golf channel champions tour announcers

US Open Golf Channel Announcers and Commentators 2023

By Arati Awal , On 23 June 2023 04:01 AM

Golf channel announcers are Bob Papa, Rich Lerner, Whitt Watson, Tom Abbott and Dan Hicks. They cover the PGA tour every week.

The television network comprehensively covers golf events, news, and analysis. It boasts a team of talented broadcasting professionals committed to enhancing the golfing experience for viewers.

Their collective efforts make the Golf Channel a premier destination for golf fans, ensuring they stay connected and briefed about the latest happenings in the golf world.

Furthermore, the network extensively broadcasts PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour events. Going beyond the scope of the PGA Tour, Golf Channel extends its coverage to include captivating tournaments from the European Tour, LPGA Tour, and Asian Tour.

Golf Channel broadcasters are:

• Terry Gannon
• Steve Sands
• George Savaricas
• Jim Gallagher
• Tripp Isenhour
• Billy Ray Brown
• Arron Oberholser

Golf Channel Commentators

PGA commentators on Golf Channel are:

• Nick Faldo 
• Grant Boone

Nick Faldo is a prominent figure in golf, serving as the lead analyst for Golf Channel's coverage of the Golf  Tours . Renowned for his captivating presence both on and off the course, he stands as one of Europe's most accomplished players in the sport.

Faldo's impressive playing career includes over 40 worldwide victories, featuring three Masters titles, three Open Championship titles, and participation in 11 Ryder Cups.

Beyond his golfing prowess, Faldo possesses a range of business interests, from golf instruction schools to a global golf design enterprise spanning 20 countries with approximately 40 projects.

His previous work as a co-analyst for ABC Sports' golf coverage garnered widespread acclaim. In acknowledgment of his contributions to the sport, Faldo received a Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2009.

In contrast, Grant Boone boasts an extensive career as a play-by-play commentator for the golf network. With over 20 years of experience, Boone has earned accolades for his exceptional work as a host.

Boone currently lends his expertise to the Channel's live tournament coverage of the LPGA Tour, serving as the play-by-play host from the 18th tower.

He has also contributed to CBS Sports' coverage of major championships, anchoring special programs like "Amen Corner Live" at the Masters and morning pre-game coverage at the PGA Championship.

On the other hand, Tripp Isenhour joined the network as a studio analyst for Golf Central following a remarkable 13-year career as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour and Web.com Tour.

Noteworthy achievements during his playing career include four victories on the Web.com Tour and two top-five finishes on the PGA Tour . Isenhour's expertise was recognized as he was elected to the Player Advisory Council on both tours.

Golf Channel On Air Personalities

Names of Golf Channel personalities are as follows:

• Anna Jackson
• Jimmy Roberts

Anna Jackson plays a pivotal role in golf broadcasting as a co-host of Gold Today and a news anchor on Golf Channel. In 2019, she joined NBC Sports as a co-host for Morning Drive, further expanding her presence within the network.

Before this, Jackson showcased her hosting abilities on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, where she hosted Golfing World Weekly and conducted player interviews and features.

Additionally, she occasionally appeared as a host for Season Pass, a weekly series by the European Tour. Jackson's experience also extends to her work with the Ladies European Tour.

Next on the list is Jimmy Roberts, a distinguished broadcaster and writer having amassed an impressive collection of 13 Emmy Awards.

His notable contributions to NBC and Golf Channel include being an essayist, interviewer, feature reporter, and studio host. Roberts is a familiar face on both networks' coverage of the PGA Tour and other prestigious golf events, including the renowned Ryder Cup.

With a remarkable career spanning 17 Olympic Games, nine with NBC Sports, Roberts has established himself as a seasoned veteran in the industry.

Roberts joined NBC Sports in May 2000, following a highly acclaimed tenure at ABC and ESPN. As a SportsCenter correspondent from 1988 onwards, he covered high-profile events such as the World Series, NBA Finals , heavyweight championship bouts, Super Bowl, and the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics.

Golf Channel Studio Analysts

Names of the current golf channel analysts include:

• Jim Gallagher Jr.
• Mark Rolfing
• Morgan Pressel
• Paul Azinger 

Jim Gallagher Jr. plays a crucial role as an on-course reporter for both PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour live tournament coverage. Additionally, he lends his insights and expertise as a studio analyst for Golf Central news coverage on the network.

