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: [email protected]

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.