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, host Matt Considine and co‑host Dr. Kevin Moore (a.k.a. “The Professor”) sit down with members of our Pilgrimage II crew — Robert Bruce, Scott Ford, Chris Knoizen, George Myers, Ian O’Br ien, Jay Searle, Todd Smith and Jeff Walraven — to explore how returning to St. Andrews reveals the true soul of the game. From travel mishaps and tempestuous weather to spirited matches for the Pilgrimage Quaish, this reunion episode examines the traditions, camaraderie, and life lessons forged on the links.
The conversation dives into:
- The peace and perspective found in St. Andrews, and why this trip feels different every time
- How a lost passport and Scottish hospitality turned into an unforgettable travel story
- Playing through gale‑force winds at Carnoustie and what makes links golf so memorable
- The excitement of chasing the Old Course ballot and the thrill of teeing off on golf’s most storied turf
- Friendly rivalries, team dynamics and the quest for the Pilgrimage Quaish
- Cultural connections—from speaking Korean on the Eden course to hickory‑club rounds and Highland explorations
- Life lessons about embracing the present moment and making the game accessible for everyone
Connect with our guests and the Pilgrimage II Crew:
⛳ Robert Bruce — NewClub Atlanta
⛳ Scott Ford — NewClub Atlanta
⛳ Chris Knoizen — NewClub Atlanta
⛳ George Myers — NewClub Chicago
⛳ Ian O’Br ien — NewClub National
⛳ Jay Searle — NewClub Chicago
⛳ Todd Smith — NewClub Atlanta
⛳ Jeff Walraven — NewClub National
Join the NewClub community
🌍 Website: https://www.newclub.golf
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newclubgolf/
🐦 X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/newclubgolf
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@newclubgolf
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newclub
Links & Partners
🏌️ Titleist: https://www.titleist.com
🌐 Adamson Links: https://www.adamsonlinks.com/
Listen to The Bag Drop
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bag-drop-untold-stories-in-golf/id1430328006
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xRWtUBJH8RazdLw14oaGH
🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/633c8703-5880-4522-bd6d-5967b45fc777/the-bag-drop-untold-stories-in-golf
🎧 Transistor: https://thebagdrop.transistor.fm/
Connect with Matt & The Professor
🎙️ Matt Considine — 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/consequential85 | 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consequence18/ | 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-considine-103bb21/
📚 Dr. Kevin Moore ("The Professor") — 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/kevcmoore | 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevcmoore | 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-moore-177b30b3/
🗣️ Contribute to the show! — 📧 email: thebagdrop@newclub.golf
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the NewClub Pilgrimage
02:01 The Spirit of St. Andrews
05:43 The Pilgrimage Experience
06:48 Reflections on the Journey
09:54 Challenges and Triumphs
13:21 Unreasonable Hospitality
15:05 The Competition Dynamics
20:31 Memorable Moments at Carnoustie
23:24 Cultural Connections in Golf
28:42 The Old Course Experience
29:59 Navigating the Anxiety of Tee Times
32:47 The Experience of Playing at St. Andrews
36:32 Lessons from the Old Course
40:42 Memorable Encounters and Connections
45:17 Exploring Beyond St. Andrews
57:35 Reflections on the Pilgrimage Experience
58:04 Unexpected Moments in Golf History
01:00:14 The Hickory Experience: A Memorable Round
01:02:33 Transformative Golf Journeys: Lessons Learned
01:04:30 The Closing Dinner: Reflections and Toasts
01:09:10 Personal Growth Through Golf
01:12:32 The Spiritual Journey of Golf
01:18:13 Advice for Future Pilgrims: Embracing the Experience
What is NewClub?
Founded in 2017, NewClub is the premier private golf society in the United States. It blends the community and access of a private club with the variety and affordability of public golf. Members enjoy thousands of reserved tee times, competitions and events at exceptional partner courses across our local chapters, as well as signature trips and exclusive perks. NewClub is revolutionizing golf membership, making the game more meaningful for those who love it.
What is The Bag Drop?
The Bag Drop features weekly stories from the culture, community and characters shaping golf today. Produced by NewClub Golf Society, each episode blends authenticity and expert insights for passionate golfers at all levels. Special guests from clubs, courses and every corner of the changing landscape join us for thoughtful, in‑depth discussions on all things golf.
