The First Call’s Scorecard, a compilation of the golf industry’s news for May 13-19, 2023.
BUSINESS
▪️ SwingU: To sponsor the South Florida Junior Golf Tour and will become the circuit’s exclusive golf GPS rangefinder, strokes gained data and game-improvement app. … Dallas Men’s Show, PGA Golf Exhibitions: Announce collaboration that will includes cross-promotion of the Dallas Men’s Show, July 29-31, and PGA Buying & Education Summit, July 31-Aug. 2, in Frisco, Texas. Golf Datatech: Company releases Q1 Datashot that shows early 2023 rounds played were flat, golf equipment and total retail sales were down, and the apparel category grew by 12%. … Five Iron Golf: Launches franchising program that opens up avenues for expansion and growth domestically and internationally. … GCSAA: The average salary for superintendents is up 12.6% according to GCSAA biennial report, and are outpacing the national average. … Golftec: Relocates 2,400-square-foot instruction and clubfitting center in San Diego. Facility features four indoor bays, powered by Tecswing, and equipped with OptiMotion, indoor putting green and lessons enhanced by Tecputt. … Blue Tees Golf: Enters into an agreement with MST Golf, a golf retailer and services provider that will help establish the Blue Tees Golf brand in Singapore and Malaysia. … Golfinity: Golf performance club in Austin, Texas, placed first in Golf Inc. magazine’s national 2023 Development of the Year competition in the Golf Entertainment category. … The Indoor Golf Shop: Online retailer will be SkyTrak’s exclusive distributor in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. … Nicklaus Companies, Ahead, ASA: Partnering to raise melanoma awareness. Collaboration educates golfers on the importance of sun safety and proper sun protection. Ahead will also create two unique products and donate 10% of all proceeds during May.
COMPETITION
▪️ John Shippen National Invitational: Nation’s top Black female golfers are invited to compete for three LPGA Tour exemptions at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 6-7.
DESTINATIONS
▪️ Hilton Head Island: The Sea Pines Resort, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Heritage Golf Collection are offering getaway deals throughout 2023.
GEAR
▪️ Swag Golf: Partners with Club Champion and will make available four putter models, with five exclusive headcovers, only at Club Champion locations.
PEOPLE
▪️ Avon Fields GC: Golf teaching professional Ron Dumas receives the Jefferson Award, presented by the American Institute of Public Service through the Cincinnati Rotary Club. … Troon: Hires Allison Sheaves as executive VP, human resources. … Annika Award: Voting is open for award that recognizes the most outstanding female NCAA D1 college golfer, and the 2023 award winner to receive exemption into the 2024 Amundi Evian Championship.