Épisodes

  • Crystal Downs Golf Club

    Crystal Downs Golf Club
    Oct 27 2025
    What makes Crystal Downs a thinking golfer’s paradise?In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine and co-host Dr. Kevin Moore (a.k.a. “The Professor”) unpack the fractured mid-amateur landscape, lay out their plan for a first-ever U.S. Four-Ball Qualifier together, and then flip the mics as The Professor interviews Matt about his first walk at Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell’s Northern Michigan masterpiece, Crystal Downs Country Club. From minimalist clubhouse culture to wind-swept strategy and ecology in full bloom, this one’s for design-curious golfers who love a course that makes you think on every shot.The conversation dives into:Mid-amateurs today: reinstated pros, club championships, and why four-ball is the perfect proving groundPrepping for the U.S. Four-Ball: roles, strategy, and a putter identity crisisFirst impressions at Crystal Downs: the scenic approach, the “no sign” mystique, and a welcoming, golf-first vibeClubhouse culture: small, timeless, and egalitarian (yes, ball washers on every tee)Ecology and feel: monarchs, wildlife, native plants, and how they elevate the experienceRouting, wind, and strategy: severe contours, half-par tension, and the unforgettable 5–8 stretchPatience and stewardship: tree management, preservation, and letting the course reveal itselfHistory: MacKenzie/Maxwell lore, the connector par-3, and a 1970s “walk up and join” storyCrystal Downs Country Club 🏌️ Website: https://www.crystaldowns.org 📖 Top 100 Golf Courses profile: https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/crystal-downsJoin 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/newclubLinks & Partners 🐝 NewClub: https://www.newclub.golf 🏌️ Titleist: https://www.titleist.comListen 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 🎧 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-bag-drop 🎧 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: thebagdrop@newclub.golfChapters 00:00 Introduction and context 02:40 The mid-amateur landscape 05:47 Prepping for the U.S. Four-Ball Qualifier 08:31 Anticipation of Crystal Downs 11:28 The drive and arrival experience 19:33 Clubhouse ethos and culture 24:21 The ethos of improvement 25:19 First-tee jitters 26:34 Ecology and wildlife at Crystal Downs 28:06 Course design and natural beauty 30:02 Playing Crystal Downs 31:38 Legacy and accessibility in golf 34:09 Completeness of the golf course 36:00 Flow and strategy in course design 37:53 The challenge of Crystal Downs 41:55 Comparative course analysis 44:16 The legacy of Alister MacKenzieWhat 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.
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    55 min
  • Is This Still a Simulation?

    Is This Still a Simulation?
    Oct 13 2025
    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 golfWhy municipal and local golf remains vital for affordability and inclusionThe entrepreneurial journey behind Neighborhood NationalThe balance between altruism and business in golfHow social connection fuels the next era of the gameConnect 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/newclubLinks & Partners🏡 Neighborhood National: https://www.neighborhoodnationalgc.com🏌️ Titleist: https://www.titleist.com🌐 Golf Blueprint: https://www.golfblueprint.comListen 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: thebagdrop@newclub.golfChapters00:00 Introduction to Golf and Community Engagement02:36 The Rise of Municipal Golf and Accessibility05:36 Transitioning from Corporate to Startup Life08:06 Building a Home Golf Simulator10:46 The Concept of Neighborhood National13:41 The Evolution of Golf Simulators16:19 Cultural Shifts in Golf Participation20:21 Altruism vs. Business in Golf23:02 Community and Golf: A Shared Experience25:57 The Importance of Social Connections in Golf28:42 The Future of Golf Technology31:38 Navigating the Golf Industry Landscape34:08 The Role of Neighborhood National in Golf36:56 Closing Thoughts and Future AspirationsWhat 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.
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Worthy of Ashes: Building Lazy J Sporting Club, South Dakota’s Golf & Hunting Haven

