Thursday Dec 04, 2025
FIRST THOUGHT

Maybe those of us who obsess over our driver at the range have been onto something all along. Recent Shot Scope data shows that golfers lose the most ground—on a per-shot basis—from 176 to 200 yards. That’s long-iron and hybrid territory, where clean contact, proper launch, and precise direction are simply harder to control.

But when you look at total strokes lost per round, the picture shifts: the driver (350+ yards) becomes the biggest culprit. It’s a bit like compound interest—one poor long-iron might cost you 0.3 strokes, but five or six tee shots that miss just slightly can quietly add up to three full strokes every round.

POLL

▪️ Should the PGA Tour shorten its season and open after the NFL's Super Bowl? | Vote

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How would you rate the early performances of PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp and LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler?

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.

RETAIL
'Shop Turn Tuesdays' keep merchandising fresh at Seaview GC
A simple weekly solution has kept the merchandising at the Galloway, New Jersey, club looking fresh and led to improved sales.
GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS
Marriott Golf Academy is bringing back its popular 1-, 2-, and 3-day golf schools for the holiday season—each paired with a TaylorMade gift card to help golfers kick off 2026 with upgraded gear.
Read More
Hospitality veteran Thomas Ulrich named resort manager and golf industry veteran Tom Pavao named director of sales and golf experience.
Read More
It was driven by continued demand for the Fast Motion and Motion shaft families.
Read More
Exclusive testing of breakthrough equipment and technology, widespread education and new entertainment with Drive For Show LIVE featured in a fun hands-on outdoor golf environment.
Read More
Women’s divisions play Dec. 6-8, Men’s divisions play Dec. 13-15 at PGA WEST and Indian Wells Golf Resort in Southern California.
Read More
Headwear, apparel, accessories available for all six league teams.
Read More

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

▪️ How editor Jerry Tarde transcended to golf evangelist
[Jamie Diaz | Golf Digest | Read]

▪️ Gil Hanse’s latest gig? Refining one of the world’s ‘most consequential’ courses
[Josh Sens | Golf.com| Read]

▪️ At Australian Open, Rory McIlroy reveals goals for remainder of career
[Cameron Jourdan | Golfweek | Read]

TUNING IN

PGA TOUR: Hero World Challenge
Site: Albany GC, Bahamas
Television [ET]: Today-Friday,
1:30-4:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 12-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); 2:30-5 p.m. (NBC); Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); 1:30-4:30 p.m. (NBC)

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS: Skechers World Champions Cup
Site: Feather Sound Country CC, Clearwater, Fla.
Television [ET]: Today-Friday, 8:30-12 p.m. (ESPN+) 12-4 p.m. (ESPN); Sunday, 9-12:30 p.m. (ESPN), 1-5 p.m. (ABC)

TFC PODCAST / VIDEO NETWORK

RECENT DROPS

🎧  DRIVER$: INSIDE THE GOLF INDUSTRY
How technology is transforming course ownership, operations
Guest: Whitey O'Malley, incoming president of the National Golf Course Owners' Association.
Listen | Archives

🎧 / ▶️  CONTENT CLUBHOUSE
The Divot Dudes: Exceptionally average golf
Guests: Adam McLean and Conner Sibley, The Divot Dudes.
Listen / Watch | Archives

ARCHIVES: 🎧  Podcasts | ▶️  Videos

TFC GOLF JOB BOARD

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED LISTINGS

▪️ Director, Payroll | Acushnet Company
Acushnet Company | Titleist/Foot Joy 
Fairhaven, Massachusetts | Info

▪️ Club Manager
Flint Golf Club
Flint, Michigan | Info

▪️ Assistant Golf Professional
Monterey Peninsula Country Club 
Pebble Beach, California | Info

▪️ The First Call Job Board
▪️ Buffalo Groupe Job Openings

CALENDAR

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.