Jaz Athwal: Aaron Rai & the British Asian golf experience

James Bledge: Creating the perfect place to play

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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/golf-badgers/id1651286508] * Royal Liverpool Golf Club [https://royalliverpoolgolf.com/] * Kingsbarns Golf Links [https://kingsbarns.com/] * GWest Golf Course [https://gwest.co.uk/] * BIGGA Association [https://bigga.co.uk/] * The Cookie Jar Film: Bledge’s Open Journey [https://example.com/cookie-jar-film] * RNGC on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rngc2021/] * Sounder Golf [https://soundergolf.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoplm9K9-SIlPcit_1b5UZ_PixW3cOSqQAXnSvshH4s3NiPIvOMI] Special Offers & Promotions: * Get 20% off your next golf product at Sounder Golf [https://soundergolf.com/] with code POD20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Jaz Athwal: Aaron Rai & the British Asian golf experience

In this episode of This Golfing Life, Dan Davies sits down with Jaz Athwal, the first Sikh to be appointed captain of a British golf club and a co-founder of the British Asian Golf Society. We celebrate the recent success of Aaron Rai, the first British Asian golfer to win a major, exploring how role models from diverse communities can reshape the future of the game. Jaz also reflects on his journey from inner-city Bradford, rugby league and prejudice to the upper echelons of West Yorkshire society, as well as the challenges he faced breaking into a traditionally exclusive sport, and the lasting impact of initiatives like the Asian Open in inspiring British Asian golfers.  Highlights Introduction: Dan Davies welcomes Jaz Athwal to This Golfing Life and highlights the significance of Aaron Rai’s major win for British Asian golf. Early Sporting Life: Jaz shares his experience growing up in Bradford, his love for rugby league, and how early sporting experiences shaped his outlook. Discovering Golf: From picking up golf as a summer pastime to joining his first club, Jaz details the challenges of being one of the few British Asians in a predominantly white golfing world. Founding the British Asian Golf Society: Jaz explains how the British Asian Golf Society (BAGS) came to be, the vision behind the Asian Open, and efforts to introduce golf to inner-city schools. Breaking Barriers: The journey to becoming the first Sikh captain of a UK golf club and overcoming cultural and institutional barriers. Community Impact: How BAGS fostered networks and mentorships, helping nurture more British Asian golfers. Golf as a Social Glue: Jaz reflects on the inclusive nature of golf, lifelong friendships, and the social aspects that transcend the sport. Life Lessons: The values Jaz holds from Sikh culture, sportsmanship, and the role of integrity in golf and life. Closing Thoughts: Jaz shares his happiest moments on the golf course and his enduring ambitions, including a dream to play at Queenwood. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and context: Introduction to Jaz Athwal and Aaron Rai’s historic win in the PGA Championship. 02:00 – Early sporting life in Bradford: Rugby league and childhood experiences that shaped him. 05:30 – First steps into golf: Discovering the game and joining clubs in a non-inclusive environment. 10:00 – Founding the British Asian Golf Society & Asian Open: From small gatherings to nurturing a generation of players. 15:00 – Family, culture, and role models: Parenting, Sikh values, and supporting Aaron Rai. 25:00 – Facing barriers and building networks: Overcoming prejudice and fostering inclusion in golf. 35:00 – Hotbeds of British Asian golf: Geographic and social perspectives. 43:00 – Inclusive golf today: Changes in club culture and the evolution of British golf. 46:00 – Becoming a club captain: Jaz’s experience as the first Sikh club captain in UK golf. 51:00 – Civic recognition & legacy: Jaz’s Deputy Lieutenant role representing King Charles in West Yorkshire, and long-term impact of BAGS. 57:00 – Role models & inspiration: Aaron Rai’s humility and influence on the next generation. 59:30 – Happiness on the golf course: Reflections on friends, family, and the joy of playing golf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

