Golf Badgers

090 - James Bledge: Q & A

In this episode, we talk about a recent solo format, some listener questions, and a few updates from our work and travel. We also reflect on the Walker Cup at Lahinch, where we volunteered and spent the week working on course preparation, especially fairway cutting and daily maintenance. We describe Lahinch as a memorable venue with a strong team atmosphere, a busy volunteer setup, and a course that was presented in excellent condition. We also talk about the town, the social side of the week, and how the event came down to a dramatic finish on the 18th green. We then cover some visits to other courses, including Adare Manor and Doonbeg, and note the quality of the surfaces, greens, bunkering, and maintenance facilities. We also mention taking practical ideas back from these places, such as storage systems, equipment organisation, and sustainability practices. A major topic is the difficult year at Hoylake, especially the effects of drought, irrigation issues, and loss of fairway coverage. We explain the work being done with catch cans, overseeding, and grass selection, and we outline how autumn becomes the busiest planning period for winter projects, budgeting, and course changes. We also discuss the Future Turf Managers Initiative, where we have taken part as a mentor. We explain how the programme focuses on management skills, interviews, presentations, motivation, and career development, and we say how valuable it has been for both students and mentors. Finally, we answer listener questions about Brora, our name, advice for young greenkeepers, and course characteristics we would like to improve. We close by mentioning an upcoming trip to Philadelphia to visit several major courses and by stressing how important volunteering, networking, and continuous learning are in our profession. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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089 - Badger Adventures

We discuss Bledge’s golf trip to Philadelphia and New Jersey with friends John and Sean. The trip was originally planned around Pine Valley, and connections through golf clubs and greenkeepers helped shape the itinerary after the initial plans changed. We describe Pine Valley as a standout experience, from its pine-framed holes, sandy areas in place of conventional rough and fast greens to its caddies, clubhouse and practice facilities. We also discuss the course’s history, its named features and the 10-hole short course. We visit Philadelphia Cricket Club, Golf Mills and Philadelphia Country Club. We compare their layouts, turf and rough, and talk about meeting superintendents and seeing maintenance facilities. At Aronimink, we discuss its challenging greens, course preparation and the organization of the maintenance operation. We compare American course presentation with conditions in the UK, including the effects of climate, irrigation, soil and grass types. We also discuss how very fast greens and thick rough shape the playing experience, while noting the value of variety between courses. At Merion, we talk about its wicker-basket flags, distinctive features, caddies and the experience of playing the course. We also share memories from the trip, including a memorable putt on the 10th hole, the group’s time in Philadelphia and Bledger’s return to golf after dealing with back problems. We explain how SubAir systems use the drainage network to move air and water through greens, helping with drainage and firmness. We discuss where the system may be useful and note that its effects on dew are uncertain. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

088 - Sam Cooper: Q & A

In this episode we are without Bladge, so we answer listener questions on our own and begin by explaining what we have been working on. We describe our architectural work since leaving our previous firm, including consulting for more than a dozen clubs, work on links and heathland courses, projects tied to Harry Colt and Tom Simpson, and new courses in the UK and abroad. We also say that we prefer to keep the details quiet and let the finished work speak for itself. We then discuss whether Alister MacKenzie’s idea of naturalism is disappearing in modern links architecture. We argue that it is not, but that it is difficult to achieve. We talk about making golf courses look as though they belong to the land, while actually using careful design, shaping, and working areas to create that effect. We explain that good golf design involves subtle trade-offs, strategic hazards, and the aim of making features appear natural rather than forced. We also reflect on what makes a golf course feel authentic. We mention the importance of variety, fairness, and the way a course can play differently from day to day. We use the idea of an “uncanny valley” to describe shapes or landforms that look almost natural but not quite right, and we say that true naturalism requires a high level of skill, judgment, and patience. Later, we answer a question about five courses that represent England. We name Royal North Devon, Royal St George’s, Sunningdale, and Old Woodley, and we explain how each reflects different parts of English golf, from early seaside links to heathland and moorland styles. We also choose municipal golf as a category, stressing its importance in making the game accessible and helping golf avoid becoming only the preserve of the wealthy. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

