Paul Azinger will not return to his role as NBC Sports’ chief golf analyst in 2024, ending the network’s five-year relationship with the 12-time PGA Tour champion.
“We would like to thank Paul for his cooperation over the past five years,” an NBC Sports spokesperson said. golf week. “His acumen, work ethic and relationships in the golf industry are well known, and we are grateful for what he brings to our team. We look forward to seeing Paul in his future endeavors. I am praying for you.”
The Associated Press, which first reported the news Sunday morning, said Azinger was disappointed and surprised by the sudden decision. His last tournament was the Ryder Cup in Italy, and the 1993 PGA champion will miss his call-up to next month’s Hero World Challenge, which tournament host Tiger Woods said will be his first since the Masters in April. Will be participating in the match.
“I deeply value the opportunity to work with Dan Hicks and the other talented NBC broadcasters, as well as lead producer Tommy Roy and the people behind the scenes,” Azinger said in a statement. “They are a great team and I will miss them terribly. I am grateful to them and the countless others who supported and helped me during my work in television. , and we believe in what the future holds for the great game of golf.”
Azinger played on four Ryder Cup teams and captained the 2008 U.S. team to victory at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. He began his broadcasting career with ABC and ESPN in 2005 and joined FOX Sports as chief golf analyst after the network lost the rights to broadcast the British Open Championship in 2015. . He also worked for the BBC Masters Tournament for six years.
“I’ve always felt that my job in the booth is to tell our viewers what they need to do to meet the mental and physical challenges of the game,” Azinger continued. “When you play competitive golf, you learn that the mind and body change under stressful conditions and situations. Great players understand this and learn how to perform and win when it’s hot. I know.”
Mr. Azinger will continue to work at Myakka Golf Club in Myakka, Florida, and with his wife, Toni, at the Azinger Compassion Center in Bradenton, Florida, which supports the One More Child organization.
This time last year golf week We first reported that longtime voice actors Roger Maltby and Gary Koch will not be returning to NBC golf broadcasts in 2023 as the network looks to “refresh” the team. The network has another big seat to fill.