James Nesbitt: Rory, Sir Alex and the healing power of golf

In this episode, actor James Nesbitt and host Dan Davies enjoy a wide-ranging conversation that covers Cold Feet, Bloody Sunday, Royal Portrush, Rory McIlroy, Sir Alex Ferguson, mental frailties on the golf course, and a whole lot more. From his formative years in Coleraine to his experiences of playing with golfing greats, Nesbitt offers a candid and humorous perspective on the game, his friendships, and his role as an ambassador for Northern Ireland, now acknowledged as one of golf’s greatest destinations. It’s an entertaining and heartfelt deep dive into golf, life, and everything in between.  Key Topics The role of golf in fostering community and healing in Northern Ireland James Nesbitt’s cultural roots, career highlights, and the significance of Bloody Sunday Portrush and the impact of The Open Championship Insights into his close friends, including Rory McIlroy, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Kenny Dalglish The importance of lifelong friendships, golf trips and shared experiences Sir Alex Ferguson’s mentorship and the power of honest leadership James’s charitable work with WAVE Trauma Centre and the families of the disappeared Mental meltdowns on the golf course Chapters  00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Jimmy Nesbitt 02:34 What Portrush means to Jimmy Nesbitt 05:57 What the Open means to Portrush and Northern Ireland 11:57 Jimmy's views on the Americanisation of pro golf 13:54 Getting to know Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland's new George Best 20:46 The importance of lifelong friendships 24:30 Jimmy's late start in golf 27:09 Jimmy's early golfing heroes - Watson, Nicklaus, Seve 32:18 The mental challenges of playing golf 34:23 Jimmy's close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson 43:53 The significance of TV drama Bloody Sunday 49:51 Working with WAVE Trauma Centre in Northern Ireland 56:50 The Mini Masters - "the best competition in the world" 58:25 Meltdowns on the golf course 01:01:54 New TV projects and the power of Netflix Resources & Links * James Nesbitt’s Official Website [https://www.jamesnesbittofficial.com/] * WAVE Trauma Centre [https://www.wavetrauma.org/] * Rory McIlroy Foundation [https://rorymcilroy.com/] * Sounder Golf [https://soundergolf.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoppg9MamStPuXbSQnofgGApDH8BRvKGQ9JS5L_TA-Li8D3EhEWn] * Dan Davies on Substack [https://substack.com/@backofmind] * RNGC, Britain’s premier backyard golf course [https://www.instagram.com/rngc2021/] Connect with James Nesbitt * Twitter [https://twitter.com/James_Nesbitt] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/james_nesbitt_official/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Kipp Popert: Life Lessons from World No.1 Disabled Golfer

In this inspiring episode of This Golfing Life, Dan Davies sits down with Kipp Popert, the world’s top-ranked golfer with a disability. Kipp shares his extraordinary journey from growing up with cerebral palsy to becoming a global leader in adaptive golf, and the personal philosophy that drives him to pursue excellence both on and off the course. Listeners will hear about Kipp’s life-changing experiences, including 12 surgeries, the early challenges of spastic diplegia, and how his love for sports and relentless determination shaped his career. He reflects candidly on growing up with a disability, the inspiration he draws from other adaptive athletes, and the vision behind his own initiative: the Kipp Popert World Invitational, designed to create opportunities for elite disabled golfers. Highlights Overcoming Challenges: Kipp discusses the 12 surgeries he’s had since childhood to manage cerebral palsy, and the resilience developed through those experiences. Golf as Purpose: How golf has been a guiding force in his life, providing focus, passion, and a platform to inspire others. Elite Disabled Golf: Insights into the G4D Tour and the US Adaptive Open, showcasing athletes like Chris Biggins and Max Togasala who redefine what’s possible in adaptive golf. Meeting Legends: Stories from his encounters with golfing icons like Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Stewart Cink, and Paul Lawrie, and how these experiences shaped his approach to the game. Creating Opportunities: The conception of the Kipp Popert World Invitational, raising £140,000 to support disabled golfers and children, including international competitors and local community initiatives. Vision Beyond Limits: Kipp shares his ultimate goal – to compete in able-bodied major championships—and his philosophy of “press on” in life, inspired by family and personal mentors. Why You Should Listen This episode is a masterclass in determination, adaptability, and the power of sport to change lives. Kipp’s story is not only about golf – it’s about resilience, opportunity, and the belief that challenges don’t define you; your response does. Whether you’re a golfer, sports enthusiast, or someone looking for motivation, this conversation will leave you inspired by the extraordinary achievements possible when talent meets tenacity. Connect & Follow * Kipp Popert: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kipp_popert/] * KP World Invitational: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kpworldinvitational/] * Sounder Golf: Sounder [https://soundergolf.com].com * Dan Davies on Instagram: @RNGC2021 [https://www.instagram.com/rngc2021] Chapters 00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Kipp Popert 01:47 Kipp's life with cerebral palsy 09:42 Understanding Disabilities in Golf Competitions 11:50 The Journey of Leading Disabled Golfers and Their Achievements 14:10 Caddying Experience and Learning from Others 15:25 The Business of Disabled Golf and Sponsorships 17:18 The Role of Family and Personal Philosophy 22:35 The Need for Recognition and Support in Disabled Golf 24:17 Comparing Disabled Golf to Other Sports 26:18 Determination and Personal Growth in Golf 30:10 Key Milestones and Achievements in Kipp's Golf Career 37:18 Shaping the Game: Techniques and Learning 38:12 Lessons from Lee Trevino: Mastering Pressure and Performance 43:44 The G4D Tour: Opportunities and Challenges for Disabled Golfers 44:59 The Kipp Popert World Invitational, Sponsorship and Support 46:51 Creating Opportunities for Disabled Golfers 52:10 Aiming for Able-Bodied Major Championships 57:39 The Personal Impact of Golf 01:05:24 Building a Legacy Through Golf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Jeremy Dale: The Art of Shotmaking

