Golf Badgers

By Cookie Jar Golf
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  • 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.

  1. -4 j

    82 - 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, 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 adjustments of only a few millimetres could change the stimp reading by about a foot. We then cover the work of keeping every green on a level playing field despite differences in age and construction. Some greens needed extra attention, including drill-and-fill work, and we note that modern tools now allow more precise management through data, nutrition, water and cutting plans rather than relying mainly on feel. We move on to the championship itself and the role of West Lancashire in qualifying, and that the setup at both venues was strong, and that the event attracted a serious standard of play. Stuart Grehan’s win is the main focus, however. We describe his driving, his ability to control the ball in windy links conditions, and several key moments in the final, including a difficult bunker shot on the sixth, recovery shots on later holes, and his steady scoring through the knockout rounds. We also mention other players who stood out, including Malin Pogaita, Niall Shields Donegan and Elliot Baker, and we note the strong support from County Louth members for Grehan. We close by saying we are impressed by his performance and by the work of the team that prepared the course. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

    1 h

  2. 12 juin

    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 the podcast.

    1 h 15 min

  3. 29 mai

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

    55 min

  4. 14 mai

    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.

    46 min

  5. 30 avr.

    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 one’s all about learning from the very best. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

    52 min

  6. 16 avr.

    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 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 difficult and intricate green complexes, and waist high ‘bund’ is only ever inches away. Sleeper style hazard placements on the 2nd hole an ode to Oakmont, and the 7th hole - ‘Bell’ is an inverse replica of the 12th hole at Augusta - RNGC is proof that golf doesn’t have to big or grand.  Cookie Jar Golf made a superb Youtube Film on RNGC a couple of years ago - You can watch here - https://youtu.be/8q1kXRoLsgw Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

    1 h 1 min

  7. 2 avr.

    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 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 Roca Stem have become trusted tools for green keepers chasing firmer, more consistent greens. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

    1 h 3 min

  8. 18 mars

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

    1 h 32 min
Tout afficher (82)

À propos

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.

Informations

  • Création
    By Cookie Jar Golf
  • Années d’activité
    2022 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    82
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Golf Badgers
  • Site web de l’émission
    Golf Badgers

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