Applying lessons learned from the King
+ Sun Mountain readies for a new journey; Indoor golf faces a legislative test; Dressing the Players part; and more.
THE STARTER
🏌️ PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan told the media at the Players Championship that negotiations between the Tour and the PIF, which funds LIV Golf, are “accelerating.” Is that good enough?
🏌️ Monahan says he believes he is still the right person to lead the Tour through this precarious time. Anybody else think so?
🏌️ Rory McIlroy cites sinking television ratings for Tour events as evidence that he wants the “train to speed up” to complete the negotiations. Wouldn’t it help if the stars — like McIlroy — start playing well on the weekends?
🏌️ After a rough start to his LIV Golf comeback, Anthony Kim shot 5-under 65 in the final round in Hong Kong. Does he have hope of returning to respectable form?
🏌️ “It's the biggest tournament outside of major championship and you don't have all the best players in the world here, that's a shame,” said McIlroy. “If the fans are upset, then look at the guys that left,” said Scottie Scheffler. Who’s right?
🏌️ Talk is getting louder of the possibility that PIF — and LIV — would wind up owning the DP World Tour. Does that make sense?
🏌️ Kevin Kisner is getting much more than a tryout as an announcer at NBC. Is this a hobby or will it wind up being his day job?
🏌️ Paul McGinley, who is unashamedly a European booster on Golf Channel, says McIlroy needs to get meaner. “I think Rory is at his best when he’s got an edge, and he’s got those pointy elbows,” he said. Is McIlroy too nice?
🏌️ Are a lack of available starting times and waiting lists at private clubs really good for the game?
:: Mike Purkey
FEATURES
Brandon Johnson forges own style, design firm
The Arnold Palmer design disciple begins fresh with creating 'fun and memorable golf' at the core of his philosophy
:: Tony Dear | Read
Sun Mountain ascends to new branding challenge
New president and chief brand officer Grant Knudson is relying on the Montana-based company's past to help shape the future in a digital marketing era
:: David Droschak | Read
BOOKMARKED
Good reads that are mainly about golf, but not always.
A letter of gratitude to the University of Iowa women’s basketball star from a Minnesota girl-dad
:: Asitha Jayawardena | Star Tribune | 03.01.2024
📖 How NBA star Rex Chapman gambled away millions — and pulled his life back together
During his decade-long NBA career, the shooting guard made over $40 million. In retirement, an addiction to opioids, the racetrack, and blackjack left him flat broke, living out of his El Camino and wondering if he could ever escape the downward spiral
:: Rex Chapman | GQ | 03.01.2024
📖 11 remote destinations that are definitely worth the effort to visit
Tropical atolls, distant hikes and hot springs, and wild jungles and mountaintops lure adventurous travelers to these beautiful far flung spots
:: Graham Averill | Outside | 02.28.2024
SUBSTACKED
The First Call | Extra has been publishing on Substack for a few years now and there is really good work being written on this platform. So, we’re going to start highlighting some of the pieces we come across.
📖 Yes, you can meditate. Start by ditching those excuses.
Scientists have only recently proven what Buddhist monks have known for three thousand years: Meditation works. Time to give it a chance.
:: Seth Davis | Seth Davis Writes Again … | 02.14.2024
BUSINESS
WEEK IN REVIEW
1️⃣8️⃣ The industry’s names, news and notables that are making the headlines. | Read
PERFECT PUTT
Indoor golf meets proposed legislation
Publisher Jared Doerfler examines the BIRDIE Act, legislation that seeks to extend copyright protection for golf courses and targets golf simulators.
:: Jared Doerfler | Read
Each Monday, Jared Doerfler breaks down the business of golf. Subscribe to Perfect Putt here.
ICYMI
This week’s editions of The First Call:
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
TRAVEL
The First Call has partnered with SportGo Travel, an online booking service, to give you up to 50% off or more on hotel accommodations worldwide.
Whether you’re planning your next trip to a tournament, a buddies or girls golf getaway, or a family vacation, book your stay through SportGo Travel and save. Simply create your account and start planning.
LIFESTYLE
THE STYLE LINKS
Lots of celebratory swag out for the 50th Players Championship, like these logo pieces from @fairwayandgreene via @bdraddy
:: Janice Ferguson | IG: @janiceferguson_thestylelinks
19TH HOLE
Each episode of the “Course of Life” podcast closes with the guest sharing a favorite 19th hole experience.
Dr. Gary Gray, founder of the Gray Institute: “I think a hot dog and a light beer or two is just the right amount after. Have a couple beers and be thankful we have the ability to play the game we love."
:: Alex Lauzon | Co-host of “Course of Life” podcast
HOME FRONT
Jack’s Bay | South Eleuthera, Bahamas
Listing: Atlantic Club Cottage.
Stats: 4,202 square feet | 6 bedrooms | 6 full baths | 1 half bath.
Price: Starting at $3,250,000.
Home description: Located within Jack’s Bay, this spectacular six-bedroom oceanfront cottage is ideally positioned between the amenities of the Atlantic Club clubhouse and the Tiger Woods Playground course. Designed by internationally recognized RAD Architecture, the cottage is fully furnished and features a covered outdoor terrace and pool. Atlantic Club Cottage homeowners will also enjoy access to Jack’s Bay’s natural and built amenities, including 4 miles of pink sand beaches; a luxury Beach Club with beach toys, paddleboards and kayaks; world-class fishing; a members-only dock, restaurant and dry boat storage; a wellness center at the private meditation lake known as Mystery Lake; Sports Pavilion with tennis and paddleball courts; and entry to a private island for family excursions. In addition to Woods’ course, the destination will feature the first Nicklaus Heritage course when it opens for play in 2025. The 18-hole championship layout will showcase the distinct characteristics of southern Eleuthera.
ARCHITECTURE
DESIGN NOTES
Kyle Franz, Mike Koprowski plant the seeds at Broomsedge
Broomsedge Golf Club is progressing in the Palmetto State, a design collaboration from Kyle Franz and Mike Koprowski.
Scheduled for a soft opening this fall, it’s currently under construction in the Sandhills town of Rembert, east of Columbia, South Carolina.
Franz is best known for his acclaimed restorations in the Sandhills of North Carolina, including Mid Pines and Southern Pines, and was part of the Coore & Crenshaw team that restored Pinehurst No. 2. Most recently, Franz worked in the sands of central Florida, creating the reimagined Karoo course at Cabot Citrus Farms. Koprowski worked with Franz at Southern Pines and Cabot Citrus Farms.
Koprowski discovered the land and bought it on his own before he had any outside partners. He was floored with how ideally suited the land was for golf, amid sand dunes, ridges and forests of Longleaf pines.
Routed in 2022, the course is projected to measure more than 7,400 yards from the back tees. Koprowski and Franz are crafting a course that not only embraces the current trend of playability, but also maximizes setup flexibility while emphasizing the significance of strategy and shot values to modern design. Reminiscent of the top British clubs, Broomsedge will be private, but will welcome some outside play.
READ: This week’s complete Design Notes
RELATED: Design Notes archive
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