18 Majors: The Golf History Show – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Fergus Bisset provides a fascinating in-depth look at the two most important Open Championships of the modern era. Arnold Palmer's wins in 1961 and 1962 are credited with transforming the fortunes of the Open but as Neil discovers in the episode, there is way more to this story than meets the eye. It's a pivotal period for the game and one that's well worth knowing. There is also a look at a record from the history books that Fergus thinks will remain unbeaten and a memorable quote from the past. The episode wraps up with the weekly golf history quiz!

In this episode, Fergus retells the little known story of the 1969 Ryder Cup, arguably the most contentious playings of the event. It ended, of course, with the concession by Jack Nicklaus to Tony Jacklin but what happened before that?

In this episode, Fergus casts his eye over John Daly's unbelievable maiden major victory in 1991. The American came from nowhere to win at Crooked Stick and this is the hair-raising story of how he did it.  Fergus and Neil also discuss the career of Kathy Whitworth, they reveal an incredible quote from Jack Nicklaus and Fergus sets Neil a tricky Masters-focussed quiz!

In this episode, Fergus and Neil discuss the impact on the game of one of the true greats. With style and swagger, Walter Hagen changed the way professional golfers were seen and treated. But how? This is the story of one of the most transformative periods in the game. We also look at Johnny Miller's spell as the best golfer on the planet, a Bobby Jones unbeatable record and there's a tricky golf history quiz to cap things off.

In this episode, Neil and Fergus examine the Ryder Cup career of Europe's original talisman. Seve Ballesteros is now renowned for his winning influence on team Europe but wasn't all smooth sailing. Fergus looks at the high, the lows and the incredible stories from this formative period in European golf.

There is also a look at some of the best quotes from the great commentator, Henry Longhurst and golf history quiz that catches Neil out (yet again!).

In this episode, Fergus focusses his attention on the epic prelude to the Duel In The Sun. Most golfers know about when Watson and Nicklaus went head to head at Turnberry but what about the contest at Augusta in 1977. This was another epic encounter that's well-worth knowing.  Neil and Fergus also look at a Young Tom Morris record and the inimitable Moe Norman. There's also a quiz that will put your golf history knowledge to the test.

The fact Ben Hogan even played in the 1950 U.S. Open at Merion is incredible, as 16 months earlier he almost died in a terrible car crash. That he won is almost beyond belief. It’s one of sport’s most incredible stories and it cemented Hogan’s position as a golfing legend. Fergus reveals exactly what happened in this episode. We also look at the careers of Sir Michael Banallack and Joyce Wethered. There's also another golf history quiz!

Hale Irwin came through a playoff to become the oldest ever US Open winner in an unlikely and highly memorable contest at Medinah. Fergus tells the story plus he looks at a record from the history books that will never be beaten. Plus there is a quiz to test yours (and Neil's) knowledge.

Tiger Woods put on, arguably, the finest ever Major performance to win the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach. We’  talk about the significance of that incredible event as the main part of this podcast. 

We also look at Faldo's 18 straight pars to win at Muirfield in '87 and delve into the great book of quotes the came from the epic finale at the 2006 US Open.

Published 6th November 2024.

After 20-years of trying, 44-year-old Roberto De Vicenzo became Latin America’s first Open champion, triumphing over a sun-baked Hoylake in the summer of 1967. Fergus dives into this incredible story and also reveals a Phil Mickelson-related record he thinks nobody will ever beat!

There's also a tricky quiz that will put your (and Neil's) golf history knowledge to the test. 

Published 13th November 2024.