Golf Badgers

55:05

087 - Sophie Olejnik

Golf Badgers ·

2026/09/17

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 ...

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38:35

086 - Walker Cup Volunteering with Bledge and Jason...

Golf Badgers ·

2026/09/03

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 co...

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53:46

085 - Drought with Graeme Roberts

Golf Badgers ·

2026/08/27

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 tal...

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66:43

084 - Firm, Fast & Dry

Golf Badgers ·

2026/08/13

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...

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74:12

82 - gWest

Golf Badgers ·

2026/07/23

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 dis...

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60:14

82 - Amateur Championship Reflections

Golf Badgers ·

2026/06/26

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 adjust...

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75:28

081 - The Return of the Amateur Championship

Golf Badgers ·

2026/06/12

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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55:19

80 - Q & A

Golf Badgers ·

2026/05/29

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 ...

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45:45

079 - Preparing Royal Birkdale for an Open with Sean...

Golf Badgers ·

2026/05/14

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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51:56

078 - From Fairways to Football: Inside Man City’s...

Golf Badgers ·

2026/04/30

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.

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61:03

077 - Dan Davies

Golf Badgers ·

2026/04/16

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 diff...

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62:53

076 - Willie Murphy on Terralift, Soil Biology and...

Golf Badgers ·

2026/04/02

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 Ro...

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92:16

075 - Sunningdale Showdown: Old vs New

Golf Badgers ·

2026/03/18

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.

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49:24

074 - Matt Plested Chasing Excellence at Stoneham

Golf Badgers ·

2026/03/12

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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42:36

073 - A Q&A With Bledge

Golf Badgers ·

2026/02/27

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 ...

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62:58

072 - GCSAA and Streamsong

Golf Badgers ·

2026/02/12

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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41:21

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

Golf Badgers ·

2026/02/05

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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64:43

070 - BTME 2026 Roundup with Gavin Speedie and Matt...

Golf Badgers ·

2026/01/29

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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51:49

069 - Erosion, Evolution, and Excellence at Royal...

Golf Badgers ·

2026/01/15

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 golf. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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61:38

068 - Mowers, Mayhem & Milestones: Part Two with Lee...

Golf Badgers ·

2026/01/01

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 message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

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