The First Call 12-05-2025

FIRST THOUGHT

In recent years, commercial golf simulator venues have surged in popularity. According to new data from the National Golf Foundation, this growth is more than a passing fad. The findings suggest that golf clubs—especially those in colder climates—should seriously consider investing in a simulator bay, which has an initial cost of around $45,000. About 80% of owners reach profitability in first year.

✓ 8.1M simulator users in 2024, up from 3.6M five years ago (+126%)
✓ 51% of users are non-golfers (up from 42% a decade ago)
✓ 6.5% current golf facility penetration
✓ Higher adoption in regions with shorter seasons (8% Midwest vs. 4% South)
✓ 60%+ growth expected in next 1-2 years (10-11% facility penetration)

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.

GOLF INDUSTRY NEWS

Shot Scope: Rich Beem trusts the brand's yardage devices like he trusted his caddie on the PGA Tour

By partnering with Shot Scope, Beem has been a respected voice in explaining the value of using advanced tools like GPS watches, laser range finders, and shot tracking systems to help golfers improve their performance.

Pro Golf Weekly: Reports record-breaking traffic

The digital golf newsletter and website has been delivering in-depth coverage of the pro golf world since 2016.

True Spec Golf: ZXiR & ZXiR HL | 2026 Srixon Iron Testing

On video, the premium brand-agnostic club fitting company, is joined by Srixon’s VP of R&D to break down the new ZXiR irons, from design to technology, while our master fitters test their performance in the bay.

Troon: Al Zorah offers premium golf and lifestyle privileges with exclusive 100 Club membership

Renowned for its forward-thinking approach, Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club has unveiled a new membership category with the launch of The 100 Club – an exclusive seven-day membership offering golfers unrivaled premium access to the golf and lifestyle experience at one of the UAE’s leading destinations.

Bird Golf Academy: Expands instruction offerings with new digital learning platform

App offers on-demand access to high-quality coaching content covering all aspects of golf.

Dunlap Sports: Srixon’s new ZXiR Irons redefine game improvement

Built with new materials, obsessive craftsmanship, and unmistakable Srixon shaping, ZXiR Irons deliver the feel, forgiveness, and distance players crave without compromises.

Troon: Southern Trace Country Club celebrating five years of being member owned and new enhancements

Five years ago, the club stood at a crossroads. After decades of outside ownership, members decided to reclaim their club, purchasing it back from ClubCorp and promising to “return to excellence.”

Troon: Salgados Golf Club named “World’s Best Golf Course Renovation – 2025” by World Golf Awards

Salgados Golf Club part of Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf & Spa Resort was crowned by the World Golf Awards – the leading authority that identifies and rewards excellence in golf tourism.

Sara Bay Country Club: Restoration of historic Donald Ross course continues as part of master plan

The Sarasota, Fla. site was home to the legendary “Match of the Century” between Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen in 1926.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

▪️ Scottie Scheffler shares first-round lead at 2025 Hero World Challenge with third straight win in sights
[Patrick McDonald | CBS Sports | Read]

▪️ Tiger Woods will shape whatever comes next for PGA Tour
[Bob Harig | SI | Read]

▪️ Europe leads Skechers World Champions Cup
[Todd Kelly | Golfweek | Read]

ICYMI

'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.

TUNING IN

PGA TOUR: Hero World Challenge
Site: Albany GC, Bahamas
Television [ET]: Today, 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, 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.