Gallagher Jr.'s professional journey began in 1983 when he turned professional, ultimately securing five victories on the PGA TOUR. Notably, he represented the United States in the 1993 Ryder Cup and the 1994 Presidents Cup.

On the other hand, Morgan Pressel is an analyst and on-course reporter for various golf tours, including the LPGA Tour, PGA TOUR, and USGA, in GOLF Channel and NBC coverage.

Joining the networks in March 2021, her first on-air appearance occurred at the LPGA Drive On Championship presented by Volvik at Golden Ocala.

Pressel brings prior on-air experience to her role, having served as a guest on-course reporter for LPGA Tour coverage on Golf Channel and as an analyst for the U.S. Senior Women's Open and digital coverage of the U.S. Open for FOX Sports .

Paul Azinger joined NBC Sports in 2019, succeeding Johnny Miller as the lead golf analyst in the 18th Tower.

Azinger's expertise is showcased on NBC Sports' live tournament coverage of the PGA TOUR, and he occasionally contributes to Golf Central Live From news coverage on the network during major golf events.

After a successful playing career, Azinger transitioned to TV, serving as the lead golf analyst for ABC and later ESPN from 2006 to 2015. He also worked with Fox Sports in 2016, covering a series of USGA Championships.

Golf Channel Reporters

PGA and LPGA course reporters working for the Golf Channels are:

• Karen Stupples

Billy Ray Brown became a valued member of Golf Channel in 2007, where he currently fulfills the role of an on-course reporter for the network's coverage of the Champions Tour.

Additionally, Brown lends his expertise to the Channel's coverage of the NCAA Golf Championships. He secured three victories during his playing career, which spanned 12 seasons on the PGA TOUR.

Unfortunately, Brown's career was cut short due to wrist injuries. Following his retirement from competitive golf in 1999, Brown worked as an on-course reporter for ABC Sports for eight years before joining the Channel.

On the other hand, Cara Banks joined the network in 2015, initially as a co-host for Morning Drive, the network's daily news and lifestyle program. 

She operates as a studio host for Golf Central and anchors the network's Golf Central Live From news programming at major golf championships and other significant events.

Karen Stupples serves as a studio and on-course golf analyst for NBC Olympics' 2016 Rio Olympic Games coverage, marking her debut assignment with NBC Olympics as golf returned to the Olympics after a century-long absence.

Stupples joined Golf Channel in 2013 and continues to serve as an on-course reporter and analyst for the network's tournament coverage of the LPGA Tour. Additionally, Stupples contributes as an analyst for Golf Central, the network's daily evening news program.

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List of Golf Channel personalities

The Golf Channel uses a number of people for tournament, news and instructional programming. [1]

Current Personalities - Tournament Programming

Pga tour coverage.

• Booth: Dan Hicks , Johnny Miller / Rich Lerner, Frank Nobilo Terry Gannon
• Tower: Gary Koch , Peter Jacobsen
• Course: David Feherty , Roger Maltbie , Mark Rolfing, Notah Begay , Curt Byrum , Matt Gogel

LPGA Tour Coverage

• Booth: Terry Gannon , Judy Rankin
• Tower: Tom Abbott
• Course: Jerry Foltz , Karen Stupples

Champions Tour Coverage

• Booth: Bob Papa , Lanny Wadkins
• Tower: John Mahaffey
• Course: Billy-Ray Brown , David Marr

Web.com Tour Coverage

• Booth: Grant Boone , Craig Perks
• Tower: Steve Burkowski
• Course: Tripp Isenhour , Kay Cockerill

Current Personalities - News Programming

Golf central.

• Anchor: Ryan Burr , Kelly Tilghman , George Savaricas, Lisa Cornwell
• Analyst: Brandel Chamblee , David Duval , Tripp Isenhour , Jim Gallagher , Arron Oberholser , John Cook , Nicole Castrale
• Reporter: Todd Lewis, Angela Akins, Tim Rosaforte

Morning Drive

• Anchor: Gary Williams, Cara Robinson / Damon Hack, Lauren Thompson
• Analyst: Charlie Rymer , Paige Mackenzie , Chris DiMarco
• Reporter: Matt Ginella, Bailey Mosier

Current Personalities - Instructional Programming

The golf fix.

