Latest Show: Ryder Cup History, Photos Of 'The Climbers,' Badminton Becky

For decades, the Ryder Cup was monotonous and unpopular. This week on Only A Game, how the Ryder Cup has become one of golf's most emotional and intense events. Plus, a photographer's journey to the Italian Alps to track down a climbing legend. And, how an American living in China went from hating sports to playing badminton six days a week.

Subscribe to the Only A Game podcast on Apple Podcasts, NPR One or Stitcher.

How The Ryder Cup Went From Predictable To Sublime

Golf historian John Feinstein calls the 2016 Ryder Cup match between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed the 'greatest singles match ever played.'

3 Stories: NCAA And The Tax Bill, Backlash In Tennessee, Honoring Maya Moore

Sports writer Patrick Hruby and Sports Illustrated's Joan Niesen join Bill Littlefield.

Capturing The Final Portrait Of The 'Babe Ruth Of Climbing'

Jim Herrington spent his last few dollars trying to photograph a 100-year-old Italian climber who scaled granite walls with hemp rope and fought the Nazis during World War II.

A Grand Canyon Hike Offers A Lesson In Humanity

Hikers in the Grand Canyon are encouraged to carry lots of water. But for one brave soul, a cup of coffee was deemed enough.

Charlie Pierce: The Week In Sports

Bill Littlefield and Only A Game analyst Charlie Pierce discuss the end of Eli Manning's streak of 210 consecutive starts. Also, making sense of the 2018 World Cup draw. And a Cleveland football fan plans a parade for the winless Browns.

'Badminton Becky' Ances Discovers Her Love For A Sport ... In China

In college, Becky Ances was diagnosed with a vascular disorder. Doctors said playing a sport could endanger her life. That wasn't a problem with Becky, who had no interest in sports ... until she found badminton in China.