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, projects tied to Harry Colt and Tom Simpson, and new courses in the UK and abroad. We also say that we prefer to keep the details quiet and let the finished work speak for itself.We then discuss whether Alister MacKenzie’s idea of naturalism is disappearing in modern links architecture. We argue that it is not, but that it is difficult to achieve. We talk about making golf courses look as though they belong to the land, while actually using careful design, shaping, and working areas to create that effect. We explain that good golf design involves subtle trade-offs, strategic [...]

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 different stages of succession. She describes Saunton as a particularly special site, and says that good management there, including dune work and sea buckthorn control, has made the course and surrounding landscape more diverse.We also talk about how golf course ecology has changed. Sophie says biodiversity is now taken much [...]

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 in more detail, including “strip and flip” work, sod cutting, root zone removal, and the use of bulldozers and heavy machinery. Jason explains his role in supporting the project, keeping the work moving, and helping the team through the pressure of the rebuild.We then discuss volunteering at the Walker Cup [...]

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 the course’s condition, the areas that have browned off, and the recovery plan for autumn. That includes topdressing, pot seeding, aeration, wetting agents, and the choice of seed mixes, with a focus on balancing fescue, ryegrass, and hardier grasses for links conditions.Finally, we discuss the mental strain of managing drought [...]

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 measuring firmness and the move away from Clegg readings toward USGA-style numbers. We talk through why firmness numbers can be harder for people to understand than stimp readings, but also why they are important and how golfers and greenkeepers begin to interpret them through repeated use.We then turn to the [...]

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 strong rounds in a row.The conversation then shifts to gWest, the unfinished golf course project. They explain that it was started during the recession as part of a larger estate plan combining golf and residential plots. However, the housing market collapse impacted the wider business model.  They describe the course’s [...]

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 [...]

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. Latest Products

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

Bledge sits down with Sean McLean to discuss the changes and preparations for Royal Birkdale for the upcoming Open in July.  Latest Products