Show Notes
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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