087 - Sophie Olejnik

We speak with ecologist Sophie Olejnik about how she moved from an ecology degree and traineeship work on nature reserves into golf course ecology, and how her role now is almost entirely focused on golf. She explains that she first came into the sector through a job at STRI, encouraged by her father, and that her early experience included visiting Montrose with Bob and learning about gorse management, coppicing and fungi. We discuss the ecological value of links and heathland courses, with Sophie saying these sites can support a wide range of habitats because of their structural diversity and different stages of succession. She describes Saunton as a particularly special site, and says that good management there, including dune work and sea buckthorn control, has made the course and surrounding landscape more diverse. We also talk about how golf course ecology has changed. Sophie says biodiversity is now taken much more seriously, and that golf courses are important places to understand, protect and improve habitats. She outlines how species can be monitored through red lists and other conservation lists, and notes that some species are declining while others are shifting their range. A large part of the conversation covers practical ecology work on courses: surveys, bio-blitzes, habitat records, and the use of apps such as Merlin, iRecord and Picture This to support identification and recording. Sophie stresses that apps should be used carefully and checked against other sources, and says it is useful when records are verified by county recorders. We also discuss management timing, especially cut and collect, hedgerow cutting, rough management and the need to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Sophie explains why sand scrapes are used on dunes to restore dynamism, create pioneer habitat and support plants and invertebrates, while still leaving enough rough for shelter and golf playability. Finally, Sophie talks about the role of communication and education, including working with golfers, greenkeepers, natural history groups and the public. She reflects on Bob’s long career and retirement, saying he has been a major mentor and influence on her work, and that continued collaboration will be important for the future. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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086 - Walker Cup Volunteering with Bledge and Jason Meersman

In this episode we are in Flanagan’s Pub in Lahinch during the 2026 Walker Cup, setting the scene for a week of volunteering and course work. We describe the pub, the atmosphere in town, and the contrast between the old, dark setting and the event taking place nearby. We introduce Jason Meersman from the Patterson Club in Connecticut, who comes from a family of golf course superintendents. He explains his background, his club, and the recent renovation there, including the long hours, the construction challenges, and the work on infrastructure, bunkers, and playing surfaces. We talk through the renovation process in more detail, including “strip and flip” work, sod cutting, root zone removal, and the use of bulldozers and heavy machinery. Jason explains his role in supporting the project, keeping the work moving, and helping the team through the pressure of the rebuild. We then discuss volunteering at the Walker Cup and how Jason became involved after meeting people through previous events. We cover the daily routine, the early starts, the music in the mornings, and the close working relationship with the Lahinch staff, especially Brian, who Jason describes as quiet, detailed, and highly involved. We also talk about the golf course itself and the conditions at Lahinch, including the design, the dunes, the narrow fairways, and the challenge of the wind. We discuss the architecture, the different grass species, and the way the course rewards specific lines and angles. Later, we cover visits to Adare Manor and Doonbeg, where we look at the course conditioning, the maintenance facilities, and the details of the turf work. We discuss irrigation, machinery, divot buckets, and the practical ideas we picked up from meeting other superintendents. We finish by reflecting on the value of volunteering, the camaraderie in the profession, and the experience of being in Ireland for the week. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

085 - Drought with Graeme Roberts

Tune in as we speak with Graeme Roberts about the extreme drought affecting his links course and the impact on day-to-day course management. We discuss how little rain has fallen, how high evapotranspiration has been, and how wind, sand, and shallow soil make it difficult to retain moisture. We cover the club’s water supply, including the lake, its abstraction limits, mains water backup, tank capacity, pump issues, and the practical limits of irrigation during the hottest period. We also talk about water pricing, pressure, and the difference between greens, fairways, and paths when water is scarce. We then look at the course’s condition, the areas that have browned off, and the recovery plan for autumn. That includes topdressing, pot seeding, aeration, wetting agents, and the choice of seed mixes, with a focus on balancing fescue, ryegrass, and hardier grasses for links conditions. Finally, we discuss the mental strain of managing drought damage and the value of speaking with other greenkeepers. We also talk about Graeme's recent volunteer trip to Merion for the U.S. Amateur, the work he did on bunkers and hand rollers, and what he learned from seeing another major championship setup firsthand. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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084 - Firm, Fast & Dry

