Best James The Architect Ball Podcasts (2025)

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064 - From seed to sale: How Inturf Service Sports Pitches 1:04:49

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11h ago1:04:49

1:04:49

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 homes. They chat about soil science, family legacy, precision tractors and why rolling contact is everything. A deep dive into turf farming you’ll never look at your lawn the same way again. Send us a message…

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063 - From Stimp to USGA Smart Ball: Measuring What Matters on Modern Greens 1:06:37

7d ago1:06:37

1:06:37

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, smoothness and trueness—and why firmness might be the ultimate defence of great golf. They get into Deacon's role as the data hub, a new moisture meter that maps watering decisions, and how better metrics help c…

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062 - Royal Liverpool’s Robot Revolution with Craig Stoba (Husqvarna) 1:14:08

22d ago1:14:08

1:14:08

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, from virtual boundaries and millimetre-precise heights to 24/7 schedules that improve turf health and free up greenkeeping time. We get into worm-cast wins, winter cutting on wet sites, and that headline w…

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061 - From Cattle Stations to Toro: Bradley Taylor’s Greenkeeping Rise 1:09:21

29d ago1:09:21

1:09:21

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, a Belfry apprenticeship, tournament stints from Celtic Manor to Yas Links, and a move to Beau Desert Golf Club. They dig into a tough winter of disease and snow, the sand-heavy recovery, the switch to …

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060 - From Valderrama to Blackwell: Ben Lovett’s Greenkeeping Adventure 59:41

1M ago59:41

59:41

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 North, Australia, Spain and the Turkish Airlines Open. Ben lifts the lid on Blackwell’s quirks: port and brandy in the clubhouse, the legendary 12th “snake” bunker, and a downhill par‑3 on 13 that inspire…

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059 - Crafting Royal Portrush: Graeme Beatt on Fescue, Robots & Links Magic 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

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 manager at one of the world’s great links. Covering fescue-first green conversions, managing anthracnose and dollar spot, reimagining bunkers, and the build-out ahead of Portrush’s Open where Scottie Scheffl…

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058 - Nine, Twelve, or Nothing: Rethinking Golf’s Next Chapter 41:44

2M ago41:44

41:44

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 hubs with sand‑capped, fescue‑forward turf that stays open when the rain never stops. Spurred by Alistair Beggs’ warning on chemicals and heavy soils, the lads pull apart a model that turns a failed 18 into …

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057 - From Kent to Hoylake: Fletcher’s Golf Bug (and Those High Bunkers) 37:14

2M ago37:14

37:14

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-sized par-3, and why towering bunkers are the ultimate kid kryptonite. They dig into the mini-course with holes named Natterjack, Liverbird, Pineapple and Racing Horse, the Husqvarna robots that keep i…

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056 - Lee Strutt - Sowing Seeds and Breaking Ground 1:11:05

2M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

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 grassroots beginnings to directing a world-class estate. They dig into leadership, trials, robots, and how to engineer not just a golf course, but a culture. Send us a message if you would like anything discus…

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055 - From North Wales to Deal: Ben Williams’ Linksland Journey 1:13:29

3M ago1:13:29

1:13:29

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‑exclusive Double Eagle in Ohio, an overseed bootcamp at Sea Pines, and a love affair with New South Wales GC. They dig into mentorship, the FTMI programme, and why a touch of spring granular on the fairways…

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054 - Alistair Beggs - Practical Greenkeeping and the Art of Sustainable Golf 1:12:12

3M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

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 multiple Open Championships. They discuss the legendary Jim Arthur, the evolution of greenkeeping, tales from the driest Open in history, and why sustainable practices are shaping the future of the game. S…

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053 - Team Culture, Turf, and Tour Standards: Inside John McLoughlin’s Career 1:40:04

3M ago1:40:04

1:40:04

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 greenkeeping team. They dive deep into tour-level course setups, team culture, and the management philosophies that have transformed clubs into championship venues. Send us a message if you would like any…

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052 - Listener Question Time: Rain, Drought & Drainage 51:33

