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

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

Author: NewClub Golf Society July 13, 2025 Duration: 1:06:10

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


There's a whole world of stories that never make it to the leaderboard or the final green, and that's exactly where The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf finds its voice. This isn't just a series about swings and scores; it's a weekly exploration of the people, places, and moments that truly define the game's rich culture. You'll hear from greenkeepers, historians, passionate amateurs, and tour veterans, all sharing perspectives that go far beyond the typical post-round interview. Produced by the NewClub Golf Society, the podcast is built on a foundation of authentic conversation, digging into the connections between life on and off the course. Every episode feels like pulling up a chair in the clubhouse after a round, where the talk is as much about character as it is about character. It’s for anyone who feels that golf is about more than just a number on a card-it's about community, legacy, and the unexpected lessons found in a walk across eighteen holes. Tune in for thoughtful, often surprising discussions that remind us why this game continues to captivate so many.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 274

The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf
Podcast Episodes
The Re-Making of the Masters? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:29
What has The Masters mastered—what might it be losing along the way?In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine and cohost Dr. Kevin Moore ("The Professor") take a loving but honest look…
The Dopamine Dance: Navigating Golf's Addictive Allure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:39
What keeps us coming back to golf—and when does obsession cross into addiction?In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine and cohost Dr. Kevin Moore (a.k.a. “The Professor”) unpack the p…
Rollback Is the Wrong Word: What F1 Teaches Golf About Regulation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:04
What if golf stopped calling it a rollback and started calling it what it really is: normal regulation of the In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, our host duo of Matt and Dr. Kevin("The Professor") u…
No Winter Lasts Forever: Anthony Kim, Redemption, and Spring’s Return [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:08
Is your game (and your mental state) ready for the season ahead? No Winter Lasts Forever: Anthony Kim, Redemption, and Spring’s Return — Matt Considine and Dr. Kevin Moore (“The Professor”) get into that familiar late-wi…
The Moe Norman Legend: Todd Graves & the Single-Plane Swing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:37
Can one swing make golf simpler — and keep you playing longer?In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine and cohost Dr. Kevin Moore (a.k.a. “The Professor”) sit down with Todd Graves (fo…
Return to St. Andrews: The Pilgrimage II Reunion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:36
What happens when eight NewClub members stop being polite and start getting REAL? This is the true story of the Pilgrimage II to St. Andrews and our Reunion special…In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf…
Rolling with the Punches: MMA Fights and Fourball Heights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:02
How does a professional MMA fighter go from combat to the course and find meaning in amateur golf? In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine and co-host Dr. Kevin Moore (a.k.a. “The Pro…