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.

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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/

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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

Open & Closed: Exploring Golf's Accessibility with Ru MacDonald

Welcome to The NewClub Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf.

Your co-hosts are Matt Considine and Dr. Kevin Moore. 

About NewClub 

Founded in 2017, NewClub Golf Society is a Chicago-based private club without real estate. As one of the first and most comprehensive golf communities of its kind in America, NewClub provides localized golf experiences, immersive competitions, and bucket-list travel opportunities for the golf obsessed. The NewClub ecosystem is revolutionizing the private and public dynamic, pushing traditional U.S. golf structures forward to make the game more sustainable and enjoyable.