The First Call 12-15-2021

FIRST THOUGHT

Another day, another sign that golf is in a good place. According to new research by The R&A and Sports Marketing Surveys, the number of total golfers globally has increased from 61 million to 66.6 million since 2016, surpassing the previous high mark of 61.6 million set in 2012. The research includes club members and non-member independent golfers playing nine or 18 holes and users of driving ranges in markets where course availability is limited.

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READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Forever 18?
[Richard Humphreys | By Design | Read]

> Royal County Downs Golf Club: Ecstatic Dreams
[Cookie Jar Golf | Watch]

> Colt Knost expanding role as on-course reporter for CBS golf broadcasts in 2022
[Adam Woodard | Golfweek | Read]

> Casey Martin knows what Tiger Woods faces. He can’t wait to watch
[Michael Rosenberg | Morning Read | Read]

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW?

In a recent survey of Morning Read e-newsletter subscribers, 88% of the respondents have been playing golf for 21 years or more.

Source: Morning Read Subscriber Survey

INDUSTRY NEWS

Buffalo Groupe expands business development team

Company announces the hiring of Dan Chelel as vice president and Andrea Cascia as senior director of business development

2021 Troon Challenge crowns national champions

The team of Joey Pirmann and Austin Quick, of the regional qualifier at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., won the Gross Division, while Ronnie Schmitz and Tyson Anderson representing Poston Butte Golf Club in Florence, Ariz., won the Net Division

Country musician Vince Gill to receive GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award

Golf advocate will be honored in February during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show

Arizona’s Cactus and Pine GCSA earns GCSAA honor

Association receives the Excellence in Government Affairs Award for efforts to establish a water committee and better communicate golf’s economic impact and community benefits

PXG unveils its 1st standalone retail, fitting studio on East Coast

PXG Philadelphia marks the company’s 11th brick-and-mortar location in the U.S.

NBC Sports Next announces GolfNow sweepstakes

Grand-prize winner of Free Golf for One Year Sweepstakes receives free golf and the ultimate prize package to help anyone play more and better golf

SMCAA announces 6th Holiday Food Sharing Program

City of Benton Harbor (Mich.), the PGA of America and Whirlpool Corp. sponsor Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency's yearly Holiday Food Sharing Program

Announced: By Drive Shack Inc., various seasonal activities at both Drive Shack and Puttery venues through the end of the year. Both venues are booking for corporate holiday events and New Year’s Eve celebrations, while Drive Shack features seasonal games on its range.

Offered: By Edison Golf Co., a special holiday promotion of 10% off any wedges or the Edison stand bag through Dec. 31.

#QOTD

"Do today what should be done. Your tomorrow may never come."

— Harry Banks

CALENDAR

JANUARY
25-28: PGA Merchandise Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

FEBRUARY
5-10: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, San Diego, Calif. | Info
18-20: Toledo Golf Show, Toledo, Ohio | Info
19-23: CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo, San Diego, Calif. | Info
25-27: Colorado Golf Expo, Denver, Colo. | Info

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

The 16th at Cypress Point. pic.twitter.com/smm6b2iVkL
— The Golf Library (@GolfLibrary) December 14, 2021