In this episode, we speak about Bledge’s return to golf after struggling with serious back problems. He explains how gym work and a different treatment approach have helped him recover, and how much better he feels both physically and mentally after being able to play again. We also discuss his summer golf trips, starting with visits to Ganton and Alwoodley in Yorkshire. We talk about the character and conditioning of both courses, the sand-based ground at Ganton, and the heathland style and historic design influence at Alwoodley, including Alister MacKenzie’s role there. A major part of the conversation focuses on measuring firmness and the move away from Clegg readings toward USGA-style numbers. We talk through why firmness numbers can be harder for people to understand than stimp readings, but also why they are important and how golfers and greenkeepers begin to interpret them through repeated use. We then turn to the weather and the long dry period affecting the northwest of England. We discuss rainfall totals, evaporation and water budgets, the difficulty of replacing lost moisture, and the practical limits of irrigation on courses with restricted water sources or mains supply. We also cover how drought is changing agronomy and course management. James explains the impact on different fescue cultivars, the importance of aeration and rooting, the use of wetting agents, and how overseeding choices are being adjusted toward more drought-tolerant grasses. Finally, we discuss Royal Birkdale and the Open Championship setup. We talk about the brown, firm conditions, the way the course played, the importance of bounce and variety, and how the event was presented. We also touch on the broader idea that golf courses need to adapt to changing climate conditions, and James closes by describing a recent combine harvester ride and the appeal of that kind of machinery. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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083 - gWest

Bledge and Sam begin by discussing the current state of the golf course. After some mixed weather, it’s in good condition. The rough is more defined, the playing surfaces are firm and fast and preparations for the season’s key events are well underway. Next, they focus on the Amateur Championship coming to Royal Liverpool. They explain the qualifying and match play format, practice and championship dates and mention that the event will be open to spectators and televised. They also discuss how amateur golf differs from other major events due to the pressure, format and need to play several strong rounds in a row. The conversation then shifts to gWest, the unfinished golf course project. They explain that it was started during the recession as part of a larger estate plan combining golf and residential plots. However, the housing market collapse impacted the wider business model. They describe the course’s location on exceptional land near Gleneagles and its intended scale, similar to other high-end golf developments. They delve into the construction process and the work involved on site. They detail the heavy machinery, drainage, soil stripping, reshaping, tree planting, turf preparation and repeated problem-solving required to build the course. They also mention the heather translocation work, where mature heather was harvested and moved onto bunker faces and rough areas. Finally, they reflect on how gWest represents a different era of golf course development and business planning. They compare it to modern projects, noting changes in golf economics and land use. They conclude by emphasising the significant effort put in by those involved despite the course never opening. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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082 - Amateur Championship Reflections

We discuss the Amateur Championship at Hoylake and reflect on the conditions across the week. The course was as dry, firm, windy at times, and very consistent, with good weather throughout and strong television conditions. We explain how the greens were prepared and measured using GS3 ball data, with regular recording of moisture, firmness, speed, trueness and smoothness. We also talk about using wind tunnels to get accurate readings when the wind affected the roll, and how irrigation adjustments of only a few millimetres could change the stimp reading by about a foot. We then cover the work of keeping every green on a level playing field despite differences in age and construction. Some greens needed extra attention, including drill-and-fill work, and we note that modern tools now allow more precise management through data, nutrition, water and cutting plans rather than relying mainly on feel. We move on to the championship itself and the role of West Lancashire in qualifying, and that the setup at both venues was strong, and that the event attracted a serious standard of play. Stuart Grehan’s win is the main focus, however. We describe his driving, his ability to control the ball in windy links conditions, and several key moments in the final, including a difficult bunker shot on the sixth, recovery shots on later holes, and his steady scoring through the knockout rounds. We also mention other players who stood out, including Malin Pogaita, Niall Shields Donegan and Elliot Baker, and we note the strong support from County Louth members for Grehan. We close by saying we are impressed by his performance and by the work of the team that prepared the course. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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081 - The Return of the Amateur Championship

