September 2026

087 – Sophie Olejnik

2026-09-17T04:00:00+00:00September 17th, 2026|Golf Badgers|

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 Sophie saying these sites can support a wide range of habitats because of their structural diversity and [...]

086 – Walker Cup Volunteering with Bledge and Jason Meersman

2026-09-03T18:00:00+00:00September 3rd, 2026|Golf Badgers|

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 [...]

August 2026

085 – Drought with Graeme Roberts

2026-08-27T04:00:00+00:00August 27th, 2026|Golf Badgers|

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 talk about water pricing, pressure, and the difference between greens, fairways, and paths when water is scarce.We then look at [...]

084 – Firm, Fast & Dry

2026-08-27T18:27:51+00:00August 13th, 2026|Golf Badgers|

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 historic design influence at Alwoodley, including Alister MacKenzie’s role there.A major part of the conversation focuses on [...]

July 2026

083 – gWest

2026-07-31T18:28:12+00:00July 23rd, 2026|Golf Badgers|

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 discuss how amateur golf differs from other major events due to the pressure, format and need to play several [...]

June 2026

082 – Amateur Championship Reflections

2026-07-31T18:28:12+00:00June 26th, 2026|Golf Badgers|

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 [...]

May 2026

80 – Q & A

2026-05-29T04:00:00+00:00May 29th, 2026|Golf Badgers|

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. Latest Products

April 2026

078 – From Fairways to Football: Inside Man City’s Grounds Team with Daniel Lewis

2026-04-30T04:00:00+00:00April 30th, 2026|Golf Badgers|

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. Latest Products

Go to Top