Trump National Bedminster’s Old Course leads the show this week as Ryan breaks down his full round - including what it’s like walking into a mansion-style clubhouse that feels more presidential estate than golf facility, easily one of the most over-the-top clubhouses in the country. On the course, he goes deep on the famous closing stretch: the demanding Par 5, 15th with its deceptive fairway width, tight layup window, and massive green that punishes anything missed right .. followed by the signature Par 3, 16th, a mid-iron over water directly beneath the clubhouse balcony, bigger green than it looks, subtle right-to-left tilt, and a shot that decides rounds instantly. If you’ve ever wanted the real inside look at Bedminster - not headlines, the golf - this is the one to tap play on.
The rest of the episode moves fast: our brand-new website officially launches today (www.GolfingInTheGardenState.com), Mike heads to Disney’s Magnolia Course this Friday followed by a sit-down with their PR & Marketing team, plus quick hitters from around the pro golf world - Worldwide Technology Championship, Max and John in the field, PGA Tour Q-School stage dates, and DP World Tour qualifying updates on David Pastore and Will Celiberti. Big week. Bigger episodes coming.
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This week on The DROP, we sat down in The Banks Room at Hackensack Golf Club with Greg Beringer, the club’s new Head Golf Professional, to dive into his untraditional rise through the game. Greg didn’t grow up inside the ropes - he picked up golf later than most - but his time at Oak Hill Country Club proved to be career-defining. Over nearly a decade, he worked under some of the most respected professionals in the industry, built relationships that became lifelong mentorships, and contributed behind the scenes at major championships like the PGA Championship and Senior PGA. Those years shaped his leadership style and prepared him for the challenge of leading one of New Jersey’s premier private clubs.
In a raw and honest conversation, Greg opens up about his long battle with the driver yips - not just a swing flaw, but a mental block that made it difficult to even start the motion. He shares how fear, frustration, and self-doubt crept into both his game and career, and how mentorship and persistence helped him rebuild his confidence. This one’s for every golfer who’s ever stood over a ball and hesitated.
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This week on The DROP, we uncover the resurgence of Knickerbocker Country Club - a standout in New Jersey’s private golf scene and one of North Jersey’s most historic and underrated clubs. Originally designed in 1914 by Donald Ross, with a major architectural imprint from Herbert Strong, Knickerbocker blends Golden Age strategy with modern edge. Now under the vision of Jaeger Kovich of Proper Golf and Superintendent Kyle Hillegass, the course is undergoing a thoughtful transformation - restoring sightlines, removing trees, and showcasing one of the most dynamic sets of greens in the Garden State.
To close out the episode, we run through this week’s Quick Hitters - including John Pak missing the cut at the Bank of Utah Championship, and results from PGA Tour Q-School First Stage. Dawson Jones came up short, while Melan Dhaubhadel, Ethan Ng, and Peicheng Chen all advanced to Second Stage. We also spotlight the Senior PPC in Florida, where Brian Varsay and Frank Esposito made the final cut, with Frank now eyeing a spot in the Senior PGA Championship. Plus, Ryan tees it up this week at Trump Bedminster - Old Course, with a full recap coming soon.
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What happens when viral content meets Golfing in the Garden State? In this episode of The DROP Podcast, we sit down with Zach Misischia, of The Makeshift Project - one of the fastest-rising content powerhouses in the content game. With millions of followers, views and subscribers across social platforms, Zach dives into how Makeshift built a loyal digital audience from scratch, what it takes to stand out in today’s saturated media world, and how creative grit parallels the mental game of golf. If you're into podcasting, viral media, or just love a good New Jersey success story, this is a must-listen.
Whether you're navigating the rough of content creation or just teeing off your next big idea, Zach's insights are packed with value. We also explore the crossover between golf culture and digital storytelling - why authenticity, consistency, and hustle matter more than ever. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at a creator who's reshaping how the next generation thinks, shares, and connects.
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This week’s DROP takes you behind the gates at Hackensack Golf Club - a private, Charles Banks-designed gem tucked into Bergen County that blends Golden Age architecture with modern championship teeth. We break down the course and explore Banks’ bold use of classic templates like the Redan, Short, Biarritz, Punchbowl, and even the rare Principal’s Nose. With steep-faced bunkers, massive green contours, and a routing that rewards shot-making and course knowledge, Hackensack delivers one of the most thoughtful and strategic tests in the Garden State.