3M ago51:33

51:33

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 to reservoir builds and soil importation, it’s a deep dive into the future of sustainable golf course management. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.…

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051 - Beyond Turf: Golf’s Role in Biodiversity & Balance 58:22

4M ago58:22

58:22

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 managing gorse, trees, and ponds can support nesting birds, red squirrels, toads, and more, plus how modern agronomy balances playing quality with environmental stewardship. Send us a message if you would l…

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050 - Listener Question Time: Course Difficulty & Rainfall 1:01:03

4M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

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 the sorcery of seaweed, it’s a deep dive into maintenance, architecture and a wee bit of punk rock nostalgia from Dumfries. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.…

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049 - Solo Greenkeeping at Durness with Ali Morrison 50:22

4M ago50:22

50:22

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 golf courses in the UK. From sheep grazing on fairways to the possibility of Coore & Crenshaw dropping by, they explore the quirks, history, and breathtaking beauty of this nine-hole wonder on the edg…

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048 - Architectural Match Play - Royal St. Georges vs Royal Cinque Ports - pt2 1:26:54

4M ago1:26:54

1:26:54

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), resuming at the 7th hole with the match all square. With tales of seawall tees, mega green complexes, and historic anecdotes, they bring their usual blend of architectural insight and pub-style golf chat to…

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047 - Architectural Match Play - Royal St. Georges vs Royal Cinque Ports - pt1 1:13:53

4M ago1:13:53

1:13:53

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 Cinque Ports (Deal). From punchbowl greens to first-tee nightmares, they go head-to-head hole by hole in a playful yet passionate playoff steeped in nostalgia, course architecture, and plenty of sneezes.…

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046 - McDonnell & Cooper w/ Joe McDonnell 53:45

5M ago53:45

53:45

Joe McDonnell joins Sam & Bledge to discuss the formation of McDonnell & Cooper, a new golf course architecture firm with our very own Sam Cooper. The formation of this company was part of the excuse of the 6 month break, so sit back and listen to their thoughts on the next generation of golf course architecture Send us a message if you would like …

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045 - How golf courses change over time 51:54

5M ago51:54

51:54

Sam & Bledge sit down to reflect on their latest adventures at the Blackwell Foursomes and RNGC. They explore how golf course architecture — from bunkering to subtle design shifts — continues to evolve, challenging both everyday golfers and the game’s elite. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.…

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044 - Badgers are Back 48:11

5M ago48:11

48:11

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 team will be helping with editing and publishing of episodes, while still keeping the same great insight and lo-fi jazz intro that listeners will be familiar with. In this episode, Sam & James talk about wha…

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043 - First Green with Jenny Bledge. PLUS Badger Merch is live! 1:15:10

11M ago1:15:10

1:15:10

This episode is particularly important. We heard in the previous episode (042 with Scott Reeves) how one of the biggest issues faced in the greenkeeping industry is recruitment. Well, fortunately Bledge's much better half Jenny Bledge is out there working on a solution. First Green is a wonderful initiative that BIGGA has brought over the Atlantic …

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042 - Making BIGGA better? - Scott Reeves 1:21:52

12M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

Link to survey 👇👇👇 https://www.bigga.org.uk/news-listing/greenkeeper-survey-amazon-voucher.html Welcome back Badgers, This week we’ve been joined by Scott Reeves, Head of Membership for BIGGA. We try and get to the bottom of what problems the Greenkeeping Industry is facing in Britain - but more importantly, Scott wants to know what you think. Whet…

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041 - Part 2 - What's Been Happening At Birkdale? - Sean McClean 55:51

1y ago55:51

55:51

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 that many of us watched develop over social media. It was an extraordinary amount of work, especially for a course hosting the world's oldest Major Championship in 2026. This year, Sean and his indefatigable team …

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040 - What's Been Happening At Birkdale? Part 1 of 2 with Sean McClean 1:10:20

