MGWA Podcast 1.11: Hank Gola

Our latest podcast features MGWA President and 2018 Lincoln Werden Award winner Hank Gola.

Gola just released his fourth book, Ryder Cup Rivals: The Fiercest Battles for Golf’s Holy Grail, in advance of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September. Gola has personally covered eight Ryder Cups over the course of his sportswriting career.

In his conversation with podcast host Gordon Andrew, Gola shares inside-the-ropes highlights from 13 memorable Ryder Cups, and delivers little-known facts about the competition, including speculation about “The Concession” at the 1969 Ryder Cup. That year, Nicklaus famously conceded Tony Jacklin's final putt at Royal Birkdale, but it may have been Nicklaus giving U.S. team captain Sam Snead some payback for benching him during the first two days of the competition. Snead was furious over what has been characterized for decades as golf's greatest gesture of sportsmanship.