I migliori Royal Birkdale podcast (2024)

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041 - Part 2 - What's Been Happening At Birkdale? - Sean McClean 55:51

1d ago55:51

55:51

Last week we heard from Royal Birkdale's Course Manager Sean McClean. This week he's back to talk in some detail over the course changes that many of us watched develop over social media. It was an extraordinary amount of work, especially for a course hosting the world's oldest Major Championship in 2026. This year, Sean and his indefatigable team …

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040 - What's Been Happening At Birkdale? Part 1 of 2 with Sean McClean 1:10:20

15d ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Guest from episode 6 of this podcast (December 2022!) joins us again to discuss first his preparation for Royal Birkdale's Open Championship in 2026, but also the extraordinary suite of changes to the famous links last winter and next. I also give a shameless plug for Volume 1 of my Links from the Road series. It's been a labour of love (and someti…

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039 - Pinehurst #2 - Working on a US Open course set up with Graeme Roberts (Part 2) 45:23

1M ago45:23

45:23

Our loyal Badgers, you might have wondered where the promised second half of Episode 36 ended up. After a few weeks on the road, travelling up to the Arctic Circle in our camper van, I must admit to the grievous crime of forgetting to post it. Logging into the podcast dashboard, there it was - ready to entertain and educate our legions of Badgers. …

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038 - North & back again (or maybe not) - Bledge and Sam discuss an ambitious trip to the Arctic Circle and whether Sam might now have to live in Sweden. 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

I think most of you are aware that over the past 3 weeks I (Sam Cooper) have been on a trip in my campervan to the Arctic. You'll remember the previous episode with Jerry Mulvihill about Lofoten Links, but perhaps you've also seen the YouTube Vlog series that Bledge and I discuss in the pod. If not, you can find the channel here: https://www.youtub…

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037 - Jerry Mulvihill of Lofoten Links - Arctic Special 1:02:44

2M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Badgers, It's been a little while since our last conversation, but I've been a bit preoccupied. I think most of you will be aware that poor Producer Harriet has been persuaded to go on another adventure in our trusty campervan. This time, we've gone north. About as far north as you can go really. It took almost 2 weeks but we finally drove from our…

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

4M 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 …

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

6M 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

6M 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…

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

6M 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

7M 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…

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

7M 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.

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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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…

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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

8M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

10M 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…

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

10M 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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022 - Season 2 - Badgers are back! 1:02:00

11M 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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021 - Open Championship Question Special 1:05:05

1y ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Hello Badgers, Today is 'thank a greenkeeper day'. What better way to mark the occasion than to release our Open question special. A few weeks ago, Bledge and I asked for your questions on the championship - and here are the answers. We hope you enjoy the episode, and thanks to everyone who submitted a question. Don't forget to watch the excellent …

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020 - Open Debrief - Bledge and Sam have a quick catch up on the Monday after The Open 24:05

1+ y ago24:05

24:05

Welcome to this quick catch up episode, recorded on top of the tallest grandstand at Hoylake. The rain of Sunday has disappeared, replaced with a beautiful sunset. But there is a bit of wind in the background - we hope you don't mind. We will do a proper debrief in the fullness of time, but I wanted to check in with the main man in the meantime.…

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019 - Bledge and Sam discuss Open preparation, Bunkabins, the Open Support team and what they've both been up to 1:02:35

1+ y ago1:02:35

1:02:35

The Open Championship is less than 2 weeks away now, and Bledge and Sam discuss what they've been up to and what preparations Bledge has been making.Hope you enjoy! And if you want to catch up on the Golf Badgers podcast back catalogue of episodes, you can do so here.Thanks! #snapthestimp Sam @links_from_the_road & @sd_cooper and Bledge @jamesbledg…

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018 - From Corporate World to Golf Travel - David Jones (UKGolfGuy) and his unconventional journey into golf. Plus golf course rankings, lessons for green fee setters and a changing travel landscape 1:03:17

1+ y ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Sam sits down in a busy Loch Lomond restaurant to speak to David Jones, better known as the UK Golf Guy. David's journey into golf is truly unconventional. From a highly successful corporate background to one of the most successful inward, luxury tour operators in just a few short years. This is an episode not to be missed, as we discuss how to app…

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017 - Question Badgers 2 (Part 2) - Bledge and Sam answer your greenkeeping and golf course architecture questions on career advice, grass coverage and course design versus surface condition 41:57

1+ y ago41:57

41:57

Welcome back to Part 2 of Question Badgers. In the previous episode, Sam and Bledge took questions from you lovely listeners. So many, where there, that we thought breaking it into two parts might be better. Of course, the second part has the better questions in. The Badgers' discuss the best new course in GB&I, career advice and how to get top lev…

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016 - Question Badgers 2 (Part 1) - Bledge and Sam answer your greenkeeping and golf course architecture questions on Championship preparation, favourite Open Rota courses & small vs large budgets 1:03:20

