The First Call 12-15-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

Of the 156 responses to The First Call poll question, "Should The Match franchise be retired after the latest playing of McIlroy-Woods vs. Spieth-Thomas?" 86 (55.1%) responded "no."

> 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

> After being sued by Nicklaus Companies, New York Supreme Court judge rules Jack Nicklaus can return to designing on his own, under his own name
[Riley Hamel | Golfweek | Read]

> Why Rory McIlroy is my sportsperson of the year
[John Feinstein | Washington Post | Read]

> Sam Torrance: I don’t see LIV Golf succeeding the way it’s going
[Martin Dempster | The Scotsman | Read]

Are course architects up to the challenges of designing?

The third excerpt in a three-part series from golf course architect Richard Mandell's newly published 'Principles of Golf Architecture' examines the role of challenge in architecture

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW ... ?

Salinas, California; Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, South Carolina; Lake Havasu, Arizona; and Naples, Florida, combine to account for fewer than 0.5% of the United States' total number of golfers. However, these five locations all have significantly above-average golf spending indices due to golf tourism-related equipment spending.

Source: Longitudes Group golfer spending model

THE INDUSTRY

Finca Cortesin, Troon announce collaboration ahead of milestone year

Spanish destination to serve as host venue of the 2023 Solheim Cup

KemperSports to oversee Winnetka Golf Club, extensive course renovation

Partners with Winnetka Park District in Illinois; renovations to include resurfaced greens, tees and fairways, bunker remodeling and improved drainage

Rumbling Bald releases winter, spring golf packages for 2023

36-hole golf retreat on N.C.’s Lake Lure ideal for groups of all sizes

Golftec opens instruction, clubfitting center in Allen, Texas

New 2,743-square-foot facility features five highly-equipped indoor bays with Foresight Sports launch monitors for lessons, clubfitting and practice

Announced: By LIV Golf, three championship venues that will host tournaments as part of the 2023 LIV Golf League schedule — The Gallery Golf Club, Tucson, Arizona (March 17-19); Cedar Ridge Country Club, Tulsa, Oklahoma (May 12-14); and The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (Aug. 4-6).

Announced: By Dollar Dollar Dollar Inc., that Trent Edwards, former National Football League quarterback and co-founder of VR-technology company Strivr, has joined D3 Golf as director of strategic relations. Edwards will focus on building the D3 community of partners, players and organizations to expand the game-wagering platform into new markets.

Announced: By the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, an expansion to their relationship with the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association. The KPGA’s Genesis Point Award Winner will earn membership onto the DP World Tour for the ensuing season, beginning with the current 2023 campaign, and the launch of a new $2 million tournament in Korea. Also, top finishers on the Genesis Point list will earn entry into various stages of the DP World Tour Qualifying School, which takes place later in 2023.

> More Industry News

#QOTD

"Hidden talent counts for nothing."

— Nero

ICYMI

Is Sportsbox AI leading golf’s next technological revolution?

Initial 3D app connects golf coaches, students, while the new consumer practice app benefits the DIY crowd

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]

TUNING IN

PGA Tour Champions: PNC Championship
Site: Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Florida.
Television: Saturday, 1-2 p.m. (Peacock), 2-6 p.m. (NBC); Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Peacock), 12:30-1:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 1:30-4:30 p.m. (NBC).
Leaderboard | GCSAA Fact Sheet

DP World Tour / Sunshine Tour: AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open
Site: Mont Choisy Le Golf, Grand Bale, Mauritius.
Television: Today-Friday, 3:30-8:30 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 3-7:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).
Leaderboard

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.