From Buenos Aires to the Big Leagues: Jaime Lopez Rivarola on Failure and Forward Motion
In this episode, Matt and Kevin discuss the NCAA Championship hopes of the University of Akron Zips, share facts about Argentina, and welcome golfer Jaime Lopez Rivarola. Jaime recounts his journey from Argentina to the U.S. and his junior golf experiences, highlighting the golf federation's support for young players. He reflects on leading the Latin American Amateur Championship and transitioning to college golf in the U.S., emphasizing lessons learned and keys to consistency. Jaime offers insights into professional golf, stressing consistency, mindset, and adaptability. He describes the challenges of traveling on mini-tours, the role of family in his growth, and the importance of realistic goals. Jaime's journey illustrates the dedication needed for success in professional golf and the unique stories from life on the road.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and NCAA Championship Hopes
02:56 Fun Facts About Argentina
06:04 Jaime Lopez Rivarola: A Rising Star in Golf
09:06 The Journey to Golf: Jaime's Early Years
11:53 The Competitive Junior Golf Scene in Argentina
14:55 Leading the Latin American Amateur Championship
18:08 The Role of the Federation in Golf Development
21:05 Transitioning to College Golf in the USA
24:02 Keys to Consistency in Golf Performance
33:40 The Importance of Consistency in Golf Practice
36:13 Mindset and Faith in Practice
39:00 Embracing Challenges and Adaptability
40:56 Going Low: The Mindset of Professional Golfers
45:59 The Realities of Mini Tour Life
51:00 Travel Stories and Experiences on Tour
54:55 Family Influence and Personal Growth
01:00:04 Setting Goals and Future Aspirations
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In this episode, Matt and Kevin discuss the NCAA Championship hopes of the University of Akron Zips, share facts about Argentina, and welcome golfer Jaime Lopez Rivarola. Jaime recounts his journey from Argentina to the U.S. and his junior golf experiences, highlighting the golf federation's support for young players. He reflects on leading the Latin American Amateur Championship and transitioning to college golf in the U.S., emphasizing lessons learned and keys to consistency. Jaime offers insights into professional golf, stressing consistency, mindset, and adaptability. He describes the challenges of traveling on mini-tours, the role of family in his growth, and the importance of realistic goals. Jaime's journey illustrates the dedication needed for success in professional golf and the unique stories from life on the road.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and NCAA Championship Hopes
02:56 Fun Facts About Argentina
06:04 Jaime Lopez Rivarola: A Rising Star in Golf
09:06 The Journey to Golf: Jaime's Early Years
11:53 The Competitive Junior Golf Scene in Argentina
14:55 Leading the Latin American Amateur Championship
18:08 The Role of the Federation in Golf Development
21:05 Transitioning to College Golf in the USA
24:02 Keys to Consistency in Golf Performance
33:40 The Importance of Consistency in Golf Practice
36:13 Mindset and Faith in Practice
39:00 Embracing Challenges and Adaptability
40:56 Going Low: The Mindset of Professional Golfers
45:59 The Realities of Mini Tour Life
51:00 Travel Stories and Experiences on Tour
54:55 Family Influence and Personal Growth
01:00:04 Setting Goals and Future Aspirations
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.
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.
