The First Call’s Scorecard, a compilation of the golf industry’s news for September 30-October 6, 2023.
BUSINESS
▪️Troon: Launches its 2024 Troon Card program. More than 150 Troon-affiliated courses will provide cardholders with rates of up to 50% off the standard rate. Cards are currently available and can be used November 2023 through December 2024. … Club Champion: Introduces its PAR Program for loyal customers. Club fitter revamps rewards program to include more perks and benefits like free club fittings and customization, TrackMan practice time, and discounts. … GolfLogix: Launches newest Green Books with 50% off sale. Golf app offers an introductory sale on new and improved editions of its yardage guide.
COURSES / COMPETITION
▪️Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club: South Carolina club's Jack Nicklaus design reopened Oct. 2 after a comprehensive greens and bunkers restoration project. Founders Group International, Pawleys’ parent company, contracted with Nicklaus Design Group and its design associate Troy Vincent to lead a project that has modernized the course. … McLemore: Lookout Mountain, Georgia, golf club and community unveils a new name and logo for the club’s second course, The Keep — a Bill Bergin and Rees Jones design that features holes along the eastern side of Lookout Mountain. Currently under construction, The Keep is expected to open in summer 2024. … Invited: Announces a multimillion-dollar transformation of East Lake Woodland Club, located in Oldsmar, Florida, that led to the rebranding of the club, now known as Ardea Country Club. The name Ardea pays homage to the marshlands and wildlife that are an essential part of the club’s story, especially the iconic Blue Heron. “Ardea” is the Latin genus for “heron,” delivering a fresh take for the club’s time-honored mascot. … Escalante Golf: Fort Worth-based company to lead development of Kelly Ranch Golf Club in Aledo, Texas. Completion is scheduled for spring 2025. … World Champions Cup: International team event is set for Dec. 7-10. Team International, Team Europe and Team USA will each consist of six players, including a playing captain, and all will be active PGA Tour Champions members.
GEAR
▪️True Linkswear: Debuts its 2023 Dead Golfer collection, featuring one of the brand's most popular icons. True’s signature Dead Golfer logo is featured on two of its most popular shoe styles, t-shirts, hats, hoodies and even a limited run of 100 sets of custom irons, amongst other limited release items.
PEOPLE
▪️Procter & Gamble: Signs Maria Fassi to an endorsement deal that will have Fassi representing P&G on the LPGA and make special appearances on the company's behalf. … Esplanade Golf & CC: Dominique Lemperle receives USPTA national honor. Lemperle named the George Bacso Coach Developer of the Year, which recognizes the USPTA coach developer who does the most to advance the certification process and opportunities.
PHILANTHROPY
▪️Troon: Through October, affiliated golf properties will fly pink-checkered flags on their 18th greens and will have fundraising events to support Play for P.I.N.K. and other breast cancer charities. … Contra Costa CC: Members of the Pleasant Hill, California, club raise $55k for Play for P.I.N.K. breast cancer research and awareness. … PGA of America: Seventh PGA National Day of HOPE campaign is set for Oct. 11-Nov. 30. The campaign, centered around Veterans Day, celebrates the nation’s heroes while raising awareness for PGA HOPE, the flagship military program for PGA REACH.