1y ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Guest from episode 6 of this podcast (December 2022!) joins us again to discuss first his preparation for Royal Birkdale's Open Championship in 2026, but also the extraordinary suite of changes to the famous links last winter and next. I also give a shameless plug for Volume 1 of my Links from the Road series. It's been a labour of love (and someti…

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039 - Pinehurst #2 - Working on a US Open course set up with Graeme Roberts (Part 2) 45:23

1y ago45:23

45:23

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 Arctic Circle in our camper van, I must admit to the grievous crime of forgetting to post it. Logging into the podcast dashboard, there it was - ready to entertain and educate our legions of Badgers. …

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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. 53:05

1y ago53:05

53:05

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 previous episode with Jerry Mulvihill about Lofoten Links, but perhaps you've also seen the YouTube Vlog series that Bledge and I discuss in the pod. If not, you can find the channel here: https://www.youtub…

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037 - Jerry Mulvihill of Lofoten Links - Arctic Special 1:02:44

1y ago1:02:44

1:02:44

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 Producer Harriet has been persuaded to go on another adventure in our trusty campervan. This time, we've gone north. About as far north as you can go really. It took almost 2 weeks but we finally drove from our…

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036 - From Pinehurst to Hayling, and back again - Part 1. Graeme Roberts on managing a links in a changing climate 51:26

1+ y ago51:26

51:26

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 and the trade-off between meeting membership expectations and managing the golf course ecosystem. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we talk more about his experience on the voluntary support team for the US …

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035 - Badger & Badger - some of our favourite things, from the trivial to the essential 1:32:34

1+ y ago1:32:34

1:32:34

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 many things. But both value an other perspective and share many of the same philosophies that underpin golf (and, indeed, life). So Producer Harriet put us to the test. Here we discuss some of our favouri…

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034 - Greenkeeping for Dummies - the right way (and wrong way) to get quicker greens... 1:12:16

1+ y ago1:12:16

1:12:16

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 greenkeeping and architecture that underpins British golf. We are always so humbled by the number of you who tune in to the pod, and especially those who write in to ask questions or simply offer some…

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033 - Jim Price - Contracts Director at MJ Abbott 42:01

1+ y ago42:01

42:01

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 irrigation project in recent years - and offers a great insight into the contractor's perspective. Things have undoubtedly changed in recent years, especially with more dramatic droughts and wet seasons. We …

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032 - How a Course Manager and Architect first approach a golf course... 1:00:34

1+ y ago1:00:34

1:00:34

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 greenkeeping industry in Bobby McDougall. A poignant reminder of how trivial many of the day to day things that occupy our minds actually are. Bledge and I discuss the freakish weather that continues to…

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031 - Scott Aitchison - (Many) Seasons in Dornoch 1:01:50

1+ y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

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 loyal and talented member of the greenkeeping industry. We hope you enjoy this (overdue) conversation with Scott as much as we enjoyed recording it. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podc…

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030 - Sam & Bledge discuss Spring on the Links, Southerness proposals and some ideas for future episodes...! 1:28:06

1+ y ago1:28:06

1:28:06

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 ideas on future episode ideas. We also have a new email address! Please do get in touch with us: [email protected] We can't wait to hear from you! Send us a message if you would like anything discusse…

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029 - The Roberts' Brothers - Scott and Graeme Roberts 1:03:48

1+ y ago1:03:48

1:03:48

Scott and Graeme Roberts' really couldn't have been anything but greenkeepers. The brothers' grew up 'on the tools' at Hankley Common Golf Club, where their father Gareth was Course Manager for almost thirty years. Now, they are both Course Managers themselves. Scott is currently overseeing the multi million pound reconstruction of Basingstoke Golf…

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028 - The UK's leading Irrigation Specialist: Adrian Mortram - Irrigation and Adventure 1:32:59

1+ y ago1:32:59

1:32:59

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 countless irrigation systems throughout the world. Not just golf, his CV is as rich and varied as they come. We talk about his career, how irrigation systems have changed and how they might change still. We al…

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027 - Andy Ewence - CM at Woking on (re)building the Buckinghamshire, persuading Japanese owners and restoring the heathland at Woking. 1:31:55

