Is This Still a Simulation?

Can Simulated Golf Build Real Community? What if golf’s next great clubhouse is in your neighborhood? In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf , host Matt Considine sits down with Jeff Testa , founder of Neighborhood National , to explore how golf simulators, technology, and shared spaces are reshaping the way golfers connect, practice, and build community. The conversation dives into: How technology and simulators are expanding access to golf Why municipal and local golf remains vital for affordability and inclusion The entrepreneurial journey behind Neighborhood National The balance between altruism and business in golf How social connection fuels the next era of the game Connect with our guest ⛳ Jeff Testa — https://www.neighborhoodnationalgc.com — 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/GolfNeighbor | 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborhood.national | 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-testa-86507823a/ Join the NewClub community 🌍 Website: https://www.newclub.golf 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newclubgolf/ 🐦 X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/newclubgolf 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@newclubgolf 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newclub Links & Partners 🏡 Neighborhood National: https://www.neighborhoodnationalgc.com 🏌️ Titleist: https://www.titleist.com 🌐 Golf Blueprint: https://www.golfblueprint.com Listen to The Bag Drop 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bag-drop-untold-stories-in-golf/id1430328006 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xRWtUBJH8RazdLw14oaGH 🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/633c8703-5880-4522-bd6d-5967b45fc777/the-bag-drop-untold-stories-in-golf 🎧 Transistor: https://thebagdrop.transistor.fm/ Connect with Matt & The Professor 🎙️ Matt Considine — 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/consequential85 | 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consequence18/ | 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-considine-103bb21/ 📚 Dr. Kevin Moore ("The Professor") — 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/kevcmoore | 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevcmoore | 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-moore-177b30b3/ 🗣️ Contribute to the show! — 📧 email: [email protected] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Golf and Community Engagement 02:36 The Rise of Municipal Golf and Accessibility 05:36 Transitioning from Corporate to Startup Life 08:06 Building a Home Golf Simulator 10:46 The Concept of Neighborhood National 13:41 The Evolution of Golf Simulators 16:19 Cultural Shifts in Golf Participation 20:21 Altruism vs. Business in Golf 23:02 Community and Golf: A Shared Experience 25:57 The Importance of Social Connections in Golf 28:42 The Future of Golf Technology 31:38 Navigating the Golf Industry Landscape 34:08 The Role of Neighborhood National in Golf 36:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations What is NewClub? Founded in 2017, NewClub is the premier private golf society in the United States. It blends the community and access of a private club with the variety and affordability of public golf. Members enjoy thousands of reserved tee times, competitions and events at exceptional partner courses across our local chapters, as well as signature trips and exclusive perks. NewClub is revolutionizing golf membership, making the game more meaningful for those who love it. What is The Bag Drop? The Bag Drop features weekly stories from the culture, community and characters shaping golf today. Produced by NewClub Golf Society, each episode blends authenticity and expert insights for passionate golfers at all levels. Special guests from clubs, courses, and every corner of the changing landscape join us for thoughtful, in‑depth discussions on all things golf.