The time the Ryder Cup almost died

The time the Ryder Cup almost died

Author: Golf Digest September 16, 2025 Duration: 30:55

In the early 1980s, there came a point where the Ryder Cup governing bodies had seemingly tried everything, but nothing worked. The matches weren't competitive, the U.S. players were losing interest, and the chief sponsor of the European team dropped out, leaving them with no money to continue. This, even more than the pause for the Second World War, saw the Ryder Cup on the thinnest possible ice, seemingly fated to die a sad death. This week on Local Knowledge, we're telling the story of the unlikely resurrection—how a collection of players, captains, and executives managed to keep it alive against the odds.


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Hosted by Shane Ryan and Jamie Kennedy, 50 Things That Changed Golf is less a straightforward history lesson and more a series of conversations about the pivotal moments that truly reshaped the game. This Golf Digest podcast operates on a simple but compelling premise: identifying the fifty people, innovations, rules, and cultural shifts that redirected golf's trajectory. Every other week, Ryan and Kennedy select one of these transformative elements and unpack its story, exploring not just the "what" but the lasting "why." You'll hear about everything from equipment breakthroughs and iconic tournaments to the influence of particular players and unexpected pop culture intersections. The tone is engaging and accessible, blending deep knowledge with a relaxed rapport that includes a good dose of humour and their own invented, often witty awards. Tuning in feels like joining a thoughtful yet lively discussion between two well-informed fans, one that connects the sport's past directly to the way it's played and perceived today. For anyone curious about how golf became what it is now, this podcast provides a thoroughly entertaining and insightful guided tour through the milestones that mattered.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 482

50 Things That Changed Golf
Podcast Episodes
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Phil wins at Pebble & teen phenom Akshay Bhatia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
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Inside the Golf Digest Hot List process [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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CBS' Peter Kostis talks "Tin Cup" memories & Tiger's soft side [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:01
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Matt Kuchar's resurgence & PGA Tour Live's John Swantek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:23
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Breaking down America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses with Ron Whitten [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:10
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Cody Blick tells his crazy Q School story & our Christmas wish lists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:00
Cody Blick discusses the incredible 63 he shot to earn his Web.com Tour card after having his golf clubs stolen. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Keely Levins debate the Q School system, and give their Christmas golf w…