• Host: Michael Breed

School Of Golf

• Host: Martin Hall, Sara Brown

Former personalities

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• Brian Anderson
• Billy Andrade (2010-2012)
• Lara Baldesarra (2012-2013)
• Casey Bierer
• Grant Boone
• Donna Caponi-Byrnes
• Vince Cellini
• Jane Crafter (2010-2013)
• Beth Daniel (2007-2010)
• Charles Davis
• Steve Duemig
• Inga Hammond
• Brian Hammons (1995-2015)
• Brian Hewitt
• Kraig Kann (1995-2011)
• Peter Kessler
• Erik Kuselias (2011-2012)
• Ann Liguori
• Nancy Lopez
• Andrew Magee
• Win McMurry
• Jennifer Mills
• Tom Nettles
• Peter Oosterhuis (1995-2014)
• Phil Parkin (2006-2015)
• Dottie Pepper (2005-2012)
• Ahmad Rashad (2013)
• Steve Schlanger
• Val Skinner (2002-2013)
• Holly Sonders (2011-2014)
• Stephanie Sparks (2000-2013)
• Brian Tennyson
• Bob Valvano
• Scott Van Pelt (1995-2000)
• Television contract history
• NBC Sports Real Golf
• Golf Channel ( personalities )
• Golf Channel
• Lists of golf writers and broadcasters

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Good and Bad Golf Announcers, Analysts and Commentators

Shane Bacon (Golf Channel)

Co-host of Golf Today, Bacon, who also does play-by-play tournament coverage, is arguably the best young announcer in the business. A former mini-tour player, Bacon knows the game and he has an easy going, entertaining style. Best of all, he doesn’t take himself too seriously as you can see with his podcast (Get a Grip) and his social media posts. It’s a bold prediction on my part, but I believe he could be the next Jim Nantz.

Cara Banks (Golf Channel/Sky Sports)

Smart, knowledgeable and always well informed, Banks is at the top of her game. She’s a superb interviewer who always asks the pertinent questions without being annoying to the interviewee. Consequently, she makes it easy and comfortable to watch. My gosh, with her wonderful, rhythmic English accent, she could read a grocery list and make it sound scholarly and entertaining.

Amanda Renner (CBS)

Charles barkley (tnt), notah begay (golf channel).

He’s a buddy of Tiger’s going back to their days at Stanford, so Begay is, not surprisingly, a Woods apologist. That said, he offers up some interesting takes on playing between the ropes. Begay’s PGA Tour career was disappointing, but with some seasoning and enough T.V. reps he could turn out to be better analyst. Just, please, don’t ask this guy any Tiger questions because he’ll never bum kick his friend.

Curt Byrum (Golf Channel)

A former PGA Tour and Nike Tour player, Byrum is insightful, easy-to-listen-to and vastly underrated. Not sure most golf fans could pick him out of a line-up. He’s the ultimate professional and because he never says anything controversial or dumb, he hasn’t achieved the notoriety of some other Golf Channel analysts. He had one PGA Tour win, the Hardee’s Golf Classic in 1989, and his highest finish in a major was a T14 in the 1987 PGA Championship.

Andrew Catalon (CBS)

Once the voice of Olympic curling at NBC, the 42-year old Catalon, who subs in for Jim Nantz on PGA TOUR coverage, is considered a rising star at CBS. And for good reason. He doesn’t have the status of Nantz yet — certainly when it comes to golf — but Catalon is always well prepared and offers subtle witty commentary that makes him an easy listen. He does an excellent job of staying in his lane and letting the analyst do his job.

Brandel Chamblee (Golf Channel)

David duval (espn).

Extremely knowledgable about what it takes to compete on the highest levels of the PGA Tour, Duval is superb at breaking down what it takes to deliver consistently in the big moments, especially majors. Unfortunately, his voice has very little inflection and excitement and I find myself rapidly traveling to sleepyville when he drones on too much.

Ian Baker-Finch (CBS)

Nick faldo (formerly with cbs).

I like to listen to Sir Nick, but I’m fully aware there are lots of viewers who simply can’t stand the sometimes smug and arrogant British attitude. It’s hard to believe Faldo was so mum with the media when he played. Sir Nick can talk endlessly about golf, which obviously annoys some viewers. He seemingly has an opinion on just about every aspect of the professional game. Banking on memories from his six Major wins, Faldo’s strength is telling the viewer exactly what’s it’s like to play between the ropes, especially during crucial moments. Nobody gets inside the minds of superstar players like Faldo. For those who can’t stand Sir Nick, I guess you got your wish with his recent retirement from CBS.

