The First Call 12-22-2022

FIRST THOUGHT

It's an age old debate — well, at least since its release in 1988 — but is "Die Hard," starring Bruce Willis, a Christmas movie? Of the 94 responses to The First Call poll question, "Is 'Die Hard' a Christmas movie?" 53 (56.4%) responded "yes."

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Women are playing key roles in a much-needed USGA department
[Jim McCabe | Power Fades | Read]

> Gary Player sues son, grandson over memorabilia dispute with 'great' reluctance
[Kimberly Miller | The Palm Beach Post | Read]

> David McLay-Kidd is set to design a links-style course along Washington's Pacific coast
[Riley Hamel | Golfweek | Read]

Longtime Arizona Media Classic runs its course ... maybe

For the better part of the last 21 years, golf writers descended on Arizona in early December for an annual event that consisted of camaraderie, good weather and, of course, golf

FACT OF THE DAY

DID YOU KNOW ...

The Miami, Florida, metro area accounts for 1.7% of the United States' general consumer buying power, and over 3% of golf buying power. The nearly full-year of playable golf days, as well as seasonal snowbirds, keeps golf spending up throughout the year.

Source: Longitudes Group Golf Spending Model

THE INDUSTRY

Golf Datatech: Golf equipment sales exceed November expectations

Retail Market Share Reports covering U.S. sales through November and total 2022 for balls, irons, woods are now available online

The Galleri Classic partners with 6 Coachella Valley-based charities

New PGA Tour Champions event will debut March 24-26 and direct a portion of proceeds to local and cancer-related nonprofit organizations focused on underserved populations

The Golf Cap Company to exhibit product at 2023 PGA Show

Brand's new cap is designed specially for golf and features a short rear brim to reduce sun exposure

Announced: By Annika Foundation, the hiring of Rob Ohno as its first president and CEO. Ohno joins the Foundation from the PGA Tour he worked for nearly 25 years, serving since 2017 as senior vice president, head of international tours.

Announced: By Rad Golf, its first line of products starting with its Sound and Sound+ speakers, Watch and Watch+ distance devices, Hand+ GPS and the Lazer Pro rangefinder. The products will launch in April 2023. In addition to providing exclusive looks of its platform at upcoming PGA Tour and LPGA events, the company will also exhibit at the PGA Show in January.

#QOTD

"Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master."

— Leonardo da Vinci

ICYMI

Fred Funk goes long — really long — with 1st signature design

Former Players champion fulfills bucket list with RainDance National, a unique Colorado layout that measures 8,463 yards — the longest course in North America

Q&A: Ed Doyle | president, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design

Doyle, who also serves as senior vice president of Troon Food and Beverage, discusses why experience matters and the keys to success and leadership

TFC PODCAST NETWORK

THE 19TH HOLE
Nick Jonas, Renee Parsons talk PXG collaboration
Music entertainer and PXG Apparel president join host Michael Williams to talk about how they fused their respective passion for golf and fashion into a partnership
[Listen | More 'The 19th Hole' episodes]

BEHIND THE GOLF BRAND
How Sunday Golf found its niche, paves a new trail
Host Paul Liberatore interviews CEO Ronan Galvin, who discusses how finding a niche allowed Sunday Golf to revolutionize the golf bag industry in just a few short years
[Listen | More 'Behind The Golf Brand' episodes]

THE MODGOLF PODCAST
How Sqairz does the common in an uncommon way
Founder Bob Winskowicz shares with host Colin Weston how having Arnold Palmer in his mentorship corner was one of many positive experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
[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
24-26: Chicago Golf Show, Rosemont, Ill. | 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.