Bledge & Sam discuss the Amateur Championship’s return to Hoylake, its history at the club, the match-play format, qualifying and knockout rounds, its role for top amateurs, and preparations, schedule, and spectator access for the event. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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80 - Q & A

In this episode, Bledge takes center stage to tackle a massive range of questions submitted by our Instagram community. Bledge shares his wealth of experience on everything from the fine details of turf management and the realities of life on the course to career advice for the next generation of greenkeepers. This is a masterclass in the industry from a man who lives and breathes it. Whether you're in the industry or just love the behind-the-scenes of the game, this is a great listen. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

079 - Preparing Royal Birkdale for an Open with Sean McLean

Bledge sits down with Sean McLean to discuss the changes and preparations for Royal Birkdale for the upcoming Open in July. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

078 - From Fairways to Football: Inside Man City’s Grounds Team with Daniel Lewis

Bledge and Dan sit down to explore the fascinating crossover between elite golf and top-level football, diving into the creation of the Blue Exchange and how it’s giving greenkeepers a rare behind-the-scenes look at life inside Manchester City. From matchday pressure to pitch perfection, this one’s all about learning from the very best. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

077 - Dan Davies

Bledge and Sam sit down with Dan Davies of RNGC fame to discuss the sacred acre and Dan's journey through the golf journalism world. Dan is also a member of the cradle of English Golf, which is discussed towards the end of the podcast. A man who has spent 10 months of more building a golf course to host a special one day invitational event for his friends and loved ones. Despite being a mere 510 yards in total, this 9 hole course makes up for its lack of distance with terrifyingly difficult and intricate green complexes, and waist high ‘bund’ is only ever inches away. Sleeper style hazard placements on the 2nd hole an ode to Oakmont, and the 7th hole - ‘Bell’ is an inverse replica of the 12th hole at Augusta - RNGC is proof that golf doesn’t have to big or grand. Cookie Jar Golf made a superb Youtube Film on RNGC a couple of years ago - You can watch here - https://youtu.be/8q1kXRoLsgw Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

076 - Willie Murphy on Terralift, Soil Biology and Smarter Turf Nutrition

Bledge and Willie sit down to talk all things Terralift, turf nutrition and the long-term art of building stronger, healthier golf surfaces. Willie shares his journey from greenkeeping in Ireland, Scotland and Germany to spending 20 years with Terralift, while explaining why organic-mineral fertilisers can support performance without driving excess growth. They get into soil structure, organic matter, leaner nitrogen inputs, new green construction, and why products like TX Humus, TX 10 and Roca Stem have become trusted tools for green keepers chasing firmer, more consistent greens. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

075 - Sunningdale Showdown: Old vs New

Sam and Bledge sit down to relive the magic of Sunningdale, diving deep into a head-to-head match play battle between the Old and New courses. From iconic par 3s to strategic masterclasses, they break down every hole, debate design brilliance, and celebrate one of golf’s greatest 36-hole venues. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

074 - Matt Plested Chasing Excellence at Stoneham

Friend of the pod Matt Plested returns to the mic as Sam and Bledge sit down to debrief the massive project unfolding at Stoneham. Sit back and enjoy. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

073 - A Q&A With Bledge

In this episode, Bledge takes center stage to tackle a massive range of questions submitted by our Instagram community. Bledge shares his wealth of experience on everything from the fine details of turf management and the realities of life on the course to career advice for the next generation of greenkeepers. This is a masterclass in the industry from a man who lives and breathes it. Whether you're in the industry or just love the behind-the-scenes of the game, this is a great listen. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

072 - GCSAA and Streamsong

Bledge, Ben Williams & John McLoughlin head over to Florida for the GCSAA and play two of the courses at Streamsong while doing it. this is their take on the whole adventure. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

071 - Design, Drainage, and Doing It Right at Formby

Sam and Bledge sit down to debrief Sam’s latest architectural project at Formby, where bold design meets old dunes. They unpack the seventh hole rebuild, discuss blind shots, CGI flyovers, and why change has to mean something. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.