1+ y ago1:31:55

1:31:55

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 Buckinghamshire, including persuading the club's Japanese owners to invest in a significant overhaul. Now, Andy is at Woking - helping to enhance one of the most architecturally significant courses in Englan…

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026 - Harrogate and Phoenix debrief. Tractors, Autonomous mowers, Riviera and the importance of a community. 1:30:22

1+ y ago1:30:22

1:30:22

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 and conferences. Bledge and Sam give their thoughts and recollections of a packed BTME in Harrogate and GCSAA show in Phoenix, Arizona. The importance of attending, what they can both get out of it, techno…

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025 - Bledge talks to Lee and Sami Strutt 57:00

2y ago57:00

57:00

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 the Director of Agronomy at Cabot Cape Breton. Sami has spent over 30 years working for the greenkeeping association, BIGGA. She joined the association in 1993 as an admin assistant but is leaving it…

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024 - Bledge and Phil Helmn on Managing Teams in Greenkeeping 43:46

2y ago43:46

43:46

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 discuss his enormous passion for managing teams in the greenkeeping world. Phil is a Master Greenkeeper and has managed a wide range of courses throughout his distinguished career. Now, he specialises in…

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023 - Badgers are Back - Part 2 1:13:22

2y ago1:13:22

1:13:22

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 as take a few questions sent in to the studio. Bledge also discusses an archaeological find he made on the course at Deal, and the video we discuss in the episode can be viewed here: https://youtu.b…

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022 - Season 2 - Badgers are back! 1:02:00

2y ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Badgers - welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of the podcast. James Bledge (Links Manager, Royal Liverpool Golf Club) and Sam Cooper (Architect, Clayton, DeVries & Pont) are back home on the Wirral, hunkered down for the winter and ready to pod. This is the first half of a general catch-up. Talking about our respective 2023 autumns and what's …

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021 - Open Championship Question Special 1:05:05

2y ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Hello Badgers, Today is 'thank a greenkeeper day'. What better way to mark the occasion than to release our Open question special. A few weeks ago, Bledge and I asked for your questions on the championship - and here are the answers. We hope you enjoy the episode, and thanks to everyone who submitted a question. Don't forget to watch the excellent …

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020 - Open Debrief - Bledge and Sam have a quick catch up on the Monday after The Open 24:05

2+ y ago24:05

24:05

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 beautiful sunset. But there is a bit of wind in the background - we hope you don't mind. We will do a proper debrief in the fullness of time, but I wanted to check in with the main man in the meantime. Se…

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019 - Bledge and Sam discuss Open preparation, Bunkabins, the Open Support team and what they've both been up to 1:02:35

2+ y ago1:02:35

1:02:35

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 making.Hope you enjoy! And if you want to catch up on the Golf Badgers podcast back catalogue of episodes, you can do so here.Thanks! #snapthestimp Sam @links_from_the_road & @sd_cooper and Bledge @jamesbledg…

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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 1:03:17

2+ y ago1:03:17

1:03:17

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 unconventional. From a highly successful corporate background to one of the most successful inward, luxury tour operators in just a few short years. This is an episode not to be missed, as we discuss how to app…

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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 41:57

2+ y ago41:57

41:57

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, that we thought breaking it into two parts might be better. Of course, the second part has the better questions in. The Badgers' discuss the best new course in GB&I, career advice and how to get top lev…

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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 1:03:20

2+ y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Welcome back to another question and answer special of Golf Badgers. The first version of 'Question Badgers' was one of the most listened to episodes we've done so far. Last week, we asked for you to send in some more questions for the Badgers' and this is Part 1 of the answers. Part 2 will follow shortly, before we bring a more regular schedule of…

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015 - Jim Croxton CEO of BIGGA 1:27:10

2+ y ago1:27:10

1:27:10

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 him back in January, which was recorded at BTME. Jim is the CEO of BIGGA - the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association and is hugely passionate about the greenkeeping industry. In this…