A journey into the world of elite greenkeeping and golf course management with James Bledge, Links Manager at Royal Liverpool GC and one of Britain’s finest greenkeepers. From hitting balls over a school building as a kid to Kingsbarns, Deal and preparing Royal Liverpool’s historic links for the Open Championship, this episode reveals the dedication, mentorship, ecological care, and passion for the game - and the land - that informs the presentation of one of the world’s greatest golf links. Plus, as a bonus, a fantastic story about a man who created a golf club in a shed!

In this episode:

An introduction to James Bledge, renowned greenkeeper and Links Manager, with a highlight on his roles in major tournaments like the Open Championship and the Amateur at Hoylake.

Insights into the differences and similarities between preparing a course for the Open and the Amateur Championship.

Behind-the-scenes tales of managing teams, volunteer coordination, and course setup strategies to challenge top players.

The importance of ecology, nature, and sustainability in golf course maintenance, including innovative projects at Royal Liverpool.

Personal stories about career beginnings, mentorship, and life-changing sliding doors moments that shaped his journey.

Unique traditions and community antics, such as Ken Hannah’s legendary golf club in his garden at Deal, and the charm of courses like Royal Cinque Ports and Kingsbarns.

Practical insights into greenkeeping techniques, from soil microbiome testing to cutting-edge turf technology, and how automation might shape future course maintenance.

Reflections on the significance of camaraderie, education, and passing on knowledge within the industry.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introducing this week's guest, James Bledge

03:00 Managing Major Championships: Open vs. Amateur

07:01 Briefing from the R&A and Course Preparation

08:19 Watching US majors: Insights and comparisons

09:40 The RNGC and Royal Liverpool relationship

13:48 The importance of education and mentorship

17:35 Early mentors and Bledge's start in greenkeeping

22:04 Working abroad and international experience

25:21 Building and maintaining links courses

27:03 Working at gWest - the greatest course nobody has ever played

31:33 How to create great greens

37:11 Bledge's team at the 151st Open Championship

40:18 The best thing about being a Links Manager

43:41 Nine years of working at Deal, aka Royal Cinque Ports

54:36 Getting the job as Links Manager at Royal Liverpool

59:52 Discovering a WW2 bomb on the 14th at Hoylake

01:03:42 Forged by Nature: the importance of ecology

Resources & Links:

Golf Badgers Podcast

Royal Liverpool Golf Club

Kingsbarns Golf Links

GWest Golf Course

BIGGA Association

The Cookie Jar Film: Bledge’s Open Journey

RNGC on Instagram

Sounder Golf

Special Offers & Promotions:

Get 20% off your next golf product at Sounder Golf with code POD20

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