaboration of Japanese elegance and vibrant pulse of American youth
Read More
Campaign to support military veterans, whole Golftec offers support through Drive for HOPE campaign
Read More
Multimillion-dollar renovation blends tradition with modern aesthetic
Read More
David Kent will oversee all elements of the Bonita Springs, Florida, club, including golf operations, agronomy, food and beverage, and sales/marketing
Read More
Golf’s emerging leaders and executives are recognized in inaugural class
Read More
Inaugural event brought together over 200 companies to explore the current state and future of the indoor golf industry
Read More
A select group of 16 participants will be welcomed into the inner circle of golf’s most celebrated architects, guided by nine ASGCA past presidents, March 9-13
Read More

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

▪️ Ryder Cup organizers consider using cruise ships for accommodation
[Ken Foxe | The (London) Times | Read]

▪️ Kai Trump to make controversial LPGA debut at The Annika
[Meg Adkins | The Fried Egg | Read]

▪️ Architect Tom Doak's newest course in Scotland a study in wrinkled perfection
[Jason Lusk | Golfweek | Read]

ICYMI
Design Notes: Wild Dunes drops anchor on Harbor Course renovation
Curley-Wagner wraps up a bunker refresh at California’s Plantation Club; Singapore’s Sembawang is reimagined by Golfplan
BUSINESS
A hidden gem of the Ozarks finds voice through the 'Go Big' campaign
Buffalo Groupe helped a tight-knit golf community speak louder with a striking identity and high-performing creative.
EPSON TOUR
Dream Chasing: Epson Tour All Access | S2 E2
Gina Kim, Riley Smyth and Yana Wilson have learned not to take anything for granted during their journey to the LPGA.
TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

RECENT DROPS

🎧 GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Adare Manor is on the clock for 2027 Ryder Cup
Guests: Patrick O’Donovan, Ireland Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
Listen | Archives

🎧 / ▶️  CONTENT CLUBHOUSE
Josh Mayer: The science of golf content
Guest: Josh Mayer, golf content creator and entrepreneur.
Listen / Watch | Archives

ARCHIVES: 🎧  Podcasts | ▶️  Videos

HOME FRONT
The Cliffs at Mountain Park | Marietta, South Carolina
Listing: 189 Crowne Hill Way.
Stats: 4,199 square feet | 4 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms.
Price: $3,590,000.
ON TOUR

LPGA Tour: Maybank Championship
Site: Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Television [ET]: Today-Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).

COMPLETE SCHEDULE >

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

▪️ Irrigation Technician
North Ridge Country Club
Raleigh, North Carolina | Info

▪️ Head Golf Professional/Clubhouse Manager
Thornridge Golf Course
Milford, Nebraska | Info

▪️ Teaching Professional
Woods To Wedges
Williamsville, New York | Info

▪️ The First Call Job Board
▪️ Buffalo Groupe Job Openings

TFC EVENTS
The Friars Golf Club: Spring Couples Trip
March 5-8, 2026 | Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
CALENDAR

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.