Best Golf Course Restoration Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 120: TGH 120: A Historic Trip to Scotland 47:14

1M ago47:14

47:14

The Society of Golf Historians is flying to Scotland in August of 2025 and we want you to join us! Today on the show we are joined by the President and Co-Founder of PerryGolf, Gordon Dalgleish, who shares the early history of PerryGolf and how it was one of the early pioneers in the golf travel industry. Gordon and I then pivot to discuss The Soci…

1
Episode 119: TGH 119: The History of Calvin Peete 1:04:12

1M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

When you think of the American Dream - that wonderful tale of a rags to riches story - few can beat the story of Calvin Peete. From climbing into trees in orchards, to shattering his elbow, to becoming a pool shark , then a golf hustler to a Vardon Trophy winner, and Players Champion on the PGA Tour - Calvin's story is a tale of the struggle to bec…

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

1M 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 …

1
How You Doin’? 51:47

2M ago51:47

51:47

Rheanne, Dane, and Aaron meet again. A review of the first 24 days of the course being open.By Wakonda Club

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Episode 118: TGH 118: The Gathering at Pinehurst 1:44:54

2M ago1:44:54

1:44:54

As we close in on the 124th playing of the US Open at Pinehurst, I thought it would be a great time to rollback the podcast to a show we recorded during the pandemic. Recorded and filmed from Golf Club Atlas Headquarters in Pinehurst, NC, this podcast includes the Founder of Golf Club Atlas, Ran Morrisett, Kyle Frantz Golf Design, former President …

1
Episode 117: TGH 117: Instruments of Change: Mosk & Sifford 58:04

3M ago58:04

58:04

We welcome author Peter May back to the podcast to discuss his latest book: "Changing the Course: How Charlie Sifford & Stanley Mosk Integrated the PGA." A wonderful expansion on the DocuPod I recorded years ago by the title: "The Caucasian Clause." Peter May's study of the events that took place between 1896 and 1962 was thorough and tells the sto…

1
Restoring and Renovating the Great Dunes Course at Jekyll Island Golf Club | Episode 26 1:05:33

3M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

This episode features a recording of our Municipal Golf Network Webinar Series on the upcoming restoration and renovation of the Great Dunes Course at Jekyll Island Golf Club in Jekyll Island, Georgia National Links Trust Co-Founder, Will Smith, is joinred by thee panelists. Jeffrey Stein and Brian Ross - the course’s co-architects, and Noel Jensen…

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

3M 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... 1:12:15

3M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

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…

1
033 - Jim Price - Contracts Director at MJ Abbott 42:01

4M 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

4M 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…

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

4M 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.

1
Episode 116: TGH 116: The Myths of the Masters Part 2 52:01

5M ago52:01

52:01

We welcome back Golf Historian, Greg Lamb for the second part of this two part podcast - "The Myths of the Masters.' We started part 1 talking about assassinations and we end this podcast with the possible location of both the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail - can you name another podcast with this much range? Tune in - and enjoy some good s…

1
Samantha Wagner: Epson Tour Player & NLT Ambassador | Episode 25 25:03

5M ago25:03

25:03

In this episode of the National Links Trust Podcast, we introduce a new National Links Trust Ambassador - Epson Tour player, Samantha Wagner. Samantha grew up playing public golf and had a successful junior and amateur career before turning pro in 2017. Since then, she has played on the Epson and LPGA Tours. We’re really excited to have Samantha ab…

1
Episode 115: TGH 115: The Myths of the Masters Part 1 48:22

5M ago48:22

48:22

This show is dedicated to proving or disproving some of the many myths that surround Augusta National and the Masters. We welcome back golf historian, Greg Lamb who joined us last year for our show: "Before Augusta National." This show will be a two part podcast. Please enjoy the lighthearted story telling of "The Myths of the Masters." Support Tal…

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

5M 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: hello@golfbadgers.com We can't wait to hear from you!

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

5M 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

5M 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…

1
Micaa' Thomas: Professional Golfer & NLT Ambassador | Episode 24 20:04

6M ago20:04

20:04

In this episode of the National Links Trust Podcast, we welcome on Micaa' Thomas. Micaa' is a professional golfer who grew up at Langston Golf Course. After an accomplished amateur career, today, she plays mini-tour events while chasing her dream to play on the LPGA Tour. In her spare time, she is a talented artist who has produced an award-winning…

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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

6M 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…

1
The Unsung Heroes 37:18

6M ago37:18

37:18

Rheanne, Dane, and Aaron sit down with the true unsung heroes of the golf course project - the grounds crew. Tyler Kinney, Evan Armitage, Troy Janssen and John Phillips join the podcast.By Wakonda Club

1
Episode 114: TGH 114: VaughnCon III: Defending Your Course 43:50

6M ago43:50

43:50

Welcome to season 6 of the TalkinGolf History Podcast- I sincerely apologize for the delay to kick off this new exciting season. Today we have a special show...another edition of VaughnCon where we get extremely blunt on our golf course architcture takes. This is a jointly owned podcast between TalkinGolf History, the Donald Ross Society and Golf C…

