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

Dec 6, 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
043 - First Green with Jenny Bledge. PLUS Badger Merch is live!
This episode is particularly important. We heard in the previous episode (042 with Scott Reeves) how one of the biggest issues faced in the greenkeeping industry is recruitment. Well, fortunately Bledge's much better half Jenny Bledge is out there working on a solution. First Green is a wonderful initiative that BIGGA has brought over the Atlantic from the GCSAA. It's all about introducing golf, and particularly careers in this part of the golf industry, to school kids of different ages. It might not help recruitment today, but it could make an enormous difference for tomorrow. Additionally, after literal years of people asking, I am delighted to report we now have Badger Merch!! There's only a week or so to get orders in that'll definitely land before Christmas, so to help some impulsive stocking filling you can enter the code BADGER10 at checkout to get 10% off anything/everything. I'll keep adding bits and pieces to the store over the weekend, so keep checking back! Thanks again for listening and we'll be back with another episode soon, Sam (and Bledge) Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Nov 14, 2024 · 1 hr 21 min
042 - Making BIGGA better? - Scott Reeves
Link to survey 👇👇👇 https://www.bigga.org.uk/news-listing/greenkeeper-survey-amazon-voucher.html Welcome back Badgers, This week we’ve been joined by Scott Reeves, Head of Membership for BIGGA. We try and get to the bottom of what problems the Greenkeeping Industry is facing in Britain - but more importantly, Scott wants to know what you think. Whether you’re a BIGGA member or not, please do follow the link above and fill out the survey. Thanks for listening, Sam & Bledge Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Oct 29, 2024 · 55 min
041 - Part 2 - What's Been Happening At Birkdale? - Sean McClean
Last week we heard from Royal Birkdale's Course Manager Sean McClean. This week he's back to talk in some detail over the course changes that many of us watched develop over social media. It was an extraordinary amount of work, especially for a course hosting the world's oldest Major Championship in 2026. This year, Sean and his indefatigable team and back at it - completing Phase 2 of an ambitious project. We hope you enjoy the second half of this conversation and, as ever, please do share with anyone else who might too. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Oct 16, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min
040 - What's Been Happening At Birkdale? Part 1 of 2 with Sean McClean
Guest from episode 6 of this podcast (December 2022!) joins us again to discuss first his preparation for Royal Birkdale's Open Championship in 2026, but also the extraordinary suite of changes to the famous links last winter and next. I also give a shameless plug for Volume 1 of my Links from the Road series. It's been a labour of love (and sometimes despair) over the past couple of years, but today is publication day. Fortunately a lot of talented people have been working on the series, and I have them all to thank. If you like this podcast, I think you'll like the series. You can get a Golf Badgers discount on ordering Volume 1 by following the link here: https://linksfromtheroad.com/discount/BADGER10?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fvolume-1Or else, linksfromtheroad.com and enter the code BADGER10 for 10% off Volume 1. Thanks for listening! Sam & Bledge Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Sep 26, 2024 · 45 min
039 - Pinehurst #2 - Working on a US Open course set up with Graeme Roberts (Part 2)
Our loyal Badgers, you might have wondered where the promised second half of Episode 36 ended up. After a few weeks on the road, travelling up to the Arctic Circle in our camper van, I must admit to the grievous crime of forgetting to post it. Logging into the podcast dashboard, there it was - ready to entertain and educate our legions of Badgers. So I can only apologise for the oversight. Even with the delay, I hope it doesn't reduce your enjoyment of Graeme's experience. It was so interesting to compare the set up of an Open Championship with a US Open, and Graeme was the perfect person to discuss the similarities and differences between the two events. We happen to have another couple of podcasts in the chamber, so as an autumnal chill returns to the golf courses of Great Britain, we hope you'll all find some warmth in these upcoming conversations. Thanks, as ever, for listening. Sam & Bledge Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Sep 4, 2024 · 53 min
038 - North & back again (or maybe not) - Bledge and Sam discuss an ambitious trip to the Arctic Circle and whether Sam might now have to live in Sweden.