Brad Faxon (NBC)

Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie got the unceremonious boot from NBC and Faxon, along with Smylie Kaufman, was recruited to “re-energize the broadcast” as the suits at the network like to say. Faxon is articulate and opinionated at times and I see him as a sort of Johnny Miller lite as time goes by. Renowned as one the game’s great putters during his career, the least he can do is offer all of us some quick lessons and insight with the flatstick.

David Feherty (LIV Golf Tour)

He’s just not that funny and he recently brought his tired act to LIV Golf. Feherty always seems more interested in desperately trying to come up with zany one-liners than actually analyzing the golf action around him. It’s sad, most of his jokes crash and burn. I cringe every time the announcer says, “Let’s go to Feherty.” I realize more than a few people think Feherty is humorous, but I would absolutely hate to be sitting on a long flight with him and have to listen to his boorish act.

Jerry Foltz (LIV Golf Tour)

Looks like Jerry took the big payday from Greg Norman and the Saudis and said, “Hasta la vista, baby.” Sadly, he’s quickly become the ultimate annoying homer for the LIV Golf Tour. A knowledgeable commentator and on-course reporter with an underrated wit and an easy going demeanor, Foltz always seems prepared. The biggest question most people have is : “Who the heck is Jerry Foltz?” He played golf at the University of Arizona and won the Arizona Amateur in 1989. He played on the Nike Tour (now the Korn Ferry) and won one tournament, the Nike South Carolina Classic in 1995. In 1990, three days after he turned pro he sustained a serious back injury in an auto accident.

Terry Gannon (Golf Channel)

Damon hack (golf channel).

Nobody seems to love the game more than Hack, who has been with the Golf Channel since 2012. The co-host of Golf Today with Shane Bacon, Hack’s enthusiasm is infectious when you listen to him and his golf knowledge is impressive. He’s got one of those affable personalities that’s not contrived and his authenticity comes through.

Dan Hicks (NBC)

Trevor immelman (cbs), smylie kaufman (nbc/golf channel), kevin kisner (nbc).

A notorious trash talker when playing with his buddies in his home state of South Carolina, Kisner, a 4-time winner on the PGA Tour, recently entered the NBC Sports broadcast booth for a couple of events. With his insights as a current player and smooth, Southern sardonic wit, “Kiz” has been well received. He seems at ease and unintimidated by the microphone. Kiz is only gonna get better, too, and many believe, including me, that he has a bright future in the golf announcing biz.

Colt Knost (CBS)

Former pro golfer and 2007 U.S. Amateur champion, Knost is knowledgeable, articulate and opinionated. As a rookie on-course reporter for CBS he’s more into reporting than opinions at this point ,but I see him eventually sharing more of this thoughts ala Dottie Pepper as he gains stable footing in his new role. His performance on the “Featured Group” stream for 2022 Masters was, well, masterful. Knost was brimming with exceptional insight, stories and anecdotes and worked seamlessly with Shane Bacon and Bill Kratzert. I predict big things for him going forward.

Gary Koch (Formerly With NBC)

Christina kim (pga tour live).

Kim has lots of potential as an analyst and commentator, but, at present, her presentation is a bit spotty. She tends to talk too much and her overuse of superlatives like “amazing”, “fabulous” and “incredible” are annoying but make for a good drinking game when you count them up.

Bill Kratzert (Golf Channel)

A former PGA Tour player in the 1970s with four wins, Kratzert is one of these long-time golf analysts that hasn’t worn out his welcome. He sticks to the facts and doesn’t go overboard with his own opinion. He’s knowledgeable about all phases of the game and has that Verne Lundquist type of likable personality. Kratzert does a superb job with Shane Bacon and Colt Knost on “Featured Group” Masters broadcasts.

Justin Leonard (Golf Channel)

Always looking like he just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren Polo advertisement, Leonard is insightful, informative, professional and brings lots of credibility with his successful career on the PGA Tour. Don’t expect a lot of funny one-liners, Leonard’s on-air game is all about letting you know what the players think inside the ropes.

Rich Lerner (Golf Channel)

A smooth talker, adept at reading a teleprompter and well versed in statistics, Lerner is a thorough professional who rarely makes a mistake. He’s very comfortable in front of the camera and never seems to get rattled.

