{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf","title":"Open & Closed: Exploring Golf's Accessibility with Ru MacDonald","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/e66a01ec\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3970,"description":"The Open Championship! Most golf nuts' favorite golf-on-tv week of the year (Sincerest apologies to the third week in April). Matt and the Professor welcome a special guest, Ru MacDonald of Cruden Bay fame, to explore his insights on the cultural aspects of golf in Scotland, the impact of technology, and the importance of accessibility and sustainability in the sport. The discussion also highlights lesser-known golf courses (do we dare say hidden gems?), the influence of Americanism on Scottish golf, and the community aspect of the game that is still thriving in an era not so open. Plus some picks for the Champion Golfer of the Year. The episode concludes with reflections on balancing passion and profession in one’s chosen career.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNewClub > [https://www.newclub.golf](https://www.newclub.golf/)\r\n\r\nTitleist > [https://www.titleist.com](https://www.titleist.com/)\r\n\r\nConnect with Ru and Linksland > https://www.linksland.golf/\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChapters\r\n\r\n00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Golf Engagement\r\n02:41 Matt's Return to Competitive Golf\r\n05:22 Independence Day and Anticipation for the Open Championship\r\n08:15 Insights from Titleist Fitting Experience\r\n11:01 Interview with Ru McDonald: Golf in Scotland\r\n13:57 Bob McIntyre's Impact on Scottish Golf\r\n16:33 The Art of Ball Flight Manipulation\r\n19:21 Port Rush Preparations for the Open Championship\r\n22:08 The Unique Experience of Attending The Open\r\n25:18 Cultural Aspects of Golf in Scotland vs. America\r\n29:56 The Accessibility of Golf in Scotland\r\n31:26 American Influence on Scottish Golf\r\n32:17 Balancing Tradition and Modernization\r\n37:40 The Future of Golf in Scotland\r\n40:21 The Passion for Golf Course Architecture\r\n42:57 Hidden Gems in Scottish Golf\r\n48:13 The 12-Hole Golf Movement\r\n52:37 The Secret Sauce of DP World Tour Videos\r\n57:21 Navigating a Career in Golf","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/UTWF4LINKJxQLEH-r1aPYxPmlXn5V5SbcsdRGBvWeuk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iNTEx/NjJmODg0OWI2ZGU5/NmZlMDBhMDljZDFh/YmNkYi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}