Lauri Merten - Part 4 (Playing with Jack and Life After Golf)

In the powerful conclusion to our eight-part conversation with World Golf Hall of Fame member Hale Irwin, we journey with one of golf’s greatest competitors as he reflects on the final chapter of his playing career and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.Irwin shares memories of his seventh and final senior major victory at Valhalla, a week marked by rain delays, back pain, and a quiet moment of clarity found in the solitude of his car with a book in hand. He speaks candidly about rival and friend Jay Haas, the grace of Payne Stewart, and the brilliance—yet unfulfilled potential—of Tom Weiskopf. With honesty and humility, Hale opens up about what it truly means to win, to persevere, and to walk away on your own terms.We also explore Irwin’s deep commitment to philanthropy, including the creation of the Hale Irwin wing at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and his recent honor as the 2025 U.S. Senior Open Honorary Chair at The Broadmoor. Hale discusses his second career in golf course design and the joy of building courses that bring people back for another round.In our final three questions, Hale reveals the one “Mulligan” he might take—not on the course, but in life—and how he hopes to be remembered: not just as a champion golfer, but as a friend, a mentor, and a man who always tried to do what was right.This final episode is a heartfelt and fitting end to an extraordinary life story, told in the voice of a man who lived it with integrity, grace, and grit. Hale Irwin’s reflections remind us that in golf—as in life—it's the relationships, not the trophies, that matter most.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

In the seventh installment of our exclusive eight-part series with World Golf Hall of Fame legend Hale Irwin, we fast forward to the next chapter of his remarkable career—his unforgettable run on the PGA TOUR Champions. Hale reflects on turning 50 in 1995 and stepping into senior golf with the same fire and precision that defined his prime. In his own voice, he recounts celebrating his milestone birthday at a Wendy’s after a rain-delayed Memorial Tournament—and quickly pivoting to victory just weeks later.Hale dives into his Champions Tour success, including his staggering 45 wins, highlighted by 11 straight seasons with multiple victories and a record-setting nine-win season in 1997. He shares the story behind his putting grip change at Walla Walla that led to a year-and-a-half of brilliance on the greens, and how rivals like Gil Morgan pushed him to reach new heights.We revisit Irwin’s seven senior majors, including his dominant U.S. Senior Open wins and a 12-shot runaway at the PGA Senior Championship. He shares compelling stories of strategy, mental resilience, and even golfing with Sean Connery in celebrity events. Hale speaks candidly about how golf evolved with age—from burning ambition to deep appreciation—and how competition remained his driving force.With insights into the camaraderie of the Champions Tour and the lasting impact of players like Bruce Devlin and David Graham, Hale paints a vivid picture of a time when golf wasn’t just a game—it was a second life. For fans of golf history and timeless storytelling, this is a masterclass from one of the game’s greatest.Subscribe and listen as we approach the grand finale in Episode 8 of FORE the Good of the Game.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

In this sixth installment of our eight-part conversation with World Golf Hall of Fame member Hale Irwin, we dive deep into the heart of major championship golf and reflect on the enduring lessons of a remarkable career. Hale, always thoughtful and candid, revisits his storied experiences at Augusta National, sharing his personal connection to the Masters and what it meant to walk its hallowed grounds—both as a competitor and a steward of the game’s history.With insight only a three-time U.S. Open champion can provide, Hale opens up about how his game fit—or didn’t fit—the iconic venues of each major. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and physical toll of playing The Open Championship, revealing why family time, the grind of travel, and those rainy days with fogged-up glasses sometimes outweighed teeing it up across the pond.From the roars of Augusta to the winds of Royal Lytham & St. Annes, Hale reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and close calls—like his proud 64 at the Masters and duels with legends like Seve Ballesteros and Tom Watson. We also touch on the PGA Championship, and Hale’s personal choices around scheduling, family priorities, and staying true to his own rhythm, even in the face of major championship expectations.With humor, humility, and unmatched perspective, Hale Irwin shares stories that remind us that greatness isn’t only measured in trophies, but also in the values that guide a life in golf. Join us for another timeless chapter in the life and legacy of one of the game’s true champions.Subscribe and follow FORE the Good of the Game for the next two episodes as we continue the journey with Hale Irwin.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

Hale Irwin, 3-time winner of the U.S. Open, concludes his look back on his PGA TOUR days by recounting his final few individual and team wins. As a 45-year-old Hale prevailed at the 1990 U.S. Open at Medinah with a comeback for the ages. He has fond memories of the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah, not because of the result but because of the camaraderie and grittiness displayed by both sides. Hale derived much satisfaction from his final win at the 1994 Heritage Golf Classic, his third win at Harbour Town. His appearance as the only President's Cup Player/Captain in 1994 capped off an incredible regular Tour career and set the stage for great things to come, "FORE the Good of the Game."Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

5-time Ryder Cup player, Hale Irwin covers the middle years of his professional career beginning with a 3-win 1977 and his second Ryder Cup appearance. Hale's 1979 year was pretty special with a U.S. Open triumph at Inverness, a victory in the World Cup partnered with John Mahaffey and another Ryder Cup win in the first year of continental Europeans joining the team. He followed that up with a 2-win 1981 and a fourth Ryder Cup victory at Walton Heath GC. Hale shares his memories from his wins at the Honda Inverrary Classic, the Memorial Tournament and the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am as he continues his life story, "FORE the Good of the Game."Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

