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: 50

The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf
Podcast Episodes
Is England home to the best golf trip in the world? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:02
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…
Golf as a Creative Canvas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:54
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…
Sand Hills Golf Club [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:10
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 balancin…
Redesigning the Game: Jay Blasi and Golf’s Biggest Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:41
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, in…
How King Collins Dormer Landed Their Dream Job at Royal Dornoch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:26
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.…
Is Golf Losing Its Soul? The Battle Between Profit, Purpose, and Play [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:36
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 deve…