Founder of NewClub and our resident feel player. Matt’s junior golf career led him to the University of Akron where he met our co-host. During his junior year, Matt Studied abroad in Ireland and discovered golf societies. Subsequent trips to Scotland fed his passion for the history, ideals, and culture of accessible, affordable, and sustainable golf, a concept he would later bring to the U.S. with NewClub. Known for his interviewing style, quick wit, and compelling storytelling, Matt brings thoughtful, reflective conversations to The Bag Drop. His professional journey before NewClub included multiple leadership positions in growth-stage startups, where he managed teams responsible for more than $250 million in revenue. Matt actively gives back to the game as a Board Member of the First Tee of Akron and past chair of the Evans Scholar Foundation. Proudly based in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, Matt finds inspiration in family life with his wife, their three children, and their golf dog, Gypsy.
In this episode, we spoke with Marty Schiene, a former All-American at University of Illinois, three-time Illinois Open champion, former member of the PGA tour, and the head men’s go...
In part 2 of this episode, Rob and I discuss our first experiences playing the old course in St. Andrews, its impact on his design principles and view of the game, Rob’s dream design...
In this two-part episode, I spoke with Rob Collins, the golf course architect, designer, and influential force behind Sweetens Cove in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. In part 1, we talk ...
On this very special episode I speak with Dr. Joseph Parent, author of the best selling book Zen Golf. Dr. Joe has been a PGA tour instructor for the last 35 years has changed the wa...
In this episode, we spoke with the founder of the RGV Tour, Patrick Koenig. On January 31, 2018, Patrick set out in his appropriately named “recreational golf vehicle” to play as muc...
In this episode of the Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, we spoke with Maxwell Evans, PGA teaching professional at SmartGolf & Fitness in Chicago. Max represents the next wave of ins...
In this episode, our guest is Mike Harmon, PGA professional, and the director of golf at Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, South Carolina. When we asked Mike to highlight some of his ...
In this episode we’re speaking with Carrie Williams, the executive director of the Illinois section for the PGA of America. As the largest sports organization in the world, the P...
When traveling to Ireland to play the oldest and most well-known golf clubs in the world, one might stand out: Royal County Down. I've played it twice before, but this time was uniqu...
Our first guest on the NewClub podcast is Don Pieper, PGA, the general manager and director of golf at the Merit Club in Libertyville, Illinois. Hear about how Don got into the golf ...
Some analysts say the golf business is dwindling. Others contest that after years of decline, the industry has stabilized and is now positioned for a resurgence. Regardless of what t...