15. Brian Viner: The best Open prank & golf’s greats up-close

Respected sports journalist and author Brian Viner joins Dan Davies to discuss a lifetime spent covering sport, his love affair with golf, and the remarkable characters he's encountered along the way.

From growing up in Southport among some of the world's greatest links courses to interviewing legends such as Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, George Foreman, Richie Benaud and John McEnroe, Brian shares unforgettable stories from both inside and outside the ropes.

The conversation ranges from following a teenage Seve at Royal Birkdale in 1976, to studying at St Andrews, witnessing Jack Nicklaus's legendary 1986 Masters victory, and pulling off one of the greatest golfing pranks in Open Championship history.

Brian also reflects on golf's biggest personalities, the changing landscape of televised golf, the enduring magic of links golf, and why St Andrews and Southport will always hold a special place in his heart.

Key themes

Growing up in Southport's golfing heartland

Watching Nicklaus, Watson and Seve in the 1970s

Following Seve Ballesteros at Royal Birkdale in 1976

Interviewing Seve in Spain and discussing his views on modern golf

Brian’s legendary St Andrews Open prank

Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and golf's greatest rivalries

Witnessing Nicklaus's 1986 Masters triumph