In Part 1 of Episode 40, I'm joined by our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, and 21-time Tour winner, John Cook.

Tom and I dive into the Player of the Year debate—Scottie or Xander? We discuss whether two majors outweigh one major, The Players Championship, and six wins. We also touch on Keegan Bradley's appointment as Ryder Cup Captain, the significance of Olympic golf, and Tom's recent trip to Sea Island.

John Cook, who has had a remarkable career both as an amateur—winning the 1978 US Amateur and finishing runner-up to Mark O'Meara in '79—and as a professional player and broadcaster, joins the conversation. He shares his thoughts on the topics from the first segment, especially the focus on money versus the traditional values of the Tour. John also gives his opinion on who should be named Player of the Year. We revisit his incredible victory at the 1996 FedEx St. Jude Classic, where he set a 54-hole record on the Tour, and his memories of the 1994 US Open at Oakmont. Additionally, we talk about John's Western Pennsylvania roots through his mother, witnessing Arnold Palmer's final US Open round, and the Cook family's anniversary tradition at Dom & Dom.

In Part 2 of Episode 39, I am joined by former Blackhawks goalie and current broadcast team member Darren Pang, as well as former Major League infielder/outfielder Kurt Bevacqua.

Darren Pang has become a great friend of the show over the years. He is one of the all-time great hockey broadcasters, I am particularly fond of his work for the NHL Network and during the Winter Olympics. Darren is also an ambassador for Miura Golf. In this segment, Panger shares his insights on the Blackhawks draft and the thrilling Stanley Cup Finals between the Panthers and Oilers. He recounts stories from attending the 1997 Open Championship, which Justin Leonard won at Royal Troon, and his return to play the course in 2005. We also hear about his experience playing Carnoustie, the site of this year's Senior Open, his backyard putting green that rolls at 12.5 on the stimp, and what's in his bag these days.

Kurt Bevacqua played in the Major Leagues from 1971 to 1985 for the Indians, Royals, Pirates, Brewers, Rangers, and Padres. Known as "Dirty Kurt" for always having the dirtiest uniform on the team, he shares a story about meeting his childhood idol, Mickey Mantle, during an old-timers game at Arlington Stadium. He also discusses his complicated times playing in Pittsburgh and his wish for more regular at-bats to showcase his abilities. Kurt talks about his relationship with Willie Stargell and the impact Willie had on his career. Finally, we reflect on his 1984 season in San Diego and what would have been an MVP performance, had the Padres won the Series.

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.