1+ y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Welcome back to another question and answer special of Golf Badgers. The first version of 'Question Badgers' was one of the most listened to episodes we've done so far. Last week, we asked for you to send in some more questions for the Badgers' and this is Part 1 of the answers. Part 2 will follow shortly, before we bring a more regular schedule of…

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015 - Jim Croxton CEO of BIGGA 1:27:10

1+ y ago1:27:10

1:27:10

Welcome back, Badgers! If you have been following us for some time, you might be familiar with the name Jim Croxton. We released a short podcast with him back in January, which was recorded at BTME. Jim is the CEO of BIGGA - the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association and is hugely passionate about the greenkeeping industry. In this…

1
014 - Hayling Special - Greig Easton & Graeme Roberts 1:11:47

1+ y ago1:11:47

1:11:47

Those of you who have followed my Links from the Road Tour will already know my thoughts on Hayling Golf Club. I made an 'under the radar' film on Hayling called 'The Ground Game'. As you'll hear, it's an incredibly difficult site to manage, but Course Manager Greig - ably assisted by deputy Graeme - manage to present a wonderful links experience i…

1
013 - Question Badgers 1:18:49

1+ y ago1:18:49

1:18:49

A slightly different episode this time round. We asked for a few questions for Bledge and myself and you kindly obliged. We've ended up with a diverse episode, covering all manner of topics. Releasing on Masters (and Easter, but mainly Masters) Sunday means we naturally compare Augusta to links courses. But we also discuss our favourite courses and…

1
012 - Dan Lightfoot of Syngenta 57:43

1+ y ago57:43

57:43

Welcome back, Badgers! It's been a busy few weeks in the Badger Sett. Bledge has been getting his course ready for Spring, while I've been incredibly busy at CDP in the architecture world. Just as we like it! Fortunately, spring is on its way. The nights are lighter and we're slowly warming up. This episode was recorded a little while back, at BTME…

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011 - Harrogate, Orlando, bunkers and Clegg Hammers 1:16:52

1+ y ago1:16:52

1:16:52

Hello Badgers, Welcome to Episode 11 of Golf Badgers. Its been a busy start to the year. We've been to Harrogate for BTME and then to Orlando for GIS. We thought we'd have a catch up together to talk about our experiences at them both and give you some of our thoughts. It was meant to only be short, but we got a little distracted at times. We discu…

1
010 - Matt Plested - Stoneham GC 46:25

1+ y ago46:25

46:25

Episode 10! A bit of a milestone for Golf Badgers. Please forgive the self indulgent intro but Bledge and I would like to thank you all for listening to the podcast so far. It has been enormous fun putting this together, and we'll certainly be carrying it on.You find us back at BTME in the quietest corner of the hotel we could find. A hive of activ…

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009 - Jim Croxton (CEO of BIGGA) on BTME 2023 22:36

2y ago22:36

22:36

Welcome back Badgers, Bledge and I have just got back from an excellent week in Harrogate for BTME 2023. We managed to record a few episodes which we'll release over the coming weeks, but thought we'd share with a brief overview of BTME with Jim Croxton. Jim is CEO of BIGGA - the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association. BTME is the …

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008 - Lee Strutt - Cabot Cape Breton (& a lot of other stuff) 1:18:35

2y ago1:18:35

1:18:35

Welcome back Badgers! It's been a long time since our Christmas special, but we're back! With BTME on the horizon, Bledge and I will be taking our microphones down and recording a bunch of episodes - so hopefully plenty to come. We hope you enjoy this chat with Lee Strutt. Bledge worked for Lee when he was a young greenkeeper. Lee's one of the most…

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007 - Zac Blair & Kye Goalby - (Christmas) Tree Farm 1:04:53

2y ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Merry Christmas, Badgers! We hope everyone's had a great Christmas. Between the snow storms in the UK, some technical issues and a big dose of man flu for Bledge, we've been a little quiet recently. Well we're back with a bang for our Christmas special, and were delighted that Zac Blair and Kye Goalby joined the pod to discuss (amongst other things…

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006 - Sean McClean - Course Manager, Royal Birkdale 48:00

2y ago48:00

48:00

Welcome back Badgers. This week we're joined by a few special guests. First, Sean McClean the 'new' Course Manager at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. Birkdale is one of the most famous links courses in the world, and both Bledge and I were looking forward to speaking to Sean and asking his opinions, ideas and plans for this great Open venue. We also talk…

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005 - Ryan Noades - GM/Owner, The Addington 1:02:24

2y ago1:02:24

1:02:24

This week Bledge and I were joined by Ryan Noades of The Addington.Ryan's family have owned this exceptional heathland course for a while now, and it is currently going through a multi-year restoration process with my firm of CDP. We talk about Ryan's life, when he realised The Addington was special, how far it had fallen and the work ongoing to br…

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004 - Sam Cooper - Architect w/ Clayton, DeVries & Pont 50:15

