The First Call 11-28-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

Earlier this month, the National Golf Foundation conducted a survey to find out what respondents were most thankful of about golf — the social, mental/emotional, physical, competition or experiential aspects. Social was the top choice of golfers in the 18-34 and 50-64 age ranges, 40% and 30%, respectively. The mental benefits were the top choice of the 35-49 age range (34%), while the physical enjoyment was the highest percentage (39%) among golfers 65 and older.

> Question of the Week: Prior to the LPGA's season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, CME Group chairman and CEO Terry Duffy expressed his disappointment that no players attended the tournament's annual leadership conference dinner. Outside of playing in pro-ams, should players be expected to attend tournament sponsor events?

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

> Dan Bradbury wins Joburg Open for 1st European tour title
[Associated Press | Read]

> British Open champion Cameron Smith wins 3rd Australian PGA
[Associated Press | Read]

> Phil Mickelson No Longer Affiliated With ‘The Match’
[Gabrielle Herzig | Sports Illustrated | Read]

> Rory McIlroy: Ryder Cup rock bottom, Open heartbreak and catching Covid with Tiger Woods
[Paul Kimmage | The Independent | Read $]

'Tis the season for holiday spirit

The First Call readers share what they would like to receive — or give — as gifts in the coming weeks

Enter Now: The First Call's holiday giveaways are underway

The First Call and its partners are handing out prizes that any golfer is sure to enjoy. So, don't wait and sign up to win one of 12 prizes to be given out over the coming holiday weeks

THE INDUSTRY

Golf Datatech: October growth for apparel categories

Sales were up over 8% on the month and 6% on a year-to-date basis, the highest growth category being headwear at 18.5%

#QOTD

"They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for."

― Tom Bodett

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Frank Nobilo looks back on the 2022 golf season
The 14-time tour winner and CBS Sports golf correspondent offers his opinions on topics ranging from LIV Golf to the depth of talent on all the tours
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' episodes]

BEHIND THE GOLF BRAND
How Stix Golf balances high quality, affordable price
Host Paul Liberatore interviews CEO Gabe Coyne, who expresses his frustration with golf being a simple game that has become far too complex and how his company is addressing that concern
[Listen | More 'Behind the Golf Brand' episodes]

GOING PRO WITH KELLY O.
Minami Levonowich's global view of golf
Host Kelly Okun interviews the London-born Speedgolf champion who has lived in five different countries, been a participant on five golf reality shows and competed on the Japan LPGA
[Listen | More 'Going Pro with Kelly O.' episodes]

CALENDAR

DECEMBER
5-8: Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference, Columbus, Ohio | Info

JANUARY
23-25: Golf Business Conference, Orlando, Fla. | Info
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.