The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf

Latest Episodes:

The 5½ Inches That Matter Most: Golf, Mental Health, and Legacy with Robert Jones Black Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The NewClub Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, hosts Matt Considine and The Professor (Dr. Kevin Moore)delve into the profound impact of golf on mental health and personal development. Joined by Robert Jones Black, founder of the Generation Next Project, they explore how the game of golf serves as a powerful tool for teaching resilience, introspection, and emotional control. Discover how golf's unique challenges mirror life's obstacles and learn about the innovative "Change Your Course" program, which utilizes golf to address youth mental health. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the transformative power of golf for kids, adults, and communities.

Connect with Robert, Carla and The Generation Next Project > https://www.generationnextproject.org/

Learn more about NewClub > [https://www.newclub.golf](https://www.newclub.golf/)

Thanks to our Partners at Titleist > [https://www.titleist.com](https://www.titleist.com/)

Is England home to the best golf trip in the world? Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Fellow NewClub members join Matt and The Professor to unpack NewClub’s 2025 International to Southeast England; why unforgettable English links, accessible and stunning architecture along with vibrant club culture makes this English itinerary a strong contender for any dreamer’s bucket list. The lively discussion continues on why golf culture in England creates experiences unmatched in the US highlighting the welcoming nature of English clubs, the importance of public access, and the joy of playing in a community-focused environment. The conversation also touches on the future of NewClub Fixtures, and future International golf trips. Thanks to Peter Korbakes of Far and Sure Golf Tours for assisting with all arrangements and members Lee Lewis, Tim Swindle, and Morgan Campbell (Captain - Atlanta Chapter) for joining us on the show.

NewClub > [https://www.newclub.golf](https://www.newclub.golf/) Titleist > [https://www.titleist.com](https://www.titleist.com/) Far & Sure > https://www.farandsuregolftours.com/

Chapters 00:00 The Excitement of Sports Seasons 11:59 Reunion and Anticipation for the England Trip 14:26 Pitching England as a Golf Destination 18:32 Exploring Club Culture in England 24:48 The Proper Golf Experience in England 27:45 Guest Culture in Golf Clubs 29:20 Contrasting Golf Cultures: US vs UK 31:30 Infrastructure and Facilities in Golf Clubs 34:29 Choosing Your Home Course 38:18 The Spirit of Golf: Community and Competition 40:53 The Experience of Playing at Deal 46:05 Bringing UK Golf Culture to America 50:14 Future of International Golf Fixtures

Open & Closed: Exploring Golf's Accessibility with Ru MacDonald Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

The Open Championship! Most golf nuts' favorite golf-on-tv week of the year (Sincerest apologies to the third week in April). Matt and the Professor welcome a special guest, Ru MacDonald of Cruden Bay fame, to explore his insights on the cultural aspects of golf in Scotland, the impact of technology, and the importance of accessibility and sustainability in the sport. The discussion also highlights lesser-known golf courses (do we dare say hidden gems?), the influence of Americanism on Scottish golf, and the community aspect of the game that is still thriving in an era not so open. Plus some picks for the Champion Golfer of the Year. The episode concludes with reflections on balancing passion and profession in one’s chosen career.

NewClub > [https://www.newclub.golf](https://www.newclub.golf/) Titleist > [https://www.titleist.com](https://www.titleist.com/) Connect with Ru and Linksland > https://www.linksland.golf/

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Golf Engagement 02:41 Matt's Return to Competitive Golf 05:22 Independence Day and Anticipation for the Open Championship 08:15 Insights from Titleist Fitting Experience 11:01 Interview with Ru McDonald: Golf in Scotland 13:57 Bob McIntyre's Impact on Scottish Golf 16:33 The Art of Ball Flight Manipulation 19:21 Port Rush Preparations for the Open Championship 22:08 The Unique Experience of Attending The Open 25:18 Cultural Aspects of Golf in Scotland vs. America 29:56 The Accessibility of Golf in Scotland 31:26 American Influence on Scottish Golf 32:17 Balancing Tradition and Modernization 37:40 The Future of Golf in Scotland 40:21 The Passion for Golf Course Architecture 42:57 Hidden Gems in Scottish Golf 48:13 The 12-Hole Golf Movement 52:37 The Secret Sauce of DP World Tour Videos 57:21 Navigating a Career in Golf

Golf as a Creative Canvas Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Matt Considine and The Professor welcome PGA Professional, Brad Davis, to the show to discuss the importance of creativity in the sport and the role club professionals can play in unlocking more creative outlets to enhance the customer experience. The conversation highlights the personal experiences of both Brad and our Hosts as they explore the intersection of creativity and golf.