I think most of you are aware that over the past 3 weeks I (Sam Cooper) have been on a trip in my campervan to the Arctic. You'll remember the previous episode with Jerry Mulvihill about Lofoten Links, but perhaps you've also seen the YouTube Vlog series that Bledge and I discuss in the pod. If not, you can find the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PKP4wyE1K8&list=PLm3MFP6NZX3DsZbWVhJE-WI1rZLv_ETL0 In the pod, Bledge and I also discuss the exciting Norvangr project I've been working on alongside Joe McDonnell, Will Eagar and James Day. It's a rather different style of architecture to the one I'm usually involved in, but I find it incredibly interesting. You should go and listen to the Cookie Jar Pod with Joe McDonnell on it - essential listening (after you've finished here, of course). Cookie Jar podcast episode with Joe McDonnell. Hopefully our Swedish interlude won't be permanent and Bledge and I can meet up again in the real world soon. Thanks for listening, Sam Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Aug 28, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
037 - Jerry Mulvihill of Lofoten Links - Arctic Special
Badgers, It's been a little while since our last conversation, but I've been a bit preoccupied. I think most of you will be aware that poor Producer Harriet has been persuaded to go on another adventure in our trusty campervan. This time, we've gone north. About as far north as you can go really. It took almost 2 weeks but we finally drove from our home in Hoylake to the Arctic Circle, and then on to the famous course of Lofoten Links. I've been doing daily vlogs on my YouTube Channel, so please subscribe here to catch up on the vlogs to date and to see the rest of the journey. We've still got a long way before we're back in Blighty! But while up there I was delighted when Jerry Mulvihill, the course manager of Lofoten, agreed to sit down and record an episode of the podcast. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation about one of golf's most extraordinary places. Jerry is such a terrific bloke, so passionate about the course and his beautiful corner of the world. I think his passion comes through so clearly and hopefully it'll inspire you to put Lofoten on your golfing bucket list. Thanks as ever for listening, sharing, subscribing to and supporting the podcast in every way you do. We've got some good episodes lined up for when I'm back off the adventures so keep tuned in. Speak soon! Sam Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jul 1, 2024 · 51 min
036 - From Pinehurst to Hayling, and back again - Part 1. Graeme Roberts on managing a links in a changing climate
We are delighted to welcome Graeme back to the podcast for the third time. We discuss the challenges he faces with the weather at Hayling Golf Club and the trade-off between meeting membership expectations and managing the golf course ecosystem. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we talk more about his experience on the voluntary support team for the US Open at Pinehurst. As always, thanks for listening! Sam and Bledge Sam's video of Hayling Golf Club Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
May 12, 2024 · 1 hr 32 min
035 - Badger & Badger - some of our favourite things, from the trivial to the essential
Bledge and I do tend to agree on things. So much so one of you guys asked us to put it to the test. In reality, we tend to bicker and disagree on many things. But both value an other perspective and share many of the same philosophies that underpin golf (and, indeed, life). So Producer Harriet put us to the test. Here we discuss some of our favourite things. Some, in typical Golf Badger fashion, are inane and inconsequential. Our favourite Instagram accounts, beers, spike bars. Others are a bit more relevant to our listeners. What are our favourite holes and, crucially, what makes them special? As ever, please do write in with questions to hello@golfbadgers.com. We will continue to answer them - whether they are technical and detailed or more aimed at the Greenkeeping for Dummies series which, incidentally, seems to have been shared by many a course manager to their greens committee. We hope the podcast title didn't cause any rifts... Thanks all for continuing to tune in. We appreciate all of your support. Sam (and Bledge) Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
May 2, 2024 · 1 hr 12 min
034 - Greenkeeping for Dummies - the right way (and wrong way) to get quicker greens...
Bledge and I started this podcast to whitter away about not much in particular, meet some interesting folk, and share the odd bit of insight into the greenkeeping and architecture that underpins British golf. We are always so humbled by the number of you who tune in to the pod, and especially those who write in to ask questions or simply offer some feedback. In typical Badger fashion, we blunder around trying to re-introduce one another, mainly for the benefit of some of our more recent listeners. While many of you work in the industry, we are always mindful a growing portion are 'normal' golfers (if such a thing exists!) with a growing interest in the subject. Perhaps you're a recent addition to your club's green committee, or just someone with insomnia looking for something to fall asleep to. If either of these things is true of you, we hope this episode will be of particular interest. This is aimed squarely at those who want an intro into the subject matter. What is greenkeeping, really? How does it affect my golf course? Why can't we just cut the greens really short, and expect the greens to be perfect all year? As ever, there's more to the subject than first meets the eye. We hope this will get you thinking and, if it does, please do write in to us at hello@golfbadgers.com to give us another topic to cover in a similar way. Thanks again for listening, and please don't forget to share us with your friends (or, enemies). S(&B) Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Apr 24, 2024 · 42 min
033 - Jim Price - Contracts Director at MJ Abbott
A few weeks ago, Bledge and I were lucky enough to sit down with Jim Price of MJ Abbott. Jim will be well known to anyone who has completed an irrigation project in recent years - and offers a great insight into the contractor's perspective. Things have undoubtedly changed in recent years, especially with more dramatic droughts and wet seasons. We talk about this, how Covid and Brexit have affected the landscape and his own career at MJ Abbott. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Apr 10, 2024 · 1 hr
032 - How a Course Manager and Architect first approach a golf course...
Welcome back, Badgers. This week is the first of our new style of podcast. Most importantly this week, Bledge pays tribute to friend to many in the greenkeeping industry in Bobby McDougall. A poignant reminder of how trivial many of the day to day things that occupy our minds actually are. Bledge and I discuss the freakish weather that continues to plague the UK, before entering into the first of our question topics. This week, Dominic Absolon asked us how each of us would approach a golf course - both from the point of view of an incoming course manager and of an architect. Obviously there's more to it than can possibly be covered in an hour, but we tried our best! Please continue to send your questions, be they technical or general, to hello@golfbadgers.com - and don't forget to continue to share the podcast far and wide! Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Apr 3, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
031 - Scott Aitchison - (Many) Seasons in Dornoch
It's safe to say that Scoosh is one of the industry's characters. Known by many for his humour and individuality, he's also a fiercely loyal and talented member of the greenkeeping industry. We hope you enjoy this (overdue) conversation with Scott as much as we enjoyed recording it. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Mar 21, 2024 · 1 hr 28 min
030 - Sam & Bledge discuss Spring on the Links, Southerness proposals and some ideas for future episodes...!
