What Next For WMPO?
WELCOME
We are excited to debut The First Call | Weekend Edition. Since The First Call’s launch in August 2021, it has rapidly become a must-read each morning, Monday through Friday, for those in the golf industry and those who have an interest in the business of golf. Now we are bringing an innovative weekly recap to you each Saturday morning. Like the daily The First Call, this weekend edition will continue to evolve.
So, let us know what you think and feel free to share with your friends. And thank you for reading.
WMPO basks in 'magical moment,' but what next?
There was a lot to enjoy about the WM Phoenix Open’s hole-in-one celebrations, but Thunderbirds executive director Chance Cozby says throwing beer cans was not one
Next Gen: Logan Fazio walks father Tom Fazio's walk
The 43-year-old son of the famed golf course architect is the emerging new face of Fazio Design and making his way with an attention to detail
Stephens projects Callaway stock surge in 2022
Investment banking firm reiterates its overweight rating; Touts an improving supply chain and growing Topgolf traffic as positives
Teaching golfers to fall in love with the game
The first episode in a ‘The ModGolf Podcast’ series celebrating Black History Month features Dr. Greta Anderson, who teaches golfers how to find their passion for the game
The pursuit to create memorable golf experiences
The second episode in a ‘The ModGolf Podcast’ series celebrating Black History Month features Ian Peterson, whose Dialed In Golf Solutions brings the game to where golfers are
TFC INBOX
Whether you have thoughts on the WM Phoenix Open’s par-3 16th celebrations or the proposed Saudi-backed league or Phil Mickelson’s latest rants — or anything else golf related — we would love to read what’s on your mind. Email us.
In order for your response to be published, add your first and last name, along with city and state of residence.
QOTW: Did the WM Phoenix Open’s 16th-hole celebrations cross line?
NAMES | NEWS | NUMBERS
BUSINESS
F45 announces five fitness offerings for golf and country clubs that will be made available through licenses to golf facilities and resorts. … Women’s Golf Day offers an early-bird registration deadline of Feb. 28 for participating venues. … Majors Challenge announces a partnership with the Carolinas PGA Section. It also extends its partnership with NewEngland.golf. … Troon will manage a new golf entertainment venue in Bettendorf, Iowa. The to-be-named project is in the schematic design phase with construction expected to begin spring 2022 and be completed by summer or fall 2023. … ParOne and Deemples partner to strengthen distribution of golf videos to apps and websites.
COMPETITION
Tiburon Golf Club, located in Naples, Fla., is hosting its third professional tournament in three months — the PGA Tour Champions Chubb Classic. Phillip Price, Paul Stankowski, Mauricio Molina and Craig Kanada earned their place in the field through Monday qualifying. … The USGA announces the local and final qualifying sites for the 122nd U.S. Open to be held at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., June 16-19.
DESTINATIONS
Sea Pines Resort’s Inn and Club at Harbour Town ranks as one of the country’s top hotels by U.S. News & World Report.
EDUCATION
Landscapes Unlimited is accepting 2022 internship program applications. College students gain skills in golf course development and construction, and receive hands-on mentoring by Landscapes Unlimited project managers. … The PGA Show Education Conference makes 30 sessions available on demand PGA Show Connects, a digital platform extension of the PGA Show.
GEAR
Tour Edge‘s new Exotics 722 series irons, featuring two irons and a Ti-utility iron, complete the 722 series. … TPT launches its Red Range Hybrid shafts, giving the brand a full range to go along with its Red Range Driver and Fairway Wood offerings. … PXG launches spring/summer 2022 apparel collection inspired by the landscapes of Arizona. … New Balance Golf adds the Fresh Foam X Defender and Fresh Foam X Defender SL to its 2022 spring collection. … Whiskers introduces 42 new colors and patterns to its golf shoelaces range, including neon laces in five colors. … Club Champion launches an e-commerce platform, The Vault, that will offer limited-edition golf equipment, apparel and accessories. … Blue Tees Golf receives an ING Industry Honors Award for Product Ingenuity – Technology at the 69th PGA Show in January. The company attributes much of the recognition to its Series 3 Max rangefinder. … Ping names its Top 100 National Fitters of the Year for 2021.
PEOPLE
The GCSAA elects Kevin Breen as president during elections that took place at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego. … Youth Athletes United names Danny Guise, a former Wake Forest golfer, as a TGA Premier Golf ambassador. … LIV Golf Investments hires Kerry Taylor as chief marketing officer and Ross Antrobus as head of research and analytics. … The PGA Tour’s membership elects Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson as co-chairmen of the Player Advisory Council (PAC) for 2022. … Former LPGA commissioner Ty Votaw announces his retirement from the PGA Tour, effective in June. Votaw, who served as commissioner 1999-2005, is currently executive vice president / international. … The North Chapter of the Georgia PGA Section names Wes Forester, director of golf at Reynolds Lake Oconee, as its 2021 PGA Golf Professional of the Year. … NextLinks adds Kelly McCammon, CEO of the Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation, to its board of directors.
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