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.