To close out the episode, we run through this week’s Quick Hitters, including which New Jersey courses made the original America’s 200 Toughest list, Reed Greyserman’s medalist win at St. Andrews, and a full Korn Ferry Tour earnings breakdown from James Nicholas - who dropped a video highlighting his total season earnings and expenses from the year. We spotlight rising pros in action, including Dawson Jones, who begins his First Stage of PGA Tour Q-School this week. David Pastore earned Co-Medalist honors at Galloping Hill to advance, with Jack Simon also moving on from the same site, while Colin Summers unfortunately came up just short. Plus, John Pak is in the field at the Bank of Utah Championship.
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A career-defining win. A name etched into MGA history. In this week’s DROP, we sit down with David Pastore, fresh off completing the elusive MGA Slam with a dramatic victory at the 110th Met Open Championship at Meadow Brook Club. Pastore becomes just the fourth player ever to win the Ike, Met Amateur, and Met Open - joining legends like Jerry Courville Sr. and Johnson Wagner. We dive into his journey from winning the Met Junior at age 14 to capturing the biggest title of his career in front of a packed New York crowd. His final-round 70 wasn’t flashy, but it was clutch - highlighted by key birdies at 10 and 12, and steady nerves to edge Ryan McCormick by one shot.
We talk legacy, emotion, and the mindset that got him across the line. Then, we look ahead to what’s next for Pastore as he eyes Korn Ferry Tour Q-School, DP World Tour Q-School, and the next chapter in his professional career. Whether you're chasing titles or just love seeing homegrown talent rise to the moment, this episode is pure gold. Tap in and tee up.
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This week’s DROP takes you inside our unforgettable day at Metedeconk National Golf Club, thanks to Director of Golf Brent Studer, who opened the gates for us to experience one of the most exclusive and demanding layouts in New Jersey. From the world-class practice facility to a full loop on the Tournament Course, we saw firsthand why this Robert Trent Jones Sr. design is considered a true Garden State test. With a slope rating of 153, water in play on seven holes, and perfectly framed tee shots, Metedeconk is as strategic as it is stunning. We break down our favorite holes, course conditions, and what makes this track one of the toughest in the state.
From there, we dive into the hardest courses in New Jersey, using GHIN ratings and slope indexes to shape the convo, with a big shout to the MGA for their featured article on us. On the pro scene, Max finishes solo 2nd at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan, going shot-for-shot with Xander down the stretch. Chris lands at T40, and on the Korn Ferry Tour, James wraps up the Finals with eyes on what’s next. Whether you're grinding local muni tracks or chasing the dream, this episode brings you stories, strategy, and that signature New Jersey golf energy.
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This week on The DROP Podcast, we sit down with Matt Ginella, Founder of Fire Pit Productions and now Chief Storyteller for KemperSports, following their groundbreaking partnership. Ginella opens up about what this next chapter means for golf media - where storytelling, course culture, and community collide. Known for his soulful approach to documenting the heart of the game, Matt shares how Fire Pit Productions will now help showcase the spirit behind KemperSports’ 200+ golf properties, starting with Streamsong, where architect David McLay Kidd is designing a fifth course. If you love the art of golf storytelling, this is one you’ll want to queue up immediately.
We dive deep into Matt’s 25-year journey through the game - from his early days at Sports Illustrated and Golf Digest to his time on-air with Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” and now leading one of golf’s most creative storytelling teams. He talks about Fire Pit’s ongoing projects with Youth on Course, Areté Collective, and Tourism Ireland, and what it means to tell stories that move beyond news and into the soul of golf itself. Whether you’re here for the destinations, the architecture, or the people who keep the game alive, this episode proves why Ginella’s voice continues to shape the conversation.
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Four years in, and we’re just getting started. The DROP Podcast kicks off Year 4 with big momentum and even bigger swings. With a growing community behind us and new support from Thrive, Sugarloaf Social Club, and the long-awaited Jersey Mike’s, we’re taking “Golfing in the Garden State” to the next level. We also reveal our brand-new YouTube video format designed for deeper dives and sharper storytelling.
This week’s rounds were nothing short of legendary. Mike takes on the iconic Merion Golf Club (East Course), breaking down one of the most storied tracks in America, while the crew links up with Zach from The Makeshift Project for an unreal day at Pine Barrens Golf Club - a course in absolute peak shape, giving off major Pine Valley-Lite vibes. Big thanks to LAB Golf for sending over a new wand that’s already changing the game.
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Fresh off a semifinal run at the 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur, Christian Cavaliere lit it up again - this time carding a course-record 9-under 63 at The Stanwich Club. The Hudson National standout and reigning New York State Open champ is dialed in, and we caught up with him to talk about staying sharp, staying grounded, and chasing peak performance on the Mid-Am circuit.
