The First Call 12-13-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

Rory McIlroy has notched another week at No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking — his eighth straight since regaining the spot in October. He now has 114 weeks at No. 1, fourth most in OWGR history. While impressive, the total pales in comparison to Tiger Woods. According to noted statistician Justin Ray, if McIlroy stays No. 1 until the middle of January 2030 — more than seven years from now — he would still be another 200 weeks shy of Woods' record of 683.

> Poll: Should The Match franchise be retired after the latest playing of McIlroy-Woods vs. Spieth-Thomas? Click here to vote.

> Question of the Week: In your opinion, what has been the top golf story of 2022?

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

> ‘It hurts:’ Gary Koch, Roger Maltbie open up about not having their NBC contracts renewed for 2023
[Dave Shedloski | Golf Digest | Read]

> TravisMathew’s goal of $1 billion golf brand includes more standalone stores and, finally, a women’s line
[Erik Matuszewski | Forbes | Read]

Design Notes: Fazio’s Tom Marzolf renews Bonita Bay Club's Cypress

BONITA BAY CLUB — 15TH HOLE CYPRESS COURSE

Royal Dornoch tweaks its eighth hole; Nashville’s Percy Warner muni gets the Bruce Hepner treatment

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW ... ?

The Midwest region has the highest golf participation rate of any region. However, the Chicago metro area indexes slightly below 100 — and the U.S. average — for golf retail spending due to less playable days than Sun Belt markets.

Source: Longitudes Group golf spending model

THE INDUSTRY

PGA Show, Education Conference early registration savings through Dec. 15

Attendees can register for no cost at PGAShow.com through Dec. 15; PGA Show Education Conference registration has early pricing incentives of up to $150 off

2022 Troon Challenge national finals  conclude in Southern California

20th annual tournament crowns winners in gross and net divisions over the 36-hole event, held Dec. 10-11 in Indian Wells, California

ICYMI

TFC Inbox: Staying close to home

Readers of The First Call offer opinions on the best golf courses within 10 miles of their front doorstep — and there are quite a few gems

#QOTD

"Those who act as if they know more than their boss seldom do."

— Malcolm Forbes

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

GOING PRO WITH KELLY O.
Stephanie Gibri focuses on culture in golf travel
Host Kelly Okun interviews Stephanie Gibri, one of golf's first Instagram influencers, about her content creation and her episode of 'Holey Moley'
[Listen | More 'Going Pro with Kelly O.' episodes]

GOLF INNERVIEW WITH ANN LIGUORI
Alan Shipnuck opens up on his infamous Phil Mickelson call
Host Ann Liguori interviews the author of 'Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar' and unpacks the book's fallout
[Listen | More 'Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori' episodes]

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
How John Simpson used his polio and golf for the greater good
Host Colin Weston interviews the On Course Foundation founder about the nonprofit that introduces injured veterans to golf and opportunities within the industry
[Listen | More 'The ModGolf Podcast' episodes]

CALENDAR

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
24-28: CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo, Orlando, Fla. | Info

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