Some things never change
+ Another Ryder Cup controversy raises questions; Hughes Norton turns back the clock; the holiday shopping season is in full gear; the genius of Mike Strantz as evidenced by True Blue.
THE STARTER
🏌️ According to a report in The Telegraph (U.K.), United States players in next year’s Ryder Cup will be paid $400,000 each, instead of the previous practice of earmarking $200,000 for each of the players’ charities. Just what does that accomplish?
🏌️ Rory McIlroy says, “I don't think any of the 24 players on either team needs that 400 grand.” He says he’d pay his own money to play the Ryder Cup. How much? Four hundred grand?
🏌️ Speaking of unnecessary greed, Ryder Cup match day tickets — $750 a pop — have sold out already. What do you suppose they will go for on the secondary market?
🏌️ World No. 3 McIlroy says the U.S. Open loss still “stings” and that No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 2 Xander Schauffele have separated themselves. Is that enough motivation for McIlroy?
🏌️ Despite Nelly Korda’s issues with migraines during the Solheim Cup and a neck injury shortly after, she still wrapped up the LPGA’s Rolex Player of the Year before the final tournament was played. Is this the most underreported golf story of the year?
🏌️ Caitlin Clark was a big hit at The Annika pro-am, playing nine holes each with Annika Sorenstam and Korda. Think Clark realizes how hard golf is in front of a crowd?
🏌️ Paul Azinger is returning to television next year as a part-time analyst for the PGA Tour Champions on Golf Channel. Will that news cause any more people to watch?
🏌️ LIV Golf is expanding its global reach by staging one of its 2025 events in Korea. Would you be surprised to learn that at one time, the LPGA’s largest revenue stream was Korean television?
🏌️ John Daly’s Claret Jug, which he sold in 2015, is up for auction and top bid is just over $132,000 (as of Friday). Wonder how much Daly got for it?
:: Mike Purkey
FEATURES
Hughes Norton still has plenty to say
Even after publishing "Rainmaker" earlier this year, the former superagent has more stories — and opinions — to share.
:: Gary Van Sickle | Read
TFC Holiday Market No. 1: Lifestyle
A curated collection of items that are sure to spice up any gift-giving list.
:: The First Call | Read
Sand Valley enhances group experience with custom merchandise options
The Wisconsin resort offers personalized apparel and accessories for groups, creating a tailored experience that leaves a lasting impression and strengthens guest loyalty.
:: Association of Golf Merchandisers | Read
BOOKMARKED
Good reads — and listens — that are sometimes about golf, but not always.
📖 The new kids of NIL
Top junior golfers are making money like the pros.
:: Matthew Rudy | Golf Digest | 11.12.2024 | Read
📖 The most feared and least known political operative in America
Susie Wiles helped dismantle Ron DeSantis and salvaged Donald Trump’s campaign. Is she a MAGA hero or an enemy of democracy?
:: Michael Kruse | Politico | 04.26.2024 | Read
📖 The Alchemists
They led a cycling revolution in Afghanistan where women were forbidden to ride. When the Taliban returned to power, their only hope was a harrowing escape to an uncertain future.
:: Kim Cross | Bicycling | 10.23.2024 | Read
THE LIBRARY
In addition to its existing podcast collection, The First Call has started building a videos section that will range from courses to travel. Each week TFC will highlight the latest.
▶️ The Land as It Lies: True Blue
Architect Mike Strantz put his artwork on the ground, winning architect of the year after his True Blue design in 1998
:: Up River Film Company | 11.11.2024 / Watch
▶️ How to up your leadership game
Dr. Eric Boyd joins host Colin Weston to discuss how leadership skills can be improved in both the work and personal space.
:: The ModGolf Live Show | 11.12.2024 / Watch
TFC Libraries: 🎧 Podcasts | ▶️ Videos
BUSINESS
THE FIRST CALL
Week in Review: The industry’s names, news and notables making headlines. | Read
This week’s editions: Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
Industry press releases | Read
Industry press release videos | Watch
TFC / PR Newswire feed | Read
PERFECT PUTT
Golf's digital media evolution
How YouTube is driving the game forward.
:: Jared Doerfler | Read
Publisher Jared Doerfler analyzes the business of golf. Subscribe to Perfect Putt.
LIFESTYLE
THE STYLE LINKS
“Uh, hello, Santa? I need to make a quick little addition to my wish list … the cool Lamda Golf shoe bag, please.”
:: 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.
Charlie Crenshaw, golf instructor at Balcones Country Club in Austin, Texas: “I'm on a chicken wing kick right now. There's nothing like eating a big basket of sauced wings after a round … and definitely an Arnold Palmer to go with it.”
:: Alex Lauzon | Co-host of “Course of Life” podcast
TFC EVENTS
The Friars Golf Club: Best of Napa '25
July 23-27, 2025 | Napa, California
:: Event and registration information
ARCHITECTURE
DESIGN NOTES
Todd Eckenrode reimagines California’s Sharon Heights
Todd Eckenrode and his Origins Golf Design team have completed a $23 million renovation of Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in northern California’s Bay Area.
Located in suburban Menlo Park, 30 miles south of San Francisco, the club engaged Eckenrode to produce a master plan in 2019 and construction began in April 2023. The multi-dimensional renovation was transformative, ensuring enhanced playability, improved aesthetics and a commitment to sustainability in support of SHGCC’s Green Initiative.
Elements of the transformation included renovations to all golf features, from tees to fairways, bunkers and greens and a significant tree management program that opened up sunlight and overall playing corridors. Origins Golf Design added a state-of-the-art irrigation system, new drought-tolerant turf and established natural meadows, seasonal creeks and a reforestation of native California Oak and Sycamore trees. Twenty acres of turf was swapped out for drought-tolerant landscaping, adding to the beauty of the course as well as resulting in water savings.
"It’s incredibly fun and engaging to play," said of Eckenrode of the reimagined layout. "The new widths allow strategic enhancements to be unveiled and variety in play is paramount. We are thrilled to have designed what is essentially a completely new golf course and experience for the members."
Sharon Heights ggeneral Manager Aaron Grant is equally effusive about Eckenrode’s efforts.
"The new Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club golf course is truly something special and has already earned rave reviews from our membership and piqued interest from our region," Grant said. "The use of native species, seasonal creeks, multiple varieties of grass specifically chosen for our climate, and bunkering worthy of magazine covers, has created a very appealing aesthetic and massively improved playing conditions. These decisions also afford us the ability to dial the course up for competitive play when we have tournaments, making a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario from an operations perspective and member satisfaction. We are delighted with our new golf course and the work Todd Eckenrode – Origins Golf Design has done for us."
RELATED: Design Notes archive
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