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

6M 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…

1
National Links Trust Championship Winners: Stephanie Tran & Tyler McKeever | Episode 23 43:40

7M ago43:40

43:40

In this episode of the National Links Trust Podcast, we welcome on Stephanie Tran and Tyler McKeever - winners of the Women's and Men's Division Champions at the inaugural National Links Trust Championship last fall. The National Links Trust Championship is a national mid-am tournament for public golfers held at Washington, DC's historic Blue Cours…

1
025 - Bledge talks to Lee and Sami Strutt 57:00

7M 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…

1
024 - Bledge and Phil Helmn on Managing Teams in Greenkeeping 43:46

7M 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…

1
Connecting The Dots 1:14:25

7M ago1:14:25

1:14:25

Special Guest, Nate McCoy, with the Iowa Golf Association, joins Rheanne, Aaron and Dane to discuss the course rating, handicaps, tees, and of course where the dots land. And a mid-winter update from Dane.By Wakonda Club

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

8M 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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Episode 113: TGH 113: The Golffice 1:07:26

8M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Someone of you asked for it and now all of you have to live with it;) Episode #113 dives into my mini-museum known lovingly as the Golffice. I break down my history with these historical items - tell a bit of their backstory and answer listener questions on how to build your own collection and the rehashing some of my terrible mistakes..."yes I cou…

1
Revitalizing Golden Gate Park Golf Course | Episode 22 59:48

8M ago59:48

59:48

This episode features a recording of our Municipal Golf Network Webinar on San Francisco's Golden Gate Park Golf Course. Opened in 1951, this 9-hole, par 3 golf is coming out of a 6-month temporary closure that will see improved turf conditions, a brand new irrigation system and an expanded practice facility that will increase the course's environm…

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

8M 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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Episode 112: TGH 112: The Restoration of Cobbs Creek 1:19:57

9M ago1:19:57

1:19:57

It didnt get a lot of press a couple of months ago, but the restoration of the famed Cobbs Creek Golf Course is underway in Philadelphia. This public golf course was once one of the shining lights of public golf when it was designed and with Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner on their dozers, I wouldnt bet against Cobbs Creek becoming a beacon for how cities…

1
2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf: Partnerships and Community Engagement Panel | Episode 21 1:01:18

9M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

This episode of the National Link Trust Podcast features a recording from the 2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf. Azucena Maldonado, Founder of the Latina Golfers Association, moderates a discussion on Partnerships and Community Engagement. National Links Trust's Andrew Szunyog, who oversees our volunteer and sustainability programs, is one of the pa…

1
2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf: Agronomy and Course Maintenance Panel | Episode 20 1:02:21

9M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

This episode of the National Link Trust Podcast features a recording from the 2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf. Michael Stachowicz of the National Park Service moderates a discussion on Agronomy and Course Maintenance with a panel of golf course superintendents. These superintendents are Rich Shilling from Jeffersonville Golf Club (PA), Len Curtin …

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2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf: Fundraising and Marketing Panel | Episode 19 52:35

9M ago52:35

52:35

This episode of the National Link Trust Podcast features a recording from the 2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf. Bill Potter, Vice President of Communications and Engagement at First Tee - Greater Richmond, moderates a discussion on Fundraising and Marketing. Joining Bill are Marty Elgison, Co-founder and President of the Bobby Jones Golf Course Fou…

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2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf: Municipal Golf Governance and Management Panel | Episode 18 1:04:05

9M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

This episode of the National Link Trust Podcast features a recording from the 2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf. Rachel Carter, Senior Membership Director at the National Golf Course Owners Association, moderates a discussion on Municipal Golf Governance and Management. She is joined by Steve Leary, former mayor of Winter Park, FL who was instrument…

1
2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf: Architecture Panel | Episode 17 1:12:15

9M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

This episode of the National Link Trust Podcast features a recording from the 2023 Symposium on Municipal Golf. Garrett Morrison of Fried Egg Golf is joined by Jay Blasi (Chambers Bay), Mike Young (Warmouth Sands), and Troy Miller (Charleston Municipal Golf Course). All three of these architects have vast experience in the architecture business, bu…

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Episode 111: TGH 111: The History of LIV Golf 1:13:09

10M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

The History of LIV Golf shares the early history of this rebel golf tour that whether you like it or hate it has changed the professional game of golf. We are joined on the podcast by journalist and author, Alan Shipnuck to discuss his new book, "LIV and Let Die." Support TalkinGolfBy TalkinGolf Productions

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Episode 110: TGH 110: The Rise & Demise of the Ben Hogan Company, Part 3 1:05:33

10M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

The third and final episode of the Rise and Demise of the Ben Hogan Golf Company. John Barba of MyGolfSpy joins us once again to tell the final chapter of this iconic brand, but unlike our other Rise and Demise stories, this brand may yet rise again! Support TalkinGolfBy TalkinGolf Productions

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