This week on This Golfing Life, Dan Davies is joined by one of golf’s most extraordinary trick shot artists, Jeremy Dale. From caddying at the iconic 1984 Open at St Andrews to performing jaw-dropping switch-hitting trick shots around the globe, Jeremy shares his lifelong passion for golf, shot-making, and the art of entertaining. Jeremy reveals how he became one of the very few golfers to shoot under par both left-handed and right-handed, and how his fascination with shot-making started as a young boy. He recounts trick shot encounters with legends like Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, and Padraig Harrington, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from his coaching, performing, and globetrotting career. Listeners will also hear Jeremy’s insights on: * The psychology of golf and trusting your technique under pressure. * How left- and right-handed swings mirror each other and why mastering both enhances your game. * The evolution of golf course design and the resurgence of natural, British-style links courses. * The distinction between live trick-shot entertainment and social media trick-shot culture. * The importance of mentoring, youth golf, and fostering a love for the game. Chapters: 00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Jeremy Dale 01:29 The start of Jeremy's love affair with golf 03:25 The Joy of Shot Making 04:35 Attending the 1976 Open at Royal Birkdale 05:45 Influences and Inspirations: Nicklaus, Weiskopf, Seve 08:55 Tony Jacklin and the Ryder Cup 11:20 Caddying at the Open: A Life-Changing Experience 17:28 The brilliance of Seve Ballesteros 19:19 The Evolution of Golf Course Architecture 24:24 Becoming a Golf Pro: Early days in Europe 27:18 First trick shot shows 28:55 Teaching himself to play left-handed 33:23 Trick shots and technique 35:42 Developing his repertoire of Trick Shots 40:08 Trick Shots in Social Media 45:26 Hitting trick shots with Golf Legends 49:05 Recovering from Difficult Situations on the Course 53:20 The Psychology of Golf Performance 56:47 Jeremy's Happy Places in Golf 01:01:56 A Busy Year Ahead for Jeremy Dale Highlights: * Jeremy’s first round of golf and attending the 1976 Open at Birkdale. * Caddying for John Garner in the 1984 Open at St Andrews and sharing a car ride with Gary Player. * Performing live trick shots, including switch-hitting left- and right-handed, the Swiss ball, and high-tee Happy Gilmore shots. * His views on European golf legends, Ryder Cup history, and course architecture. * The story behind his nine career holes-in-one, both left- and right-handed. * Life as a touring golf performer across 43 countries and his YouTube initiatives for coaching and trick shots. Connect with Jeremy Dale: * Website: jeremydale.com [https://jeremydale.com] * YouTube: Jeremy Dale’s Golfing Curriculum [https://www.youtube.com/@LearnThe20Shots] & Jeremy Dale Trick Shots [https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyDaleTrickShotLegend] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]