After a few weeks of bringing you the insight of our wonderful guests, Sam and Bledge are back to chat away about this and that, and ask for your ideas on future episode ideas. We also have a new email address! Please do get in touch with us: hello@golfbadgers.com We can't wait to hear from you! Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Mar 11, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
029 - The Roberts' Brothers - Scott and Graeme Roberts
Scott and Graeme Roberts' really couldn't have been anything but greenkeepers. The brothers' grew up 'on the tools' at Hankley Common Golf Club, where their father Gareth was Course Manager for almost thirty years. Now, they are both Course Managers themselves. Scott is currently overseeing the multi million pound reconstruction of Basingstoke Golf Club's new golf course, while Graeme (a repeat guest of the pod) is now the Course Manager at Hayling Golf Club (a personal favourite of Sam's). The brothers' joined Bledge for a deep dive on growing up in the industry and their respective roles leading courses of their own. We hope you all enjoy. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Mar 4, 2024 · 1 hr 32 min
028 - The UK's leading Irrigation Specialist: Adrian Mortram - Irrigation and Adventure
Adrian says he's a specialist, not an expert. We'll let you settle on the semantics. However you badge him, Adrian Mortram has helped design countless irrigation systems throughout the world. Not just golf, his CV is as rich and varied as they come. We talk about his career, how irrigation systems have changed and how they might change still. We also touch on his passion for adventure and his plans down the line. We really hope you enjoy this episode. It was a pleasure to have Adrian on the show. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Feb 23, 2024 · 1 hr 31 min
027 - Andy Ewence - CM at Woking on (re)building the Buckinghamshire, persuading Japanese owners and restoring the heathland at Woking.
Andy Ewance has had a fascinating career. Andy joins James Bledge and Sam Cooper to share anecdotes and insights from his previous role at the Buckinghamshire, including persuading the club's Japanese owners to invest in a significant overhaul. Now, Andy is at Woking - helping to enhance one of the most architecturally significant courses in England. From improving the agronomy of the site, managing the woodland and restoring the heathland, we hope you find this interview as interesting to listen to as we did recording it. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Feb 12, 2024 · 1 hr 30 min
026 - Harrogate and Phoenix debrief. Tractors, Autonomous mowers, Riviera and the importance of a community.
January is never a great month in Britain, even less so if you work on a golf course. Fortunately, it's the time of year for the big trade shows and conferences. Bledge and Sam give their thoughts and recollections of a packed BTME in Harrogate and GCSAA show in Phoenix, Arizona. The importance of attending, what they can both get out of it, technology and advancements worth keeping an eye on as well as what they were both up to in America. One of the things we discussed was the Husqvarna autonomous fairway mowers. Have a look at it in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ehYRXFaWcQ Hope you enjoy a longer pod on this important time of year. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jan 20, 2024 · 57 min
025 - Bledge talks to Lee and Sami Strutt
There are few couples out there who have contributed more to the greenkeeping industry than Lee and Sami Strutt. Lee, a previous guest on this pod, is the Director of Agronomy at Cabot Cape Breton. Sami has spent over 30 years working for the greenkeeping association, BIGGA. She joined the association in 1993 as an admin assistant but is leaving it in 2024 as its' Chief Operating Officer for a new role as Education Director at the Bernhard Academy. Lee and Sami discuss not just their remarkable careers, but how they have been able to manage and work as a couple against such demanding and varied roles. With BTME almost upon us, we thought it prescient for Sami - such an integral part in growing the Continue to Learn element of the week - should join Bledge ahead of her last week in Harrogate as part of BIGGA. Lee also discusses the remarkable addition to the Cabot portfolio with the Coore & Crenshaw course opened in St Lucia, Cabot Point Hardy. Watch the hole by hole fly through here: Youtube vid of Cabot St. Lucia Thanks to Sami and Lee - we wish you the continued success you both deserve! See you at Harrogate! Bledge & Sam Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
Jan 15, 2024 · 43 min
024 - Bledge and Phil Helmn on Managing Teams in Greenkeeping
While Sam has been locked away in a dark room trying to finish Volume 2 of his upcoming book series, Bledge sat down with old friend Phil Helmn to discuss his enormous passion for managing teams in the greenkeeping world. Phil is a Master Greenkeeper and has managed a wide range of courses throughout his distinguished career. Now, he specialises in writing, speaking and educating on the intricacies of managing a greenkeeping team. Phil is the author of 'The Power of People', which can be ordered by clicking here. One of the few books Bledge has been able to read cover to cover. Those who are soon coming to BTME at Harrogate can also sign up to Phil's workshop on Day 2 of the Continue to Learn Conference here. Thanks again for listening, and please remember to share the podcast with any other badgers out there. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.