The Dopamine Dance: Navigating Golf's Addictive Allure

What keeps us coming back to golf—and when does obsession cross into addiction? In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine and cohost Dr. Kevin Moore (a.k.a. “The Professor”) unpack the powerful connection between golf, dopamine, and the human brain. From obsession to balance, they explore why the game can feel so all-consuming—and how to build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with it. The conversation dives into: • How golf delivers both quick dopamine hits and deeper, more sustainable satisfaction  • The phases of falling in and out of love with the game—and why they matter  • How phones, social media, and constant stimulation impact focus and performance  • Practical ways to shift from addictive patterns to a more intentional golf experience  • The parallels between addiction, performance anxiety, and long-term enjoyment  • The role of golf course architecture in shaping emotional highs and lasting memories  • How to prioritize golf within a full life—without letting it take over Follow The Bag Drop 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebagdrop 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/thebagdropgolf 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagDropGolf 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 🎧 Transistor: https://thebagdrop.transistor.fm/ 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 Support our Partners Titleist: https://www.titleist.com Golf Blueprint: https://www.golfblueprint.com 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/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction  04:15 Phases of falling in and out of love with the game  10:05 Technology, distraction, and presence on the course  16:00 Building sustainable joy and balance  27:43 Brain science: exertion, reward, and dopamine  36:14 Breaking the quick-hit dopamine cycle  42:50 Architecture and designing meaningful golf experiences  55:45 Prioritizing what matters in your golf life  66:20 Final thoughts: finding balance in the game 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.