060 - From Valderrama to Blackwell: Ben Lovett’s Greenkeeping Adventure

Bledge and Ben sit down in the boardroom at Blackwell GC to unpack a life in turf— from junior days at Trevose and Valderrama to East Lake, Troon North, Australia, Spain and the Turkish Airlines Open. Ben lifts the lid on Blackwell’s quirks: port and brandy in the clubhouse, the legendary 12th “snake” bunker, and a downhill par‑3 on 13 that inspired Bobby Jones. We get into widening fairways to ~15 hectares, clever tee moves that flip hole angles, drought realities with limited irrigation, and a thoughtful tree plan with Frank Pont and co. It’s proper strategic parkland golf—firm, fast, fun.

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