2y ago50:15

50:15

Welcome back Badgers. For a change of pace, Mr Bledge is interviewing me (Sam Cooper) on my transition into the golfing industry, thoughts on architecture and the culmination of my 2 year road trip around the coastline of Great Britain. We hope you enjoy and, as ever, please feel free to tell us how we're doing on our respective social media accoun…

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003 - Simon Olver - Course Manager, Ganton GC 55:12

2y ago55:12

55:12

Welcome back to the Podcast, Badgers. I'm on the road this week, and I've left Bledge back in Hoylake. I popped into Ganton Golf Club to play their esteemed 'inland links' (more on that later) and meet Course Manager, Simon Olver. As you'll hear, Simon is another intelligent, passionate and ambitious course manager. I asked him about his career to …

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002 - Rob McGuirk - Owner, Princes & Chart Hills 49:07

2y ago49:07

49:07

Badgers, welcome back to the podcast. This week, we're in conversation with our great friend Rob McGuirk. Rob's family have owned the famed links of Princes for a good while now, and recently acquired Chart Hills Golf Club. We have a wide ranging chat about his career, particular interests within the game, the evolution of Princes and their work at…

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001 - Pilot - James Bledge 38:46

2y ago38:46

38:46

Golf Badgers (ɡɒlf bæʤə) - noun: A group of golfers obsessed with the game. Episode 1 is a chat between the hosts. Sam Cooper is a golf architect with Clayton, DeVries & Pont whilst James Bledge is Links Manager at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake). With 9 months to go until the 151st Open Championship returns to Hoylake, Bledge tells us about hi…

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Charlie Mechem - Memories of Jack and Arnie and how the game has changed. 29:37

5+ y ago29:37

29:37

Charlie Mechem is a man with a fascinating history in the game, a long term friend, business associate and confidant of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and a former Commissioner of The LPGA Tour. Listen to Charlie's thoughts on the modern game, how the game has changed over the last fifty years and the state of the modern day Lady’s game. This is w…

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Scotty Cameron - The past, present and future of putter design 31:11

5+ y ago31:11

31:11

A fascinating discussion with one of the true legends of equipment design and manufacture. Hugh is fortunate to spend time chatting with one of the most engaging and innovative men in the game. Scotty Cameron is a pioneer in the field of putter design and manufacture, with his designs recognisable the world over. Hear him discuss his new range of p…

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Simon Holmes - Golf in 2018 28:54

6y ago28:54

28:54

Listeners will hear a fascinating discussion as Simon and Hugh discuss the state of the game today. The discussion centres around the impact of technology on the game of golf today, a thought provoking discussion that argues the modern game is a more enjoyable sport to play and watch because of the advances in equipment technology. Simon and Hugh a…

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Dr Brendan McLaughlin - Sports Medicine on the PGA Tour 32:45

6y ago32:45

32:45

In this episode of Talking Golf hear Hugh chat with leading Sports Chiropractor, Dr Brendan McLaughlin. Listeners will hear all about the work Brendan does with FedEx Cup Winner, Justin Rose. You will hear how Justin's team works together to help him perform at the top of his game every time he tees it up. This episode is a fascinating insight into…

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Robert Rock - PGA Professional and European Tour Winner 33:08

6y ago33:08

33:08

Listen to the inspirational story behind one of the classic swings on tour. A fascinating and insightful story for golfers everywhere, listeners will hear Robert talk about his fascinating journey from being PGA Pro to competing against the very best. Largely self taught, Robert discusses how he built his classic golf swing without the help of mode…

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Mark Bull - Biomechanics in golf 30:33

6y ago30:33

30:33

A fascinating discussion with leading Golf Biomechanic, Mark Bull. Hear Hugh and Mark talk about the importance of great movement in the golf swing, how movement patterns are created and what we can do to improve them. The listener will also hear about the role of a biomechanic within a coaching team and how players of all levels can benefit from a…

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Coaching Major Winners episode 4 - Denis Pugh 35:31

6y ago35:31

35:31

A fascinating conversation with one of the true coaching greats - Denis Pugh. Listeners can hear Hugh and Denis discuss his life in golf, the work he has done with Open Champion Francesco Molinari and what he has learned from a career coaching the very best in the game. A great opportunity to spend time with one of great brains in the game and one …

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Coaching Major Winners episode 3 - Rob Goldup 29:39

6y ago29:39

29:39

Talking Golf’s “Coaching Major Winners” series continues with an honest and insightful discussion with one of the leading physical and performance coaches in the game, Rob Goldup. Rob is a key member of the team that helped guide Open Champion, Francesco Molinari on his journey to multiple victories during 2018. Listen to Hugh and Rob discuss what’…

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Coaching Major Winners - episode 2 Kevin Kirk 30:37

6y ago30:37

30:37

Listen to a fascinating insight into the work Kevin has done with this year’s Masters Champion, Patrick Reed. Kevin is one of the most intelligent, insightful and humble coaches in world golf. Hear about the his methods and philosophies and now we has applied them to the work he has done with Patrick and many other players.…

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