Card Carrying Golf Sicko, Shane Ryan
NewClub > www.newclub.golf
NV5 Invitational Presented by Old National Bank > nv5invitational.com
Shane Ryan > x.com/ShaneRyanHere
Shane Ryan, a golf writer from Golf Digest, discusses his passion for golf and his approach to storytelling in his podcasts and articles. He shares his journey into golf writing and how he became fascinated with the history and human stories behind the sport. The conversation also touches on the evolving perception of Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy's heartbreaking losses at the US Open. In this conversation, Shane and the hosts discuss various topics related to golf, including the performance of today's greats, the state of professional golf, the importance of pro golf to the game and the up-and-comers, the challenges faced by club professionals, and the selection of Keegan Bradley as the US Ryder Cup captain. Shane shares his insights and opinions on these subjects, providing a unique perspective on the sport.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the "Hot" Golf Nerd
03:08 Shane's Approach to Research and Storytelling
08:42 The Fascination with Golf History and Human Stories
15:35 The Emotional Impact of Major Tournaments
19:06 Bryson DeChambeau's Transformation and Changing Perception
24:26 Rory McIlroy's Heartbreaking Losses at Major Tournaments
25:36 The Uncertainty of the Open at Royal Troon
26:06 Rory McIlroy's Performance
29:04 The Changing Importance of Professional Golf
31:25 The Impact of COVID on Golf
35:11 The Story Behind the Tobacco Road Icon
43:36 The Challenges Faced by Club Professionals
48:37 The Surprising Selection of Keegan Bradley as Ryder Cup Captain
51:46 Shane's Focus on Human Interest and Historical Narratives in Golf
Creators and Guests
Host
Matt Considine
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.
Host
The Professor
NewClub's Chief Ambassador and every golf sicko's favorite educator. Kevin is a thoughtful and deeply curious host. His studied, constructivist approach adds intellectual enrichment and balance to the show. As a professor of Math Education at the University of Georgia, Kevin's background in applied mathematics and cognitive psychology uniquely informs his insights on golf strategy and performance. Originally from Ohio, Kevin was a Division I collegiate golfer at the University of Akron, where his passion for understanding mathematical thinking began. After earning his doctorate from Arizona State University, he combined his analytical expertise with his love for golf by co-founding Golf Blueprint, an organization aimed at helping golfers optimize their games through data-driven strategies. Kevin enjoys balancing deep philosophical discussions with simple pleasures, such as indulging his sweet tooth, cheering on college football, and spending relaxed evenings with his friends, his wife, and their beloved dog, Nole.