Golf Badgers

By Cookie Jar Golf

Golf Badgers (ɡɒlf bæʤə) - noun: A group of golfers obsessed with the game.Does this sound like you? If so, you're in the right place.Sam Cooper (Golf course architect) and James Bledge (Course Manager @ Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake) invite some of their friends from across the architecture and green keeping industries to join them for a deep dive on all things golf.Feasting on a gluttonous diet of golf course architecture, greenkeeping, agronomy and all of the topics usually too dull for polite conversation.We hope you'll enjoy spending some time with us.

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83 episodes
Updated July 23

Episodes83

Newest first

Oct 30, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
063 - From Stimp to USGA Smart Ball: Measuring What Matters on Modern Greens
Bledge and Sam sit down with the USGA’s Jeff Kinney and Wes Stewart to dig into GS3—the Bluetooth “smart ball” that reads speed, firmness, smoothness and trueness—and why firmness might be the ultimate defence of great golf. They get into Deacon's role as the data hub, a new moisture meter that maps watering decisions, and how better metrics help communicate with golfers, not just set up championships. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Oct 16, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
062 - Royal Liverpool’s Robot Revolution with Craig Stoba (Husqvarna)
Sam Cooper and James Bledge sit down with Husqvarna’s Craig Stoba to unpack how lightweight GPS-guided mowing robots are changing daily set-ups, from virtual boundaries and millimetre-precise heights to 24/7 schedules that improve turf health and free up greenkeeping time. We get into worm-cast wins, winter cutting on wet sites, and that headline week when fairways were cut autonomously at the Women’s Open. There are app alerts, “goblin goat” selfies, and a candid look at how architecture and maintenance choices evolve when robots take care of the grind. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Oct 9, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
061 - From Cattle Stations to Toro: Bradley Taylor’s Greenkeeping Rise
Sam and Bledge sit down with newly crowned Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Bradley Taylor to unpack a whirlwind few years: Australia’s outback, a Belfry apprenticeship, tournament stints from Celtic Manor to Yas Links, and a move to Beau Desert Golf Club. They dig into a tough winter of disease and snow, the sand-heavy recovery, the switch to creeping bent, and the power of transparent comms with members. Plus the small matter of axe throwing and archery at the finals. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Sep 25, 2025 · 59 min
060 - From Valderrama to Blackwell: Ben Lovett’s Greenkeeping Adventure
Bledge and Ben sit down in the boardroom at Blackwell GC to unpack a life in turf— from junior days at Trevose and Valderrama to East Lake, Troon North, Australia, Spain and the Turkish Airlines Open. Ben lifts the lid on Blackwell’s quirks: port and brandy in the clubhouse, the legendary 12th “snake” bunker, and a downhill par‑3 on 13 that inspired Bobby Jones. We get into widening fairways to ~15 hectares, clever tee moves that flip hole angles, drought realities with limited irrigation, and a thoughtful tree plan with Frank Pont and co. It’s proper strategic parkland golf—firm, fast, fun. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Sep 19, 2025 · 51 min
059 - Crafting Royal Portrush: Graeme Beatt on Fescue, Robots & Links Magic
Bledge and Graeme sit down at Royal Portrush after a dawn ferry crossing to dig into Graeme’s journey from Scotscraig and Kingsbarns to course manager at one of the world’s great links. Covering fescue-first green conversions, managing anthracnose and dollar spot, reimagining bunkers, and the build-out ahead of Portrush’s Open where Scottie Scheffler lifted the Claret Jug. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Sep 13, 2025 · 41 min
058 - Nine, Twelve, or Nothing: Rethinking Golf’s Next Chapter
Sam and Bledge sit down to kick around what golf might look like in ten years’ time: fewer tired 18s, more brilliant 9s and 12s, and multi‑use hubs with sand‑capped, fescue‑forward turf that stays open when the rain never stops. Spurred by Alistair Beggs’ warning on chemicals and heavy soils, the lads pull apart a model that turns a failed 18 into a free‑draining nine plus a range, 3G football, padel, a Himalayas‑style putting green, nature trails and a buzzy food court—keeping green fees closer to £35 than £350 by letting the profitable bits subsidise the golf. Along the way: reversible routing, spreading wear, bunkers as a maintenance cost, and why Topgolf is a gateway—not the game. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Sep 4, 2025 · 37 min
057 - From Kent to Hoylake: Fletcher’s Golf Bug (and Those High Bunkers)
Sam and Bledge sit down with young Fletcher Bledge to talk growing up 200 yards from the 7th at Royal Liverpool, bagging two aces on the club’s pint-sized par-3, and why towering bunkers are the ultimate kid kryptonite. They dig into the mini-course with holes named Natterjack, Liverbird, Pineapple and Racing Horse, the Husqvarna robots that keep it buzzing, and the apprentice-led maintenance project that doubles as a training ground. LIV vs The Open gets a junior verdict (music on tee shots? pass), plus the case for screens-off golf, GS3 ball rolling, and a dream hole involving… bamboo and alligators. https://youtu.be/2gqPnp1LeHs?si=ainjx86u4WGnHKMd Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Aug 28, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
056 - Lee Strutt - Sowing Seeds and Breaking Ground
James Bledge and Lee Strutt sit down on the banks of Loch Lomond to reflect on Struttie’s unique journey through golf course management—from grassroots beginnings to directing a world-class estate. They dig into leadership, trials, robots, and how to engineer not just a golf course, but a culture. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Aug 22, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