NewClub > [https://www.newclub.golf](https://www.newclub.golf/)

Titleist > [https://www.titleist.com](https://www.titleist.com/)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Concert Season 03:02 Golf as a Character Builder 05:40 Strength Training and Aging 08:43 Palmer Award Winners and Community in Golf 11:17 Creativity in Golf and Personal Journey 16:48 Guest Introduction: Brad Davis 19:35 The Intersection of Art and Golf 29:15 Introduction to the Creative Mindset in Golf 30:58 Embracing Creativity in Golf Pro Shops 35:50 The Importance of Design in Golf Merchandise 40:30 The Evolution of Golf Course Photography 46:02 The Role of Trees in Golf Course Aesthetics 51:01 Swing Mechanics and the Power of Tempo

Big Scores: NIL, Sandbaggers, and other troubling trends in Amateur Golf with Dr. Nico Darras Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

The Professor and Dr. Nico Darras explore several key topics in sports, focusing on college baseball's regional tournament structure, NIL's impact on college athletics, golf wedge fitting, and challenging tournament venues like Oakmont. They share insights about player performance under pressure and scoring in professional golf, weaving in personal experiences throughout.

The conversation examines the current state of amateur golf, including pressures from NIL regulations and problems with the handicap system. They discuss how athleticism affects golf performance, the value of tournament experience, and the evolving challenges for amateur golfers in today's competitive environment.

The discussion then turns to broader issues in college athletics, including student-athlete compensation and amateur status in golf. They address NIL's influence on youth sports, examining how young athletes face mounting pressure and how some parents over-emphasize competitive success. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the importance of balancing competitive athletics with education, advocating for an approach that values enjoyment and personal development over financial rewards.

NewClub > [https://www.newclub.golf](https://www.newclub.golf/)

Titleist > [https://www.titleist.com](https://www.titleist.com/)

Golfblueprint > https://www.golfblueprint.com/

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Host Dynamics 01:14 College Baseball Regional Model Discussion 07:12 NIL and College Sports 09:14 Wedge Fitting in Golf 12:14 Tournament Setup and Player Performance 20:43 Scoring at Oakmont and PGA Tour Insights 24:35 Navigating Tournament Pressure and Performance 26:32 The Challenge of Playing at a High Level 28:27 Understanding Golf's Margins and Improvement 30:05 The Role of Athleticism in Golf 31:44 The Flaws in the Handicap System 34:27 Amateurism in Golf and the Impact of NIL 40:00 The Future of Amateur Golf and Professionalism 50:30 The Case for Paying College Athletes 51:49 Amateurism in Golf: A New Perspective 53:43 The Drive, Chip, and Putt Debate 56:42 The Reality of Professional Golf 58:45 NIL and the Future of Youth Sports 01:01:14 The Dark Side of Competitive Youth Sports 01:04:39 The Cost of Success in Sports 01:08:32 Education and Sports: A Troubling Trend

Sand Hills Golf Club Jun 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Bag Drop Untold Stories in Golf, hosts Matt Considine and The Professor explore themes of family dynamics, the challenges PGA professionals face, and visiting Sandhills Golf Club. They discuss balancing excitement and boredom when family members are away, the appreciation for PGA pros during busy seasons, and the anticipation of visiting one of the world's exclusive golf courses. The conversation highlights Sandhills' atmosphere, its charm, and the balance between exclusivity and accessibility. In this discussion, Matt Considine and They examine local culture, staff interactions, course accessibility, design insights from architects Crenshaw and Coore, and strategic play due to course conditions. The discussion also emphasizes the beauty of the greens, appreciation for the landscape, recommendations for similar courses, and reflections on evolving golf experiences.

Redesigning the Game: Jay Blasi and Golf’s Biggest Questions May 25, 2025

Show notes

Our Host Matt Considine welcomes golf course architect Jay Blasi. They discuss Jay's passion for golf, his upbringing in a golf-centric family, and his journey into architecture. Jay shares stories from his childhood, including drawing golf holes and his family's connection to Beverly Country Club. The conversation explores imagination in design, the challenges of starting his own firm, and his work on Chambers Bay, a landmark course that balances public access with championship quality. Jay discusses media narratives regarding golf course reputations, focusing on Poppy Ridge, and emphasizes sustainability through innovative grass choices. The discussion also covers the NCGA's role in promoting public golf, rising industry costs, and public-private partnerships for municipal courses. Jay reflects on the transformation of the Golden Gate Park Golf Course and shares his excitement for upcoming projects.

NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf

Titleist > https://www.titleist.com

Jay Blasi Design > https://blasigolf.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:54 Jay Blasi's Early Life and Connection to Golf 05:58 The Journey to Golf Course Architecture 08:49 Childhood Memories and Caddy Stories 12:09 The Importance of Imagination in Design 15:04 Starting J. Blasi Design 17:54 Chambers Bay: A Career Milestone 20:48 Design Philosophy and Achievements at Chambers Bay 27:36 The Impact of Media on Golf Course Reputation 28:12 Exploring Poppy Ridge Golf Course 29:22 The Landscape and Design Decisions at Poppy Ridge 33:31 The Role of NCGA in Public Golf 38:11 Innovative Grass Choices for Sustainability 41:11 Addressing Rising Costs in Golf 46:01 Public-Private Partnerships in Golf 50:21 Transforming Golden Gate Park Golf Course 55:09 Upcoming Projects and Future Aspirations

