Online golf publication Global Golf Post recently announced its inaugural class of “GGP Futures,” listing 43 people identified as emerging leaders in the golf industry. Five of them – Matt Borocz, Matt Cahill, Laura Frick, Brent Paladino and Josh Troyer – are PGA of America Golf Professionals. Borocz, PGA, the General Manager at TPC Sawgrass was included for his leadership at the PGA TOUR’s flagship golf property, while Cahill made the list for succeeding the legendary Bob Ford as PGA of America Head Professional at Seminole Golf Club. Frick was recognized for her leadership as Championship Director of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Paladino was included on the strength of his work as the USGA’s Senior Director of Championship Administration, and Troyer was highlighted for his rise to the Director of Teaching Quality position at GOLFTEC. Congrats to all five as they proudly represent PGA of America Golf Professionals paving the path for golf’s future.
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After a decade’s hiatus, “Big Break” is coming back next year. Sports Business Journal recently reported on a new version of the classic Golf Channel reality show that produced eventual tour players like Tony Finau and Matt Every that will debut next August. The new season will be called “Big Break x Good Good” as a collaboration with the golf influencer brand, and the season’s winner will receive an exemption into the new Good Good Championship, a PGA TOUR event that will be played next November in Austin, Texas. The 10-episode season will feature 12 players, some of whom are Good Good contributors to the brand’s YouTube channel. Watch for new challenges and plenty of drama from the new “Big Break” next year and beyond, as the SBJ story says Golf Channel and Good Good agreed on a multiyear deal to produce the show.
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What do you do if you’re hosting one of golf’s biggest global events and hotel rooms are scarce? Call in the cruise ships! According to a story in England’s The Times, the 2027 Ryder Cup at Ireland’s Adare Manor could see accommodations augmented by cruise ships near the town of Limerick. While logistical challenges remain, there’s a plan to secure docking space and transportation from a nearby port to house Ryder Cup staff and attendees, and such accommodations are likely to be part of ticket packages for the event. The story says work is also continuing on a rail line that will bring spectators directly to Adare Manor from the town of Limerick. The 2027 Ryder Cup is expected to host up to 200,000 spectators, and there are plenty of additional details to come as the Sept. 13–19 event draws nearer.
link: https://bit.ly/43pD3wM
The PGA of America and the game of golf recently lost a popular ambassador when PGA of America Golf Professional Cody “Beef” Franke passed away unexpectedly at the age of 31. NBC News ran a story about Franke’s passing, noting he was an experienced green grass professional, most recently serving as the PGA of America Head Professional at Thornberry Creek near Green Bay, Wisconsin. He graduated from the PGA Golf Management University Program at Michigan’s Ferris State University and also was an Assistant Professional in the Southern California PGA Section. Franke’s “Tip Tuesday” social media postings garnered a large following, leading to his hiring as the first Head Professional of Barstool Sports, where he became a mainstay on the brand’s “Fore Play” podcasts starting a year ago. PGA Magazine sends its condolences to Franke’s family and admires his positive impact on the game.
link: https://bit.ly/4nX07uj
