Golf Badgers
by 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.
Episodes
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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…
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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...
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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....
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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070 - BTME 2026 Roundup with Gavin Speedie and Matt Plested.
Harrogate roundup with Gavin Speedie Technical Representative from Aitkens and Matt Plested, Course Manager from Stoneham talking about all things at BTME. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
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069 - Erosion, Evolution, and Excellence at Royal Aberdeen with Richard Johnstone
Sam and Bledge sit down with Richard Johnstone to discuss his journey from apprentice greenkeeper at Nairn Dunbar to course manager at the world-renowned Royal Aberdeen. They dig into course restoration, greenkeeping philosophy, and the battle to save one of the most iconic first holes in links...
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068 - Mowers, Mayhem & Milestones: Part Two with Lee Strutt
Bledge and Lee sit down for a nostalgic dive into turf machinery—from ancient Matadors to modern marvels like the Baroness Core Collector. The pair reflect on machines that made them sweat, laugh, and sometimes swear, all while sharing tales from storied clubs and wet winter days. Send us a…
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067 - Jim Croxton on BTME, BIGGA’s Big Year, and Why Greenkeeping Needs a Bigger Voice
Bledge and Jim sit down to talk all things BIGGA—from Jim Croxton’s journey through the PGA and into 14+ years as CEO, to what’s changed behind the scenes over the last 18 months. They dig into membership growth (and the honest “warts and all” survey), how BTME continue to learn keep evolving…
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066 - Top Turf Tech: The Machines That Changed Greenkeeping
Bledge and Lee sit down to count down their top five greenkeeping machines, from ProCores and sprayers to electric mowers and drones. They dive into the tools that shaped their careers and the ones leading the future. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.
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065 - Surviving and Thriving: Jack Percival’s Story of Resilience
Bledge and Jack sit down for an unfiltered conversation about Jack Percival’s rise from foster care and graveyard shifts to becoming a respected course manager. They cover his early struggles with literacy, battles with addiction, and how greenkeeping gave him purpose. Send us a message if you...
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064 - From seed to sale: How Inturf Service Sports Pitches
Bledge and Stephen sit down to dig into the real business of growing turf — from supplying Wembley and Wimbledon to feeding the nation’s show homes. They chat about soil science, family legacy, precision tractors and why rolling contact is everything. A deep dive into turf farming you’ll never…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
By Cookie Jar Golf