How King Collins Dormer Landed Their Dream Job at Royal Dornoch May 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, hosts Matt Considine and Dr. Kevin Moore sit down with renowned golf course architect Rob Collins of King Collins Dormer Design, delving into the proposal and process that won the bid for Royal Dornoch. KCD was selected to design and build two new courses, a par-3 course, and practice facilities at Royal Dornoch. Rob shares personal stories of immersing himself in local Scottish culture, pivotal moments that inspired the ambitious master plan, and the powerful emotions felt when securing such a prestigious project. Highlighting the balance between tradition and innovation, he emphasizes the critical role of community collaboration, stewardship, and the importance of stellar presentation. The hosts also reflect on their recent travels, including memorable experiences in Anguilla and Montgomery, and express excitement for future golfing adventures, notably NewClub's bi-annual International Fixture to England.

NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf

Titleist > https://www.titleist.com

King Collins Dormer > https://www.kcdgolf.com/

Royal Dornoch Master Plan > https://www.kcdgolf.com/royaldornoch

Royal Dornoch Membership Presentation > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTjSzzd8r6A

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 08:07 Introduction of Guest Rob Collins 15:50 The Royal Dornoch Project Announcement 23:51 The Collaborative Approach to Golf Course Design 00:00 Embracing a New Culture 01:32 The Bidding Process and Initial Impressions 03:56 Unlocking the Vision: The Ridge Line Discovery 08:46 The Power of Presentation 12:57 The Magical Round: A Personal Connection 16:41 Honoring Tradition While Innovating 20:50 Community Engagement and Support 25:07 Project Timeline and Future Prospects 27:50 Leveraging Past Experiences for Future Success 32:36 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations

Psychedelics, Mind Games, and Letters to Bill Murray with Darren Schwartz May 12, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of the Bag Drop: Untold Stories in golf, we ask the hard questions, like, is time real? What is the cultural impact of films like Top Gun: Maverick? Who is Mort Sherman? Matt and the Professor welcome renowned storyteller and lesser-known golfer Darren Schwartz to the show. Among many topics, the trio highlights the importance of mentorship in golf, business, and in life before shifting to the dynamics of winning, where players balance supporting their opponents while striving for victory, and the temptations of psychological warfare on the course. Darren shares some excerpts from his memoir, examining personal growth and experiences with ayahuasca. They discuss public speaking, caddies' roles, and share anecdotes relating to mental health and the performance of each. The dialogue is infused with humor and relatable to both golf enthusiasts and those seeking personal development. Matt and Darren wrap up by reflecting on memorable golf moments, including a heartfelt letter to Bill Murray, the significance of Jim Nantz's sultry voice in April, and non-essential golf gear that's just fun to have in the bag. The conversation concludes by reflecting on how golf mirrors life's challenges and joys, emphasizing its psychological examinations as one of the game's unique and great strengths.

NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf

Titleist > https://www.titleist.com

What Happens Next With Larry Bernstein > https://www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/

Winning at Golf by Darren Schwartz > https://www.blog.newclub.golf/post/7wd7vuwc8l631un8d4x4mou6akicxn

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Golf World and Academic Life 02:57 Exciting Developments in Golf Architecture 06:03 The Anticipation of a Special Guest 09:09 The Professor's Fact of the Week: Time and Perception 12:01 Diving into Movie Critique and Cultural Commentary 18:10 Exploring the Art of Storytelling in Golf 20:54 Psychological Warfare on the Golf Course 24:50 Psychological Warfare in Golf 27:31 The Competitive Spirit of Golf 30:19 Exploring Ayahuasca: A Journey Within 34:37 The Risks and Revelations of Ayahuasca 38:59 Public Speaking and Personal Struggles 41:39 Golfing Legends and Personal Connections 48:33 Caddying: The Unsung Hero of Golf 54:05 Memorable Golf Moments 57:40 A Letter to Bill Murray 01:00:47 The Masters Connection 01:04:07 Golf Gear and Personal Preferences 01:09:53 Golf as a Reflection of Life

Is Golf Losing Its Soul? The Battle Between Profit, Purpose, and Play May 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Untold Stories in Golf, hosts Matt and The Professor discuss the global golf course projects by reviewing a list of more than 700+ active golf projects since 2024. They examine renovations and new developments, their financial dimensions, and architectural trends shaping the future of golf. The conversation highlights the significance of member involvement and the evolving golf industry. Kevin and Matt also touch on local architects' contributions, golf course budgets, and the balance between profit and purpose. They explore abundance versus scarcity in golf culture and emphasize the importance of legacy and long-term effects in the sport, advocating for a more inclusive strategy focusing on accessibility and satisfaction for all players. NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf Titleist > https://www.titleist.com Active Projects List > https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AmKLQUPv1q88Q0mWmoD7Gf4-JlTjdrTAZH743Iv3sVA/edit?usp=sharing (Cred: Old Tom Ventures )

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