Redesigning the Game: Jay Blasi and Golf’s Biggest Questions
Our Host Matt Considine welcomes golf course architect Jay Blasi. They discuss Jay's passion for golf, his upbringing in a golf-centric family, and his journey into architecture. Jay shares stories from his childhood, including drawing golf holes and his family's connection to Beverly Country Club. The conversation explores imagination in design, the challenges of starting his own firm, and his work on Chambers Bay, a landmark course that balances public access with championship quality. Jay discusses media narratives regarding golf course reputations, focusing on Poppy Ridge, and emphasizes sustainability through innovative grass choices. The discussion also covers the NCGA's role in promoting public golf, rising industry costs, and public-private partnerships for municipal courses. Jay reflects on the transformation of the Golden Gate Park Golf Course and shares his excitement for upcoming projects.
NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf
Titleist > https://www.titleist.com
Jay Blasi Design > https://blasigolf.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:54 Jay Blasi's Early Life and Connection to Golf
05:58 The Journey to Golf Course Architecture
08:49 Childhood Memories and Caddy Stories
12:09 The Importance of Imagination in Design
15:04 Starting J. Blasi Design
17:54 Chambers Bay: A Career Milestone
20:48 Design Philosophy and Achievements at Chambers Bay
27:36 The Impact of Media on Golf Course Reputation
28:12 Exploring Poppy Ridge Golf Course
29:22 The Landscape and Design Decisions at Poppy Ridge
33:31 The Role of NCGA in Public Golf
38:11 Innovative Grass Choices for Sustainability
41:11 Addressing Rising Costs in Golf
46:01 Public-Private Partnerships in Golf
50:21 Transforming Golden Gate Park Golf Course
55:09 Upcoming Projects and Future Aspirations
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Our Host Matt Considine welcomes golf course architect Jay Blasi. They discuss Jay's passion for golf, his upbringing in a golf-centric family, and his journey into architecture. Jay shares stories from his childhood, including drawing golf holes and his family's connection to Beverly Country Club. The conversation explores imagination in design, the challenges of starting his own firm, and his work on Chambers Bay, a landmark course that balances public access with championship quality. Jay discusses media narratives regarding golf course reputations, focusing on Poppy Ridge, and emphasizes sustainability through innovative grass choices. The discussion also covers the NCGA's role in promoting public golf, rising industry costs, and public-private partnerships for municipal courses. Jay reflects on the transformation of the Golden Gate Park Golf Course and shares his excitement for upcoming projects.
NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf
Titleist > https://www.titleist.com
Jay Blasi Design > https://blasigolf.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:54 Jay Blasi's Early Life and Connection to Golf
05:58 The Journey to Golf Course Architecture
08:49 Childhood Memories and Caddy Stories
12:09 The Importance of Imagination in Design
15:04 Starting J. Blasi Design
17:54 Chambers Bay: A Career Milestone
20:48 Design Philosophy and Achievements at Chambers Bay
27:36 The Impact of Media on Golf Course Reputation
28:12 Exploring Poppy Ridge Golf Course
29:22 The Landscape and Design Decisions at Poppy Ridge
33:31 The Role of NCGA in Public Golf
38:11 Innovative Grass Choices for Sustainability
41:11 Addressing Rising Costs in Golf
46:01 Public-Private Partnerships in Golf
50:21 Transforming Golden Gate Park Golf Course
55:09 Upcoming Projects 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.
