The First Call 11-08-23

FIRST THOUGHT

When sponsor exemption Oliver Betschart tees off Thursday at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, he will do so at the age of 15 years, 3 months and 8 days. And that still makes him just the fifth-youngest player on record to make his PGA Tour debut. Michelle Wie West is actually the youngest (14 years, 3 months, 4 days). She missed the cut at the 2004 Sony Open. The others are Guan Tian Liang (14 years, 5 months, 17 days; 2013 Masters); Andy Zhang (14 years, 6 months; 2012 Masters); and Lorens Chan (14 years, 7 months, 24 days; 2009 Sony Open).

IN THIS ISSUE

> It's time to start checking that list | View
> Adidas rings in new era for lightweight outerwear | Read
> 'Driver$': Technology innovation fuels 'smart ranges' | Listen

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How interested are you in the January debut of TGL, the league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy?

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.
> Read responses to last week's question.

It's time to start checking that list

Get your holiday shopping started with this selection of golf and lifestyle products

INDUSTRY NEWS

Hyperscapes GC, Nicklaus Companies: Select foundation for Metaverse GC

Rocabarra Cliffs to become the first virtual-only course and will be based on terrain located on the western coast of Scotland

PGA Show: Jake Owen to headline new Winter Jam concert

Award-winning country music artist will perform at the after-hours event on Jan. 25, 2024; registered PGA Show attendees will receive complimentary admission

KemperSports: Properties eclipse $2 million in donations for Folds of Honor

Since 2013, the company has worked closely with the nonprofit to host events, fundraisers and competitions, and has funded more than 400 Folds of Honor scholarships

The American Express: Surpasses $65 million in charitable donations since 1960

Company donates $1 million in connection with the 2023 PGA Tour tournament to select Coachella Valley, California, organizations

PXG: Custom golf club fitting, retail store now open in south London

The 3,500-square-foot store is the company's first brick-and-mortar store in the UK, and houses two custom-fitting bays, simulators powered by TrackMan technology and a dedicated putter fitting area

Kaua'i, Go Golf Kaua'i: Courses featured on 'Breaking Par' TV show

Kaua‘i, Hawaii, community and its courses will be featured on the show across multiple regional sports networks through Dec. 31 and anytime online

Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills: Reopened Nov. 3

On Dec. 1, the Tempe, Arizona, course will become the state's first fully lit course; venue is also adding a hilltop bar, patio bar, renovated clubhouse and more

Troon: Debuts 2023 Troon Holiday Gift Guide

Digital publication features deals and offers from leading companies and brands in the golf and travel sectors

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Andy Staples leads renovation of historic Arizona golf club where Joel Dahmen once shot a 58
[Todd Kelly | Golfweek | Read]

> TGL announces Tiger Woods as owner and player for tech league's sixth team, Jupiter Links
[Dave Shedloski | Golf Digest | Read]

> Golf broadcasts can be better. Here’s where to start
[John Hawkins | Sports Illustrated | Read]

#QOTD

"Comfort is the enemy of achievement."

— Farrah Gray

ICYMI

Adidas rings in new era for lightweight outerwear

Adidas Ultimate365 Tour FrostGuard Padded Jacket (1).jpeg

The Ultimate365 Tour Range featuring FrostGuard technology will stand up to all of the late fall, early winter elements

TUNING IN

PGA Tour: Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Site: Port Royal Golf Club, Southampton, Bermuda.
Television [ET]: Thursday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Golf Channel).

LPGA Tour: The Annika
Site: Pelican Golf Club, Belleair, Florida.
Television [ET]: Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-2 p.m. (Peacock), 2-4 p.m. (Golf Channel).

PGA Tour Champions: Charles Schwab Championship
Site: Phoenix Country Club, Phoenix.
Television [ET]: Thursday-Sunday, 4-6:30 p.m. (Golf Channel).

European Tour: Nedbank Golf Challenge
Site: Gary Player Country Club, Sun City, South Africa.
Television [ET]: Thursday-Saturday, 3:30-9 a.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 2:30-8 a.m. (Golf Channel).

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

DRIVER$
Technology innovation fuels 'smart ranges'
Toptracer national sales director Alex Goodman joins co-hosts Jon Last and David Klein to talk about how technology is driving on-course revenue
[Listen | More 'Driver$' episodes]

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
Storyteller Danielle Tucker talks golf and a 25-plus-year radio career
The Hawaii-based host of 'The Golf Club Radio Show' joins host Colin Weston to share tales of her more than quarter century in journalism and how her show has evolved
[Listen | More 'The ModGolf Podcast' episodes]

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Adare Manor on deck for 2027 Ryder Cup
Irish Minister Catherine Martin joins 'Golf Innerview' host Ann Liguori to discuss golf in Ireland and preparation for the next European Ryder Cup
[Listen | More "Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori" episodes]

Make Golf Your Career

> Assistant Golf Professional
Links of Novi
Novi, Michigan | Info

> Traveling Communications Intern
American Junior Golf Association
Braselton, Georgia | Info

> Senior Content Manager (Social) — PGA Tour Champions
PGA Tour
St. Augustine, Florida | Info

> View a complete listing of jobs

Make Golf Your Career is a golf industry DE&I initiative launched by Make Golf Your Thing that allows job seekers to search, find and apply for opportunities throughout the industry in one place.

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER
8: International Association of Golf Administrators Conference, Frisco, Texas | Info

> View complete calendar

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