055 - From North Wales to Deal: Ben Williams’ Linksland Journey
Bledge and Ben Williams sit down to trace Ben’s path from a golf‑mad childhood in North Wales to course manager at Royal Cinque Ports—via ultra‑exclusive Double Eagle in Ohio, an overseed bootcamp at Sea Pines, and a love affair with New South Wales GC. They dig into mentorship, the FTMI programme, and why a touch of spring granular on the fairways can be a links lifesaver. Expect talk of dunes, dogs, and doing the little things right. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Aug 14, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
054 - Alistair Beggs - Practical Greenkeeping and the Art of Sustainable Golf
Sam and Bledge sit down with Alistair Beggs for a deep dive into a lifetime in golf course agronomy, from growing up at Hoylake to consulting on multiple Open Championships. They discuss the legendary Jim Arthur, the evolution of greenkeeping, tales from the driest Open in history, and why sustainable practices are shaping the future of the game. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Aug 7, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
053 - Team Culture, Turf, and Tour Standards: Inside John McLoughlin’s Career
Sam and Bledge sit down with John McLoughlin to trace his 30-year career in golf, from Gleneagles to Royal Melbourne, and onto leading Wallasey’s greenkeeping team. They dive deep into tour-level course setups, team culture, and the management philosophies that have transformed clubs into championship venues. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jul 31, 2025 · 51 min
052 - Listener Question Time: Rain, Drought & Drainage
Sam and Bledge sit down to reflect on the growing extremes in UK weather and how this affects course maintenance and playability. From rainfall stats to reservoir builds and soil importation, it’s a deep dive into the future of sustainable golf course management. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jul 24, 2025 · 58 min
051 - Beyond Turf: Golf’s Role in Biodiversity & Balance
Sam and James sit down to chat about why golf courses aren’t just about perfect turf—they’re thriving ecosystems. Join them as they explore how managing gorse, trees, and ponds can support nesting birds, red squirrels, toads, and more, plus how modern agronomy balances playing quality with environmental stewardship. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jul 11, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
050 - Listener Question Time: Course Difficulty & Rainfall
Sam and Bledge sit down and take listener questions, kicking off with a cracker about how to toughen up a golf course. From the science of rainfall to the sorcery of seaweed, it’s a deep dive into maintenance, architecture and a wee bit of punk rock nostalgia from Dumfries. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jul 3, 2025 · 50 min
049 - Solo Greenkeeping at Durness with Ali Morrison
Sam and Bledge sit down with Ali Morrison, head greenkeeper of Durness Golf Club, to uncover what it takes to run one of the most remote and dramatic golf courses in the UK. From sheep grazing on fairways to the possibility of Coore & Crenshaw dropping by, they explore the quirks, history, and breathtaking beauty of this nine-hole wonder on the edge of the Highlands. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jun 30, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
048 - Architectural Match Play - Royal St. Georges vs Royal Cinque Ports - pt2
Sam and Bledge sit down for the second half of their course-by-course duel between Royal Cinque Ports (Deal) and Royal St. George’s (Sandwich), resuming at the 7th hole with the match all square. With tales of seawall tees, mega green complexes, and historic anecdotes, they bring their usual blend of architectural insight and pub-style golf chat to the back nine. Below are two youtube links for the two courses: https://youtu.be/C3tAaJ6fkQ0?si=VdwHJAm9RRW7IJyy https://youtu.be/BLs-mQ3MpB8?si=KvSt6GSqn8NWwV9X Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jun 26, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
047 - Architectural Match Play - Royal St. Georges vs Royal Cinque Ports - pt1
Sam and Bledge sit down in the sweltering heat of Badger HQ to debate two of their favourite links courses—Royal St. George’s (Sandwich) and Royal Cinque Ports (Deal). From punchbowl greens to first-tee nightmares, they go head-to-head hole by hole in a playful yet passionate playoff steeped in nostalgia, course architecture, and plenty of sneezes. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jun 19, 2025 · 53 min
046 - McDonnell & Cooper w/ Joe McDonnell
Joe McDonnell joins Sam & Bledge to discuss the formation of McDonnell & Cooper, a new golf course architecture firm with our very own Sam Cooper. The formation of this company was part of the excuse of the 6 month break, so sit back and listen to their thoughts on the next generation of golf course architecture Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jun 12, 2025 · 51 min
045 - How golf courses change over time
Sam & Bledge sit down to reflect on their latest adventures at the Blackwell Foursomes and RNGC. They explore how golf course architecture — from bunkering to subtle design shifts — continues to evolve, challenging both everyday golfers and the game’s elite. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jun 3, 2025 · 48 min
044 - Badgers are Back
Sam & James sit down to discuss their much anticipated return after their hiatus with some exciting news! Now part of the Cookie Jar Golf, the team will be helping with editing and publishing of episodes, while still keeping the same great insight and lo-fi jazz intro that listeners will be familiar with. In this episode, Sam & James talk about what's been going on with them, the exciting news and of course the rdrought which has taken many courses to the edge this spring. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.