Golf Badgers
Episodes
068 - Mowers, Mayhem & Milestones: Part Two with Lee Strutt
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
67 - Jim Croxton on BTME, BIGGA’s Big Year, and Why Greenkeeping Needs a Bigger Voice
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
066 - Top Turf Tech: The Machines That Changed Greenkeeping
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
065 - Surviving and Thriving: Jack Percival’s Story of Resilience
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bledge and Jack sit down for an unfiltered conversation about Jack Percival’s rise from foster care and graveyard shifts to becoming a respected cou...
064 - From seed to sale: How Inturf Service Sports Pitches
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 home...
063 - From Stimp to USGA Smart Ball: Measuring What Matters on Modern Greens
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, s...
062 - Royal Liverpool’s Robot Revolution with Craig Stoba (Husqvarna)
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, fro...
061 - From Cattle Stations to Toro: Bradley Taylor’s Greenkeeping Rise
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
060 - From Valderrama to Blackwell: Ben Lovett’s Greenkeeping Adventure
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 No...
059 - Crafting Royal Portrush: Graeme Beatt on Fescue, Robots & Links Magic
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 manag...
058 - Nine, Twelve, or Nothing: Rethinking Golf’s Next Chapter
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 hub...
057 - From Kent to Hoylake: Fletcher’s Golf Bug (and Those High Bunkers)
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
056 - Lee Strutt - Sowing Seeds and Breaking Ground
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 grass...
055 - From North Wales to Deal: Ben Williams’ Linksland Journey
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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‑...
054 - Alistair Beggs - Practical Greenkeeping and the Art of Sustainable Golf
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 multi...
053 - Team Culture, Turf, and Tour Standards: Inside John McLoughlin’s Career
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 gr...
052 - Listener Question Time: Rain, Drought & Drainage
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
051 - Beyond Turf: Golf’s Role in Biodiversity & Balance
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
050 - Listener Question Time: Course Difficulty & Rainfall
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
049 - Solo Greenkeeping at Durness with Ali Morrison
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
048 - Architectural Match Play - Royal St. Georges vs Royal Cinque Ports - pt2
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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), resu...
047 - Architectural Match Play - Royal St. Georges vs Royal Cinque Ports - pt1
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
046 - McDonnell & Cooper w/ Joe McDonnell
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe McDonnell joins Sam & Bledge to discuss the formation of McDonnell & Cooper, a new golf course architecture firm with our very own Sam Coo...
045 - How golf courses change over time
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam & Bledge sit down to reflect on their latest adventures at the Blackwell Foursomes and RNGC. They explore how golf course architecture — fro...
044 - Badgers are Back
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tea...
043 - First Green with Jenny Bledge. PLUS Badger Merch is live!
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is particularly important. We heard in the previous episode (042 with Scott Reeves) how one of the biggest issues faced in the greenkeepi...
042 - Making BIGGA better? - Scott Reeves
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Link to survey 👇👇👇https://www.bigga.org.uk/news-listing/greenkeeper-survey-amazon-voucher.htmlWelcome back Badgers,This week we’ve been joi...
041 - Part 2 - What's Been Happening At Birkdale? - Sean McClean
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 tha...
040 - What's Been Happening At Birkdale? Part 1 of 2 with Sean McClean
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Guest from episode 6 of this podcast (December 2022!) joins us again to discuss first his preparation for Royal Birkdale's Open Championship in 2...
039 - Pinehurst #2 - Working on a US Open course set up with Graeme Roberts (Part 2)
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
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.
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pre...
037 - Jerry Mulvihill of Lofoten Links - Arctic Special
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Pr...
036 - From Pinehurst to Hayling, and back again - Part 1. Graeme Roberts on managing a links in a changing climate
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
035 - Badger & Badger - some of our favourite things, from the trivial to the essential
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 man...
034 - Greenkeeping for Dummies - the right way (and wrong way) to get quicker greens...
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
033 - Jim Price - Contracts Director at MJ Abbott
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 irrigati...
032 - How a Course Manager and Architect first approach a golf course...
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 gre...
031 - Scott Aitchison - (Many) Seasons in Dornoch
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
030 - Sam & Bledge discuss Spring on the Links, Southerness proposals and some ideas for future episodes...!
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 idea...
029 - The Roberts' Brothers - Scott and Graeme Roberts
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Scott and Graeme Roberts' really couldn't have been anything but greenkeepers.The brothers' grew up 'on the tools' at Hankley...
028 - The UK's leading Irrigation Specialist: Adrian Mortram - Irrigation and Adventure
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
027 - Andy Ewence - CM at Woking on (re)building the Buckinghamshire, persuading Japanese owners and restoring the heathland at Woking.
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Buckingh...
026 - Harrogate and Phoenix debrief. Tractors, Autonomous mowers, Riviera and the importance of a community.
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
025 - Bledge talks to Lee and Sami Strutt
20 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
024 - Bledge and Phil Helmn on Managing Teams in Greenkeeping
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 dis...