But golf is only half the story. Christian is also the founder of Tremont Sporting Co., a premium golf lifestyle brand built by players, for players. What started as a dorm-room side hustle - sewing patches onto hats between tournaments - has evolved into a full-scale creative operation based in West Palm Beach. Today, Tremont crafts custom leather goods and refined accessories for some of the finest clubs in the country. Rooted in craftsmanship and elevated design, Christian and his team are reshaping golf’s visual language - one detail at a time.
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156 weeks. 156 episodes. Zero misses. That’s the streak we’ve proudly built at The DROP Podcast: Golfing in the Garden State. Through vacations, sickness, personal commitments, and everyday life - we’ve never skipped a week since launch. That consistency isn't just rare in podcasting. It’s a reflection of how much we care about this show, this game, and you, the listener. Whether you’ve been with us from episode one or just hit play for the first time, this milestone is a celebration of showing up - every single week - for the game we love.
And this week, we’re putting the heat on Keegan Bradley and the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Did Keegan fail the squad? Is the blame on one man, or are we looking at a system problem? We break down the shaky team chemistry, questionable captain’s calls, and whether a fan-fueled frenzy became a full-on distraction. Was the course too easy? Did the pressure of being the “gritty guy” backfire? We’re asking the tough questions - because the stars and stripes should have shown up stronger. Let’s get into it. 🇺🇸
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Matt Lowe continues to build on his elite amateur legacy with another standout season in 2025, recently adding a win at the MGA Public Links Championship at Hominy Hill to his resume. Lowe’s consistency, sharp ball striking, and ability to show up in big moments have made him a fixture at the top of leaderboards across the region. After a runner-up finish at The Farrell, Lowe’s 2025 campaign is shaping up to be a worthy follow-up to his 2024 MGA Jerry Courville Sr. Player of the Year season - where he racked up wins at the Richardson Memorial and Mittelmark Invitational, claimed low amateur honors at the Long Island and New York State Opens, and made deep runs in nearly every major Met event.
We break down Lowe’s full body of work - past and present - from his return to amateur status in 2022 to seven top-10 finishes last year, and now his continued dominance at Hominy Hill. With his name now mentioned alongside Met legends, Lowe has checked off a major career goal - but his 2025 season shows he’s far from finished.
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We spent the day playing one of the most iconic tracks in the Garden State - Baltusrol Golf Club’s Lower Course - and it did not disappoint. From the architectural evolution of the par-3 4th - once reshaped by Robert Trent Jones and now restored by Gil Hanse - to the renewed greens and bunkers throughout, Baltusrol’s Lower Course is a masterclass in design and legacy. We break it all down, then shift gears into Ryder Cup 2025 talk: team pairings we’re dying to see, bold predictions, and how the competition stacks up heading into golf’s biggest international stage.
That’s just the front nine. We’re also diving into a massive week for golfers in our area - shoutout to Christian Cavaliere, who made a run to the Final Four at the U.S. Mid-Am, then just a few days later fired a course-record 63 at The Stanwich Club. We recap the NJPGA Championship at Knickerbocker and tease our upcoming segment, “From the Grandstand.” On the Korn Ferry Tour, we recap the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, where Ryan and James missed the cut, and preview a do-or-die week at the Compliance Solutions Championship as both players fight to reach the Finals.
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This week on The DROP Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Shutte, Head Coach of the Rutgers Men’s Golf Team, for an inside look at how he's building a powerhouse program in the Big Ten. Coach Shutte shares his recruiting approach, player development mindset, and the culture driving Rutgers to national recognition. We also explore his mentorship of PGA Tour winner and Rutgers alum Chris Gotterup, and how their time together shaped one of New Jersey’s brightest golf stars.
From cultivating local talent to competing in the Big Ten, this episode offers valuable insight for aspiring golfers, parents, and fans of NJ golf. Discover how Rutgers is growing the game - and preparing the next wave of elite players.
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What if getting on the course in New Jersey required a license? This week on The DROP Podcast, we explore Golf Platzreife, Germany’s unique certification that proves a golfer is truly course-ready. It’s not just about skill - it’s about etiquette, pace, and responsibility. As public golf in NJ gets busier and more competitive, we ask: could a system like this improve the game for everyone? Whether you're a seasoned player or weekend warrior, this is a conversation that hits close to home.
We also check in on the U.S. Mid-Amateur, where NJ standouts like Troy Vannucci, Jerry Wall, and Brian Hart are in the field, along with MGA stars Stewart Hagestad and Christian Cavaliere. Then it’s a preview of the 98th NJPGA Championship at Knickerbocker CC (Sept 16–18), where the Top 11 pros will qualify for the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes. On the pro scene, we recap the Procure Championship, review the PGA Tour Fall Season, and break down Korn Ferry Playoffs action, with Ryan and James competing in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. Oh, and yes - Tiger Woods was up at Liberty National.