    Worthy of Ashes: Building Lazy J Sporting Club, South Dakota’s Golf & Hunting Haven
    Sep 29 2025
    What makes a place so special that people want their ashes spread there? In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine sits down with Colton Craig (golf course architect) and Nick Jorgensen (CEO of Jorgensen Land & Cattle) to talk about the creation of the Lazy J Sporting Club in Ideal, South Dakota.The conversation dives into:The vision of blending golf, hunting, and ranch heritageColton’s passion for golf course architecture and Perry MaxwellNick’s family legacy in cattle farming and community buildingHow they’re shaping a sporting club worthy of ashes — a place people want to call their favorite spot on earth.Connect with our Guests:🐮 Nick Jorgensen — Lazy J Sporting Club — 💼 LinkedIn🪏 Colton Craig — Smyers, Craig, Coyne Golf Course Architects — 💼 LinkedInJoin The Community at NewClub🌍 Website: https://www.newclub.golf📸 Instagram: @newclubgolf🐦 Twitter/X: @newclubgolf📺 Youtube: @newclubgolf💼 LinkedIn: NewClubLinks & Partners🐝 NewClub: https://www.newclub.golf🏌️ Titleist: https://www.titleist.com🌐 Golf Blueprint: https://www.golfblueprint.com/🌾 Lazy J Sporting Club: https://www.lazyjclub.comListen to The Bag Drop🎧 Apple Podcasts: The Bag Drop on Apple🎧 Spotify: The Bag Drop on Spotify🎧 Transistor: The Bag Drop on TransistorConnect with Matt & The Professor🎙️ Matt Considine — 🐦 X/Twitter | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn📚 Dr. Kevin Moore “The Professor” — 🐦 X/Twitter | 📸 Instagram| 💼 LinkedInChapters00:00 Introduction to the Lazy J Sporting Club03:59 Meet the Guests: Colton Craig and Nick Jorgensen07:22 Colton's Passion for Golf Course Architecture10:08 Nick Jorgensen's Journey in the Cattle Business16:01 The Vision Behind Lazy J Sporting Club24:10 Connecting Agriculture and Golf28:30 The Aha Moment for Golf Development31:53 The Beauty of the Land and Golf Design33:30 The Journey to Lazy J Sporting Club36:53 The Goldilocks Zone: Land and Design Philosophy38:37 Maximizing Land Use: Golf as the Best Option41:36 Creating Accessibility and Affordability in Golf43:06 A Memorable Experience with Bill Murray46:15 The Future of Lazy J: Milestones and Vision48:52 Unique Offerings: Golf and Hunting Combined51:46 The Sporting Club Experience: Privacy and Adventure56:48 Building a Legacy: Family and Community ValuesWhat is NewClub?Founded in 2017, NewClub is the premier private golf society in the U.S., blending the community and access of a private club with the variety and affordability more akin to a public golf experience. 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. The NewClub ecosystem is revolutionizing golf memberships, pushing traditional U.S. structures forward, and making golf more meaningful for those who genuinely love the game.What is The Bag Drop?Weekly stories from the culture, community, and characters shaping the game today. Produced by NewClub Golf Society, the show blends authenticity and expert insights for passionate golfers at every level. Special guests from clubs, courses, and every corner of the changing landscape will join us for thoughtful, in-depth discussions on all things golf.
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    1 h et 11 min
  • Ego or Humility—What Wins the Ryder Cup? with Kyle Porter of Normal Sport

    Ego or Humility—What Wins the Ryder Cup? with Kyle Porter of Normal Sport
    Sep 22 2025
    What wins the Ryder Cup—ego or humility?In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine welcomes back Kyle Porter, founder of 🐑 Normal Sport and longtime voice in golf media. Together, they dive into the cultural contrasts between American and European Ryder Cup teams, the balance between confidence (ego) and selflessness (humility) required to win, and how Keegan’s unlikely Captaincy and even more unlikely moves thus far might have shifted the future of U.S. team golf for good.The conversation explores:Ego vs. humility in the unique pressure of team golfHow American individualism and European collectivism shape Ryder Cup outcomesThe influence of leadership and culture on team dynamicsWhy foursomes vs. four-ball formats demand different mindsets and psychological pairingsKeegan Bradley’s surprising humility and what it signals for U.S. Ryder Cup cultureThe emotional toll of competitive golf and what it reveals about players as peopleConnect with our guest🐑 Kyle Porter — Normal SportWebsite: https://www.normalsport.com🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/kyleporterns📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleporterns💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-porter-71874848/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/newclubLinks & Partners 🏌️ Titleist: https://www.titleist.com🌐 Golf Blueprint: https://www.golfblueprint.com🐝 NewClub: https://www.newclub.golfListen 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/Chapters00:00 Introduction08:22 American vs. European Team Dynamics18:14 Ego and Humility in Team Golf27:47 Keegan Bradley’s Leadership37:00 The Emotional Toll of Competitive GolfWhat 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 questions, community and characters shaping golf today. Produced by NewClub Golf Society, each episode blends our untamed curiosities with expert insights for passionate golfers at all levels. Special guests from clubs, courses and every corner of golf’s broad landscape join us for thoughtful, in‑depth discussions on all things golf.
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    56 min
  • Ryder Cup Underdogs: From JJ Henry to JJ Spaun with Sean Martin