Davis Love III (Formerly with CBS)

He’s better than Melatonin or Sominex. If I need a good snooze on the couch while watching golf , the soft, melodic tones of Love III’s voice sends me quickly to snoozeville. I have always admired Love as a player and Ryder Cup Captain, but he doesn’t bring much dynamism to the broadcast. Like most Pro golfers turned analysts, he noticeably tiptoes around any criticism of his brethren. (DLIII didn’t last long at CBS and announced he was returning to competitive golf). A good move on his part.

Verne Lundquist

While the 80-year old Lundquist has lost a little off his fastball, I still enjoy his commentary and calls on the par 3 No. 16 at the Masters. His “Yes, sir” call at the 1986 Masters and  “In your life have you seen anything like that?” in 2005 when Tiger made his miracle chip shot are part of Masters lore. He’ll be difficult to replace when he eventually steps down from the tower.

Jim “Bones” Mackay (Formerly With NBC)

The former caddie to Phil Mickelson sounds exactly like, well, a caddie. I like his act and really enjoy his information about reading greens and how to approach certain putts. He seems to improve with each tournament. (Mackay recently left his course reporter gig to caddie for Justin Thomas).

Hunter Mahan (NBC)

While he’s not on main broadcasts, Mahan should be. He’s articulate and a great storyteller about his life on the PGA Tour. His performance as an analyst at Ryder Cup 2021 “Featured Groups” stream for NBC/Golf Channel was superb. The three-time Ryder Cupper is easy-to-listen to and has a great sense of humor when the moment calls for it. I predict bigger and better things for him in the golf broadcast universe.

Roger Maltbie (Formerly With NBC)

A former PGA Tour player, ol’ “Rodge” is a reliable, venerable, on-the-course reporter who has that comfortable, drinking buddy kind of demeanor that is never irritating. You can easily imagine having a single malt or a pint with Maltbie and listening to his colorful golf stories.

Paul McGinley (Golf Channel)

Wow, who knew he was such a flame thrower. McGinley provides entertaining “in-your-face” challenges to Brandel Chamblee and the Irishman isn’t afraid to share his honest opinion on just about any topic in golf. He’s really a breath of fresh air and has a bit of the Johnny Miller flair for offering constructive criticism in an honest and direct manner. McGinley won four events on the European Tour, sunk the winning putt for Europe in the 2002 Ryder Cup and was the winning captain for Europe in the 2014 Ryder Cup,

Jim Nantz (CBS)

Hello friends, nobody in the business does it like Jim Nantz. While you can criticize him for being too mushy or overdramatic when talking about the Masters and Augusta National, Nantz is always well prepared and unruffled on the air. He makes few mistakes and doesn’t impose his personality on the viewer. It’s an art to be on the air for so long and not annoy the heck out of people and to sit calmly and sometimes listen to Nick Faldo drone on endlessly.

Frank Nobilo (CBS)

With his great New Zealand accent and an ability to talk on every aspect of life on the PGA Tour, Nobilo is one of the best golf analysts on television. He’s not afraid to criticize, but always does it fairly with facts to back up his assertions.

Andy North (ESPN)

Knowledgeable, professional and comfortable in front of the camera, North, a two-time U.S. Open Champion, seems like a nice guy you’d go to for golf advice. North doesn’t say anything even close to controversial so most television viewers probably couldn’t pick him out of a line-up of popular analysts. He probably gets more recognition from his spokesperson duties for the Square Strike Wedge infomercials, which ran incessantly on golf programming a couple of years ago.

Arron Oberholser (NBC/Golf Channel)

A tower analyst and on-course reporter, Oberholser, a former PGA Tour golfer, may not have a big name but he has big-time talent. Vastly underrated and overlooked, Oberholser provides concise, no-nonsense analysis on the best strategies to play holes and the thinking process of golfers he’s covering. His playing career was cut short by injuries, but he’s performing well in this second career as a broadcaster.

Dottie Pepper (CBS)

A two-time major winner, Pepper is excellent at describing the physical and mental intricacies of playing professional golf at the highest level. She’s also not afraid to ruffle a few feathers once in a while. If you want a strong opinion, she delivers. Although she’s mellowed since her recent return to televised golf last year, who can forget her legendary line calling the 2007 Solheim Cup American team “choking freaking dogs.”

