Redesigning the Game: Jay Blasi and Golf’s Biggest Questions

Show Notes

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

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.

What is The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf?

A golf podcast about life. Weekly stories from the culture, community, and characters shaping the game today. The Bag Drop blends honest authenticity with expert insights for passionate golfers at every level. Produced by NewClub and supported by its members, each episode welcomes guests from clubs, courses, and the lesser-known corners of the golf world for thoughtful discussions on all things golf and life.

Founded in 2017, NewClub is the first of its kind golf society in the United States; blending the community and access of a private club with the variety and affordability more typical of public golf. Members enjoy thousands of reserved tee times, competitions, and events at exceptional partner courses across our local chapters, plus signature trips and exclusive perks. NewClub is on a mission to revolutionize golf membership, making the game more meaningful for all those who love it.

🎧 Listen, rate, review, and subscribe to The Bag Drop:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bag-drop-untold-stories-in-golf/id1430328006
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xRWtUBJH8RazdLw14oaGH
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-bag-drop
Transistor: https://thebagdrop.transistor.fm

⛳ Learn more about NewClub: https://www.newclub.golf