    Ryder Cup Underdogs: From JJ Henry to JJ Spaun with Sean Martin
    Sep 15 2025
    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 heroesConnect 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🌍 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/newclubLinks & Partners🐝 NewClub: https://www.newclub.golf🏌️ Titleist: https://www.titleist.com🌐 Golf Blueprint: https://www.golfblueprint.comRate, Review, and Subscribe 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/Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction and Fall Golf Enthusiasm02:42 Golf Seasons: Preferences and Experiences05:36 Ryder Cup Anticipation and Content Creation08:13 Highlighting Underrated Golfers in the Ryder Cup11:12 Obscure Ryder Cup Heroes and Their Stories19:54 Seve’s Heartbreaking Ryder Cup Experience21:27 Memorable American Players in Ryder Cup History23:15 The Unique Journey of Jeff Overton24:54 Exploring Lesser-Known Ryder Cup Heroes27:02 The Impact of Nicolas Colsaerts28:33 The Molinari Brothers’ Legacy30:35 The Rise of Ben Curtis and Ryan Moore32:26 Future Cult Heroes of the Ryder Cup34:15 Predictions for the Upcoming Ryder CupWhat 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.
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    44 min
  • Ryder Cup, Scotland & The Game's Enduring Soul with Golf Digest's Joel Beall

    Ryder Cup, Scotland & The Game's Enduring Soul with Golf Digest's Joel Beall
    Sep 8 2025

    Joel Beall, a senior writer for Golf Digest and author of "Playing Dirty: Rediscovering Golf’s Soul in Scotland in an Age of Sportswashing," offers insights on golf’s civil war, the value of accessibility, and the everyday joys the game brings to individuals and communities alike. This week’s episode was a delightful chat for co-hosts Matt and The Professor. They explore the multifaceted and often hypocritical golf world with Joel, sharing their personal passions, as well as the cultural differences between American and Scottish golf, and, of course, offer some timely insights for the upcoming Ryder Cup. They examine the importance of community in golf, the impact of leadership decisions in the professional game, and the sport's future amid all these changing dynamics.

    NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf

    Titleist > https://www.titleist.com

    Playing Dirty > https://back9press.com/products/beall

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Indulgences

    02:50 The Transition to Golf and Guest Introduction

    05:45 Exploring the Ryder Cup and Keegan's Captaincy

    08:27 The Soul of Golf: Scotland vs. America

    11:34 The Impact of Golf Culture on Personal Experiences

    14:11 The Joy of Golf and Community Connections

    16:50 The Future of Golf: Changes and Innovations

    19:51 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
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    1 h et 25 min
  • Munis Matter

    Munis Matter
    Sep 1 2025

    In this episode of "The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf," hosts Matt Considine and The Professor explore golf courses that any golfer can get excited about! They dive into the charm and potential of some of their favorite accessible places to play the game. They discuss the unique appeal of lesser-known venues, highlighting the importance of accessibility and community in the golf experience. The conversation examines both the history and future of these courses, focusing on how public-private partnerships can revitalize golf spaces. Tune in for an insightful discussion on golf's evolving landscape and the joy of playing courses rich in history and character.

    NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf

    Titleist > https://www.titleist.com


    Episode Chapters

    1. Introduction and Welcome - Matt and The Professor set the stage for a discussion on public golf courses.
    2. The Allure of Green Valley - Exploring the history and potential of Green Valley.
    3. Canal Shores: A Community Pillar - Highlighting the significance of Canal Shores in Chicago.
    4. Public-Private Partnerships in Golf - Discussing the role of partnerships in revitalizing golf courses.
    5. The Joy of Playing Historic Courses - Reflecting on the nostalgia and charm of public golf.
    6. Conclusion and Call to Action - Encouraging listeners to support and appreciate public golf courses.
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    41 min
  • Clubs That Put Golf First

    Clubs That Put Golf First
    Aug 25 2025

    In this episode, Matt and The Professor explore how certain golf clubs are building upon tradition and revolutionizing the membership model for today's most committed and golf-minded members. By offering flexible options, accessibility with welcoming atmospheres, and a strong community focus that emphasizes the golf experience above all else, these clubs are becoming places where many want to be both members and guests.

    NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf

    Titleist > https://www.titleist.com


    Chapters

    1. Introduction to Unique Membership Models (0:00 - 2:30)
      • Hosts Matt Considine and The Professor introduce the topic of innovative golf club memberships.
    2. Taking a Break from Golf (2:31 - 5:00)
      • Discussion on strategies for overcoming a slump in your golf game.
    3. The Importance of Club Culture (5:01 - 10:00)
      • Exploring how club culture and member responsibilities shape the golfing experience.
    4. Spotlight on Old Barnwell (10:01 - 15:00)
      • Highlighting Old Barnwell's mission and unique approach to membership.
    5. Clubs with a Focus on Golf (15:01 - 20:00)
      • Discussion on clubs that prioritize the game of golf over exclusivity.
    6. The UK Model in American Golf (20:01 - 25:00)
      • Examining how some American clubs are adopting the UK model of accessibility and membership.
    7. Celebrating Club History (25:01 - 30:00)
      • The Professor shares insights on clubs that honor their history and traditions.
    8. Shoutouts to Notable Clubs (30:01 - 35:00)
      • Recognizing clubs that are making a positive impact in the golf community.
    9. Conclusion and Next Steps (35:01 - End)
      • Closing thoughts and a preview of the next episode
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    57 min