Ryder Cup Underdogs: From JJ Henry to JJ Spaun with Sean Martin

Why does the Ryder Cup make us care so deeply about even the most obscure of Ryder Cuppers?

In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine welcomes back friend of the program and EMMY NOMINATED Sean Martin (Senior Manager, Content Development at the PGA TOUR) to celebrate the magic of fall golf, preview the Ryder Cup, and share stories of lesser-known names who became cult heroes. From JJ Spaun’s resilience to Rory McIlroy’s emotional connection with fans, they explore how community, history, and team spirit make this event unlike anything else in golf.

The conversation dives into:

Why fall is golf’s best seasonSean’s favorite Ryder Cup underdog storiesJJ Spaun’s comeback and Rory’s emotional pullHome-field advantage and Keegan Bradley’s captaincyPredictions for Bethpage and future Ryder Cup cult heroes

Connect with our guest

📸 Sean Martin — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmartingolf/

🐦 Sean Martin — X/Twitter: https://x.com/PGATOURSMartin

💼 Sean Martin — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spmartin/

Join the NewClub community

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Links & Partners

🐝 NewClub: https://www.newclub.golf

🏌️ Titleist: https://www.titleist.com

🌐 Golf Blueprint: https://www.golfblueprint.com

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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/

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Fall Golf Enthusiasm

02:42 Golf Seasons: Preferences and Experiences

05:36 Ryder Cup Anticipation and Content Creation

08:13 Highlighting Underrated Golfers in the Ryder Cup

11:12 Obscure Ryder Cup Heroes and Their Stories

19:54 Seve’s Heartbreaking Ryder Cup Experience

21:27 Memorable American Players in Ryder Cup History

23:15 The Unique Journey of Jeff Overton

24:54 Exploring Lesser-Known Ryder Cup Heroes

27:02 The Impact of Nicolas Colsaerts

28:33 The Molinari Brothers’ Legacy

30:35 The Rise of Ben Curtis and Ryan Moore

32:26 Future Cult Heroes of the Ryder Cup

34:15 Predictions for the Upcoming Ryder Cup

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.