We speak with ecologist Sophie Olejnik about how she moved from an ecology degree and traineeship work on nature reserves into golf course ecology, and how her role now is almost entirely focused on golf. She explains that she first came into the sector through a job at STRI, encouraged by her father, and that her early experience included visiting Montrose with Bob and learning about gorse management, coppicing and fungi.

We discuss the ecological value of links and heathland courses, with Sophie saying these sites can support a wide range of habitats because of their structural diversity and different stages of succession. She describes Saunton as a particularly special site, and says that good management there, including dune work and sea buckthorn control, has made the course and surrounding landscape more diverse.

We also talk about how golf course ecology has changed. Sophie says biodiversity is now taken much more seriously, and that golf courses are important places to understand, protect and improve habitats. She outlines how species can be monitored through red lists and other conservation lists, and notes that some species are declining while others are shifting their range.

A large part of the conversation covers practical ecology work on courses: surveys, bio-blitzes, habitat records, and the use of apps such as Merlin, iRecord and Picture This to support identification and recording. Sophie stresses that apps should be used carefully and checked against other sources, and says it is useful when records are verified by county recorders.

We also discuss management timing, especially cut and collect, hedgerow cutting, rough management and the need to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Sophie explains why sand scrapes are used on dunes to restore dynamism, create pioneer habitat and support plants and invertebrates, while still leaving enough rough for shelter and golf playability.

Finally, Sophie talks about the role of communication and education, including working with golfers, greenkeepers, natural history groups and the public. She reflects on Bob’s long career and retirement, saying he has been a major mentor and influence on her work, and that continued collaboration will be important for the future.

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In this episode we are in Flanagan’s Pub in Lahinch during the 2026 Walker Cup, setting the scene for a week of volunteering and course work. We describe the pub, the atmosphere in town, and the contrast between the old, dark setting and the event taking place nearby.

We introduce Jason Meersman from the Patterson Club in Connecticut, who comes from a family of golf course superintendents. He explains his background, his club, and the recent renovation there, including the long hours, the construction challenges, and the work on infrastructure, bunkers, and playing surfaces.

We talk through the renovation process in more detail, including “strip and flip” work, sod cutting, root zone removal, and the use of bulldozers and heavy machinery. Jason explains his role in supporting the project, keeping the work moving, and helping the team through the pressure of the rebuild.

We then discuss volunteering at the Walker Cup and how Jason became involved after meeting people through previous events. We cover the daily routine, the early starts, the music in the mornings, and the close working relationship with the Lahinch staff, especially Brian, who Jason describes as quiet, detailed, and highly involved.

We also talk about the golf course itself and the conditions at Lahinch, including the design, the dunes, the narrow fairways, and the challenge of the wind. We discuss the architecture, the different grass species, and the way the course rewards specific lines and angles.

Later, we cover visits to Adare Manor and Doonbeg, where we look at the course conditioning, the maintenance facilities, and the details of the turf work. We discuss irrigation, machinery, divot buckets, and the practical ideas we picked up from meeting other superintendents.

We finish by reflecting on the value of volunteering, the camaraderie in the profession, and the experience of being in Ireland for the week.

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Tune in as we speak with Graeme Roberts about the extreme drought affecting his links course and the impact on day-to-day course management. We discuss how little rain has fallen, how high evapotranspiration has been, and how wind, sand, and shallow soil make it difficult to retain moisture.

We cover the club’s water supply, including the lake, its abstraction limits, mains water backup, tank capacity, pump issues, and the practical limits of irrigation during the hottest period. We also talk about water pricing, pressure, and the difference between greens, fairways, and paths when water is scarce.

We then look at the course’s condition, the areas that have browned off, and the recovery plan for autumn. That includes topdressing, pot seeding, aeration, wetting agents, and the choice of seed mixes, with a focus on balancing fescue, ryegrass, and hardier grasses for links conditions.

Finally, we discuss the mental strain of managing drought damage and the value of speaking with other greenkeepers. We also talk about Graeme's recent volunteer trip to Merion for the U.S. Amateur, the work he did on bunkers and hand rollers, and what he learned from seeing another major championship setup firsthand.

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