Discovering Barassie: A member's club accepting guests in Troon
NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf
NV5 Invitational Presented by Old National Bank > https://nv5invitational.com/
Barassie Links > https://www.kbgc.co.uk/
Summary
In this episode, host Matt Considine interviews David Addison, the general manager of Barassie-Kilmarnock Links in Ayrshire, Scotland. They discuss David's background in golf, his childhood playing for the Scottish national team, his experience playing college golf in the United States for the University of Akron, and his journey back to Scotland, where he now works at the club where he has been a member since age 8. They also talk about Barassie Links and other golf courses in the area. David shares insights into the Scottish golf industry and dispels some misconceptions about Scottish golf. The conversation highlights the importance of competition and member engagement in Scottish golf clubs. Matt and David touch on various topics related to the golf industry, including the differences between being a PGA professional in Scotland and the United States, the expectations and roles of PGA professionals, the importance of community and membership in Scottish clubs, and the accessibility of golf for juniors.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
10:47 David Addison's Golf Journey
23:54 Misconceptions About Scottish Golf
25:24 Differences Between Scottish and American Golf Clubs
32:46 Learning from American Clubs and Embracing Tradition
00:00 Technical Difficulties and Re-Introduction
01:13 Differences in the Roles of PGA Professionals
09:26 Creating a Strong Golfing Culture for Juniors
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.