074 - Matt Plested Chasing Excellence at Stoneham

Friend of the pod Matt Plested returns to the mic as Sam and Bledge sit down to debrief the massive project unfolding at Stoneham. Sit back and enjoy. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

In this episode, Bledge takes center stage to tackle a massive range of questions submitted by our Instagram community.Bledge shares his wealth of experience on everything from the fine details of turf management and the realities of life on the course to career advice for the next generation of greenkeepers. This is a masterclass in the industry from a man who lives and breathes it. Whether you're in the industry or just love the behind-the-scenes of the game, this is a great listen. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Bledge, Ben Williams & John McLoughlin head over to Florida for the GCSAA and play two of the courses at Streamsong while doing it. this is their take on the whole adventure.  Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Sam and Bledge sit down to debrief Sam’s latest architectural project at Formby, where bold design meets old dunes. They unpack the seventh hole rebuild, discuss blind shots, CGI flyovers, and why change has to mean something. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Harrogate roundup with Gavin Speedie Technical Representative from Aitkens and Matt Plested, Course Manager from Stoneham talking about all things at BTME. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Sam and Bledge sit down with Richard Johnstone to discuss his journey from apprentice greenkeeper at Nairn Dunbar to course manager at the world-renowned Royal Aberdeen. They dig into course restoration, greenkeeping philosophy, and the battle to save one of the most iconic first holes in links golf. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Bledge and Lee sit down for a nostalgic dive into turf machinery—from ancient Matadors to modern marvels like the Baroness Core Collector. The pair reflect on machines that made them sweat, laugh, and sometimes swear, all while sharing tales from storied clubs and wet winter days. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Bledge and Jim sit down to talk all things BIGGA—from Jim Croxton’s journey through the PGA and into 14+ years as CEO, to what’s changed behind the scenes over the last 18 months. They dig into membership growth (and the honest “warts and all” survey), how BTME continue to learn keep evolving, why some of the most valuable sessions aren’t always the ones that sell out first, and how a first-timer at Harrogate can get “hooked” for life.   Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Bledge and Lee sit down to count down their top five greenkeeping machines, from ProCores and sprayers to electric mowers and drones. They dive into the tools that shaped their careers and the ones leading the future. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

Bledge and Jack sit down for an unfiltered conversation about Jack Percival’s rise from foster care and graveyard shifts to becoming a respected course manager. They cover his early struggles with literacy, battles with addiction, and how greenkeeping gave him purpose. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.