20-time winner on the PGA Tour, Hale Irwin takes us back to his early days on Tour and shares the lessons he learned from mentors like Bruce Devlin and Dale Douglas. Surviving the pressures of being a "Monday qualifier", Hale finally closed the deal in his fifth year on Tour, prevailing at the 1973 Sea Pines Heritage Classic. Confidence from that first victory propelled him to success the following year at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot and at the Piccadilly Match Play at Wentworth GC. Listen in as he recounts his 1975 successes which included another Piccadilly win and leading the U.S. side with 4 1/2 points in his first Ryder Cup with Arnold Palmer as the captain at Laurel Valley. We conclude this episode with Hale remembering his improbable comeback win at the 1976 Citrus Open and the life lesson from his father to always finish what you started. Hale Irwin recalls his early professional years, "FORE the Good of the Game."Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

World Golf Hall of Fame member Hale Irwin looks back on the importance of notching his first career win at Harbour Town in 1971, the first of three wins at the Heritage. He then relives each of his three U.S. Open victories beginning with 1974 at Winged Foot where he won with a score of +7 as the USGA did not want a repeat of the Johnny Miller final round of 63 at Oakmont the previous year. He prevailed at Inverness Club in 1979 by 2 over Gary Player and Jerry Pate and then, who will forget his joyous high-five romp around the 18th green at Medinah in 1990 after draining a 60-footer to tie in regulation at the last. He prevailed in the thrilling Monday playoff with Mike Donald. Hale Irwin continues with his remarkable career story, "FORE the Good of the Game."Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

Hale Irwin, a 3-time U.S. Open winner and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, shares his memories of growing up as a baseball Cardinals fan in Kansas and Colorado and learning the game of golf on sand greens at the local muni. Hale was a star athlete in football and baseball but eventually gravitated towards golf after winning the 1967 NCAA Division I Individual Golf Championship. Listen in as he takes us through his thinking process about playing professionally and ultimately qualifying at the first spring Tour School in 1968. Hale Irwin recounts his early years, "FORE the Good of the Game."Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

In the heartfelt conclusion of our four-part conversation with 1993 U.S. Women’s Open champion Lauri Merten, we explore life beyond the ropes and the journey that followed her greatest triumph. With sincerity and introspection, Lauri opens up about the challenges of balancing fame, personal relationships, and the emotional toll of a life in competitive golf.She reflects on the impact of her U.S. Open win—from newfound celebrity to the struggles of maintaining her game and marriage. Lauri shares stories of teeing it up with legends like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, and the unexpected honor of flying on Jack’s private plane after a memorable Three Tour Challenge. She also discusses stepping away from the game at her peak and her transition into a quieter, more creative life as a gardener and decorative painter.We also hear about her emotional return for the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open—dusting off old clubs, finding places to practice, and rediscovering her swing two decades later. Through highs and lows, her enduring love for the game and her authenticity shine through.As we close, Lauri answers our signature final three questions with honesty and grace, sharing what she might have done differently, where she’d take a career mulligan, and how she hopes to be remembered—not just as a major champion, but as someone who cared deeply for others and stayed true to herself.This episode is a powerful reminder that the stories behind the trophies are often the most inspiring of all.🎙️ Listen now to the final chapter of Lauri Merten’s remarkable journey—only on FORE the Good of the Game.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!

In this third installment of our four-part conversation with 1993 U.S. Women’s Open Champion Lauri Merten, we dive headfirst into the emotional and unforgettable week at Crooked Stick that changed her life forever. With raw honesty and captivating detail, Lauri takes us through the rollercoaster of self-doubt, resilience, and unlikely triumph that defined her historic victory.Coming off a missed cut the week prior and wrestling with confidence issues, Lauri describes how a simple shopping trip and a bronze sculpture became her quiet source of inspiration heading into the championship. From early nerves and pep talks from her caddie, Tom Hanson, to clutch birdies and gritty par saves, she walks us through each turning point with vivid recollections—including a dramatic chip-in, a critical bogey save on 11, and her birdie at 16 that sent goosebumps through the gallery.You’ll hear how Lauri navigated the pressure, a weather-delayed final round, and the tension of watching challengers like Donna Andrews and Helen Alfredsson fall just short. She reflects on her mindset, her putting drills that paid off at just the right moment, and the joy—and shock—of hearing the final roar when the final challenger's putt missed the mark.With her trademark humor and humility, Lauri also shares heartfelt moments about her parents, her mixed feelings about a controversial Sports Illustrated article, and her plans to finally share some cherished memorabilia with the USGA.This episode is a tribute to perseverance, belief, and the magic that can unfold when preparation meets opportunity. Don’t miss Lauri’s inside story of one of the most inspiring and underdog victories in U.S. Women’s Open history.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow our show and/or leave a review/rating on: Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d About "FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.” Thanks so much for listening!