Season 11 Episode 39 Part 1: 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch & 1984 National Champion John Inman Join Me...

Golf Podcast: next on the tee

In part 1 of Episode 39, I am joined by two remarkable figures in the golf world: 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch and 1984 National Champion John Inman.

Finchy and John are among the most wonderful people you could meet in golf. Ian and I delve into his victory at the '91 Open, held at Royal Birkdale. He gives us an inside look at his third round course record 64 (which Jodie Mudd broke the next day). We hear about his eagle on the 17th hole, followed by a birdie on the 18th that tied him with Mark O'Meara going into the final round. We then discuss the five birdies he made in his first seven holes on Sunday, en route to a front nine 29 which put him in control of the tournament. I asked him how he stayed focused in the moment and didn't let himself think ahead to becoming the Champion Golfer of the Year. You'll also hear how his family kept him grounded that week, about his friendship with Mark O'Meara, his close calls in 1984 and 1990, and how those experiences prepared him to win in '91. Ian also shares his thoughts on this year's Open and Xander Schauffele's impressive win.

John Inman was so great earlier this season that I couldn't wait to have him back on the show. We get his thoughts on Xander's big win and discuss why he never played in The Open. We then look back at this year's US Open, John's T14 finish in the 1990 US Open at Medinah, his hole-in-one in the '91 US Open at Hazeltine, and his recent trip to Cleveland to see Ralphie's house from A Christmas Story.