Wrapping NewClub Year One with Matt
The onset of the cold weather, warm white blankets, and grey skies send us golfers in the winter season reflecting on the past year’s favorite rounds, walks, and experiences.
It seems the imprint of golf is never more apparent than when the chill of winter takes the game away for a short few months. Yet, just as the golfer is always looking toward the next shot, winter inspires us to look forward to the next year. We ask ourselves: What are our golf goals? What courses are we most looking forward to playing? What new relationships and experiences will we create?
As I sit here on a rainy and cold Georgia day, I wonder what our NewClub’s founder Matt Considine thought of the past year -- NewClub’s inaugural season. Secretly, I’m more curious what is in store for NewClub’s coming year.
So, why not ask the man himself?
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Kevin Moore: If you had to sum up NewClub Year One in one word, what would that word be?
Matt Considine: [Laughs] Compelling.
I laugh because some of our members give me a hard time about how often I use that word.
When you hear the word “compelling,” I think it’s easy to think more about a golf course itself -- the bones, the architecture, the design... maybe spots like the Old Course. But really, when I use “compelling” I mean the entire experience -- the place, the people, the conversation, and the game. Irresistible golf that makes you spring out of bed in the morning. The feeling you get after shaking hands on the last hole and sharing a drink after a match. All those things combined is compelling golf.
KM: What is your favorite NewClub memory of the past year?
MC: The Founder’s Cup at Sand Valley. We planned an event at the end of the season to help celebrate our founding season, but we really couldn’t predict if people would rally that late in the year.
We were happily surprised. Twenty four of us came up for two straight days of match play in late October, and it was one of the best events I’ve ever attended. For me, I most enjoyed sitting around the fire pit after a cold day of golf and hearing everyone reflect on their matches from the day and memories from the season. Mark and I were so busy most of the year keeping things going, it was nice to sit back and reflect. That first Founder’s Cup is something I’ll remember forever. Also, we trounced Mark’s team 9 ½ points to 5 ½… So that was nice :)
KM: What personal golf experience of the past year will you remember the longest?
MC: Mike Walker’s ace on the par 3 tenth hole at Mount Prospect. I wasn't there, but I turned on my phone after a tournament I played that day and had 15 text messages giving me every detail of Mike’s first ace. I got a few from everyone in Mike’s group, some from the group ahead, and one guy who showed up three hours later who heard all about it. I was emotional, man! It wasn’t just Walker’s first ace, it was our first ace as a golf society. I’m really thankful we were able to share that experience with Mike and everyone else.
KM: What is one lesson related to golf that you have learned in the past year?
MC: I used to think if I played better golf, I’d enjoy it more. But this year, I realized that it’s actually the other way around -- if I enjoy golf more, then I’ll play better. The realization has changed everything I do on the course. I play faster, I worry less, and I swing more freely, listen more intently. I still collect scorecards but I’m focusing on the overall experience more than ever.
KM: Okay, now what we are all wondering about: NewClub Year Two. Give me the outlook in one word.
MC: Connection.
Year two is an important year for any organization and we welcome the challenge. Mark and I are focusing our efforts heavily on connecting with new members, new courses, new clubs, and new experiences. We are rebuilding our mobile app from scratch and plan to add a whole new suite of capabilities so the NewClub community can more easily connect through the game of golf. We also launched a beta in our second market of Northeast Ohio which was a huge milestone for us.
KM: What NewClub Year Two experience are you most looking forward to?
MC: We’ve planned five or six winter events to hold us all over, but the one I’m most excited about is our first event and first round of the spring. “The Spring Meeting,” as it’s aptly titled, has been kept top-secret while we work on all the details. I think we’ll be revealing the location very soon. Keeping it quiet has been tough and I couldn’t be more excited to share the experience with those who are able to make it.
KC: What personal and golf goals are you setting for the 2019 season?
MC: One goal I have written down at home is to remain ‘more curious than afraid.’ It’s a saying that came from a conversation I had with the author of ZenGolf, Dr. Joe Parent who was a recent guest on our podcast. It’s so easy to stress about decisions and results, or listen to naysayers and their perceptions. But when I’m naturally curious, and trying out new ideas, I feel like I’m at my best and so is NewClub.
KM: What do you hope all NewClub members say as they reflect on the completion of the 2019 golf season?
MC: “Good People” We want everyone to enjoy and appreciate their golf, but more than anything, I want our members to walk away from the season with a sense of connection to the people who play it.
KM: Last but not least. Are there any NewClub year two surprises to tease?
MC: Can I tease the Spring Meeting some more? [Laughs] Well, the other surprise I think people will enjoy is the new mobile app. Members really liked the first version of the mobile app, but the new version will allow our members, club partners, and hosts to do so much more from a technology perspective.
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Thanks for your insight, Matt.
As I reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year, one thing stands out: community. Community is loosely defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, typically around a common characteristic. I can think of no better definition of community than sharing compelling walks chasing a white ball.
See you on the first tee in 2019.