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Dean Greyserman stormed his way to the 2025 MET Amateur title - and never looked back. Representing Hamilton Farm, the rising Stanford senior defeated a loaded field of the Metropolitan area’s best, capping off his run with a 3 & 1 victory over Matt Lowe in the 36-hole final at Old Oaks. Greyserman trailed for just two holes all day, taking control early and delivering in the biggest moments - highlighted by a momentum-shifting birdie on 10, a piped drive on 14, and a gutsy wedge from a divot on 17 to close it out. With his brother Reed (the 2025 Ike champion) on the bag, the Greyserman duo proved nearly unstoppable, blending course knowledge with calm, surgical execution.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. Along the way, Dean outplayed some of the most respected names in the MET region, cementing his place among the area’s elite amateurs. The title followed his appearance at the 125th U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club, capping off a summer where his game and confidence hit new heights. After Reed’s win at the Ike earlier this summer, Dean’s Met Am title continued a dominant stretch for the Greyserman brothers. Heading into his senior year at Stanford, Dean’s game is sharp, his résumé is growing, and his ceiling is only getting higher.
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What’s one public course in New Jersey we haven’t played - but absolutely need to? Inspired by our Instagram poll, Mike and Ryan reveal their Garden State golf bucket lists, from legendary layouts to hidden gems still waiting for a tee time. Then we tee up a question every golfer’s asked: What does it really take to be a “good” golfer? Is it breaking 90? Shooting in the 70s? Or just keeping the ball in play? This is the episode every weekend warrior can relate to.
Then we take it global - Ryder Cup rosters are officially locked, and yep, we called it. We break down Team Europe’s final picks, DraftKings betting odds, and how Team USA stacks up. Plus, the PGA Tour Fall Series kicks off with the Procure Championship, and we’re keeping a close eye on Ryan McCormick & James Nicholas as the Korn Ferry Playoffs heat up at the Simmons Bank Open. Full 2026 Tour status is on the line.
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He’s back. Mark Costanza returns for his third appearance on The DROP after winning the 2025 New Jersey State Open at Hamilton Farm, a course he knows like the back of his hand. Mark walks us through his wire-to-wire performance, including the birdie-birdie-eagle stretch on the front nine that set the tone, the local knowledge that helped him navigate tough pins, and the mindset he leaned on to close it out under pressure. With rounds of 71-67-69 to finish at 9-under, he reflects on how far he’s come since his first win in 2020 and what it means to join an elite group of multi-time champions to raise the C.W. Badenhausen Trophy.
But this episode is about more than the scorecard. Mark shares what it meant to win in front of friends and family, how support from his wife and daughter keeps him grounded, and why gratitude was the dominant emotion when he tapped in for par on 18. From St. John’s to the winner’s circle once again, this is a story of belief, growth, and one unforgettable week at Hamilton Farm.
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Should Keegan Bradley have picked himself for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Team USA roster? The captain of Team USA just dropped his six selections and we’re breaking down everything. From the automatic qualifiers to the surprise picks (and snubs), we dig into form, loyalty, and strategy: who earned it, who didn’t, and what this roster means for America’s shot at reclaiming the Cup. As always, we bring a Jersey-fueled perspective to the national conversation.
Plus: Megha Ganne captures the U.S. Women’s Amateur - another massive moment for New Jersey golf. We recap the NJ Public Links Championship, Ryan revisits and ranks Francis Byrne Golf Course, and he shares his thoughts after a round at Beacon Hill Country Club. With the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours taking a breather, we also ask: do we really have a true Tour Champion this year?
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This week on The DROP Podcast, we’re joined by Ian Gillule, General Manager of GOLFZON Range by Leadbetter at Little Ferry, to explore how this state-of-the-art facility is redefining golf practice and player development in New Jersey. Ian gives us an exclusive look into how GOLFZON's cutting-edge technology, paired with the Leadbetter Academy’s proven instruction methods, is creating an unmatched indoor golf experience - one that caters to everyone from beginners to aspiring tour players.
Discover how Little Ferry’s GOLFZON Range is fast becoming a hub for the Garden State’s golf community, with year-round practice, competitive leagues, and programs designed to make golf more accessible and engaging. Ian shares his vision for how technology-driven facilities like GOLFZON Range are shaping the future of player improvement and why Little Ferry is a must-visit for New Jersey golfers. If you’re passionate about Golfing in the Garden State, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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