023 - Badgers are Back - Part 2
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The second half of our Season 2 kick off.Bledge and Sam discuss the Bernhard Academy, upcoming trips to BTME in Harrogate and GCSAA in Phoenix as well...
022 - Season 2 - Badgers are back!
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Badgers - welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of the podcast. James Bledge (Links Manager, Royal Liverpool Golf Club) and Sam Cooper (Architect, ...
021 - Open Championship Question Special
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hello Badgers,Today is 'thank a greenkeeper day'. What better way to mark the occasion than to release our Open question special. A few week...
020 - Open Debrief - Bledge and Sam have a quick catch up on the Monday after The Open
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to this quick catch up episode, recorded on top of the tallest grandstand at Hoylake. The rain of Sunday has disappeared, replaced with a beau...
019 - Bledge and Sam discuss Open preparation, Bunkabins, the Open Support team and what they've both been up to
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Open Championship is less than 2 weeks away now, and Bledge and Sam discuss what they've been up to and what preparations Bledge has been mak...
018 - From Corporate World to Golf Travel - David Jones (UKGolfGuy) and his unconventional journey into golf. Plus golf course rankings, lessons for green fee setters and a changing travel landscape
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sam sits down in a busy Loch Lomond restaurant to speak to David Jones, better known as the UK Golf Guy.David's journey into golf is truly unconv...
017 - Question Badgers 2 (Part 2) - Bledge and Sam answer your greenkeeping and golf course architecture questions on career advice, grass coverage and course design versus surface condition
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Part 2 of Question Badgers. In the previous episode, Sam and Bledge took questions from you lovely listeners. So many, where there, th...
016 - Question Badgers 2 (Part 1) - Bledge and Sam answer your greenkeeping and golf course architecture questions on Championship preparation, favourite Open Rota courses & small vs large budgets
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to another question and answer special of Golf Badgers.The first version of 'Question Badgers' was one of the most listened to ...
015 - Jim Croxton CEO of BIGGA
27 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back, Badgers!If you have been following us for some time, you might be familiar with the name Jim Croxton. We released a short podcast with h...
014 - Hayling Special - Greig Easton & Graeme Roberts
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Those of you who have followed my Links from the Road Tour will already know my thoughts on Hayling Golf Club.I made an 'under the radar' fi...
013 - Question Badgers
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A slightly different episode this time round. We asked for a few questions for Bledge and myself and you kindly obliged. We've ended up with a di...
012 - Dan Lightfoot of Syngenta
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back, Badgers!It's been a busy few weeks in the Badger Sett. Bledge has been getting his course ready for Spring, while I've been in...
011 - Harrogate, Orlando, bunkers and Clegg Hammers
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hello Badgers,Welcome to Episode 11 of Golf Badgers.Its been a busy start to the year. We've been to Harrogate for BTME and then to Orlando for G...
010 - Matt Plested - Stoneham GC
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 10! A bit of a milestone for Golf Badgers. Please forgive the self indulgent intro but Bledge and I would like to thank you all for listening ...
009 - Jim Croxton (CEO of BIGGA) on BTME 2023
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back Badgers,Bledge and I have just got back from an excellent week in Harrogate for BTME 2023.We managed to record a few episodes which we&ap...
008 - Lee Strutt - Cabot Cape Breton (& a lot of other stuff)
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back Badgers!It's been a long time since our Christmas special, but we're back! With BTME on the horizon, Bledge and I will be takin...
007 - Zac Blair & Kye Goalby - (Christmas) Tree Farm
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Merry Christmas, Badgers!We hope everyone's had a great Christmas. Between the snow storms in the UK, some technical issues and a big dose of man...
006 - Sean McClean - Course Manager, Royal Birkdale
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back Badgers.This week we're joined by a few special guests. First, Sean McClean the 'new' Course Manager at Royal Birkdale Gol...
005 - Ryan Noades - GM/Owner, The Addington
27 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Bledge and I were joined by Ryan Noades of The Addington.Ryan's family have owned this exceptional heathland course for a while now, an...
004 - Sam Cooper - Architect w/ Clayton, DeVries & Pont
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back Badgers.For a change of pace, Mr Bledge is interviewing me (Sam Cooper) on my transition into the golfing industry, thoughts on architect...
003 - Simon Olver - Course Manager, Ganton GC
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to the Podcast, Badgers.I'm on the road this week, and I've left Bledge back in Hoylake. I popped into Ganton Golf Club to play...
002 - Rob McGuirk - Owner, Princes & Chart Hills
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Badgers, welcome back to the podcast.This week, we're in conversation with our great friend Rob McGuirk.Rob's family have owned the famed li...
001 - Pilot - James Bledge
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Golf Badgers (ɡɒlf bæʤə) - noun: A group of golfers obsessed with the game.Episode 1 is a chat between the hosts. Sam Cooper is a golf architect ...