Jul 15, 2026 · 1 hr 5 min · 13 segments
What does it take to prepare Royal Birkdale for The Open Championship? Course manager Sean McLean and agronomist Adam Newton from The R&A joined our podcast to discuss the nuances of maintaining a…
Adam NewtonGuest[gentle music] The USGA has a scientific department called the Green Section
on the proper maintenance of golf courses whose turfgrass experts not only help to condition courses for championships, but have benefited golfers everywhere.
Today, we are crossing the pond to Southport, England, for a chat with Royal Birkdale course manager Sean McLean and R&A Championship Agronomy Lead Adam Newton.
We have a lively chat about agronomic preparations for the 154th Open Championship, and discuss the unique challenges of maintaining a links course on the west coast of England.
We also get insight on managing a unique mix of putting green grasses, how data collection informs championship setup, and so much more.
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[gentle music] The USGA has a scientific department called the Green Section
on the proper maintenance of golf courses whose turfgrass experts not only help to condition courses for championships, but have benefited golfers everywhere.
Today, we are crossing the pond to Southport, England, for a chat with Royal Birkdale course manager Sean McLean and R&A Championship Agronomy Lead Adam Newton.
We have a lively chat about agronomic preparations for the 154th Open Championship, and discuss the unique challenges of maintaining a links course on the west coast of England.
We also get insight on managing a unique mix of putting green grasses, how data collection informs championship setup, and so much more.