Morgan Pressel (NBC/Golf Channel)

While continuing to compete on the LPGA Tour, Pressel, a major champion (2007 ANA Inspiration), recently joined NBC/Golf Channel as an analyst and on-course reporter for LPGA and PGA Tour events. For someone with limited experience broadcasting, Pressel is excellent. She relates well to today’s players and her analysis is concise, honest and well delivered. If you’re looking for the next Dottie Pepper or Judy Rankin, I believe its Pressel, especially when she devotes full-time to her broadcasting career.

Judy Rankin (Golf Channel – Recently Retired)

She exudes class and knows both the men’s and women’s game. In fact, she was the first woman to work full-time on broadcasts of men’s events. Rankin knows the LPGA better than anybody (after all, she served as the Tour president in 1976-77).  Articulate and knowledgeable, Rankin never gets flustered and always puts the viewer in a good mood.

Tom Rinaldi (Fox)

I used to like Rinaldi’s soft approach and heart-warming human interest pieces and post game interviews. I can’t take it anymore, though. Everything he does now has a certain sameness and predictability. He asks the same old and tired three questions: “How do you feel?”, “What were you thinking?” and “Why did you cry?” 

Jimmy Roberts (Golf Channel)

Roberts sometimes gets a little over-sappy like Tom Rinaldi, but I’ll take Roberts for my heart tugging golf essays and interviews. Apparently I’m not the only one that likes Roberts because he’s racked up 13 Emmy Awards. He’s a superb storyteller and generally stays away from the oh so predictable “how does it feel?” question.

Mark Rolfing (NBC)

A steady voice of reason on the airwaves for more than two decades, Rolfing oozes professionalism and is very underrated. He’s honest and fair in his critiques of player strategy and performance. No puff stuff with Rolfing just great straightforward analysis.

Charlie Rymer (Formerly Golf Channel)

He sounds a bit like Gomer Pyle’s long lost cousin with his syrupy southern accent, but Rymer, a former star at Georgia Tech and a PGA Tour player, has some interesting takes and opinions. He doesn’t like to criticize other players much, but that doesn’t stop him from providing spot on analysis with a cornpone flair.

Steve Sands (Golf Channel)

This gravelly voice broadcast veteran is always reliable with accurate information on the players and tournaments. He’s well connected and respected by the players and PGA Tour officials and presents interesting behind-the-scenes information that enhances the telecast.

Marty Smith (ESPN)

With his syrupy southern twang and folksy demeanor, Smith sounds and looks like the ideal analyst for SEC football and NASCAR. He does an admirable job at both sports for ESPN. Surprisingly, he does an excellent job of post round interviews with golfers, many who are frustrated and tired. Polite and friendly, Smith’s questions are concise and the players seem comfortable talking about the ups and downs of their day.

Curtis Strange (ESPN)

Remember, this is the guy who sanctimoniously told a young, confident Tiger Woods in 1996 that “You’ll learn” when referring to Woods’ goal to win every tournament. Strange still appears a bit uncomfortable talking about Tiger after all these years. Curtis also seems like the grouchy old guy at the clubhouse grill who might offer up this “kick-in-the-balls” retort to Joe Golfer: “Hey, I won two U.S. Opens and you can’t even break 90, get out of my face with your opinion.”

Wright Thompson (ESPN)

A senior writer for ESPN and golf essayist, Thompson, author of the best selling book “Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon and The Things that Last” is skilled at clearly articulating the struggles, hopes and disappointments of golfers without being sappy or overly dramatic. His video essays on the Masters are beautifully written and strike the right balance between describing the majesty of the tournament and the realities of glorious success and devastating defeat.

Mike Tirico (NBC)

Scott van pelt (espn), bubba watson (liv golf).

Michelle Wie West (Golf Channel)

With her teenage heroics and long-time play on the LPGA Tour, her credibility is unquestioned. Wie West’s pleasant personality is a strong asset, but in these early stages of her broadcasting career she speaks in way too many generalities. Hopefully that will change as she learns how to be a professional broadcaster and not just an ultra-successful athlete that happened to score a role in front of the camera.

John Wood (NBC/Golf Channel)

“Woody” as his broadcasting sidekicks like to call him is a former PGA Tour caddie who is extremely knowledgeable and witty. He does a great job of explaining why players make certain decisions on the course as well as imparting inside information the viewer might not know. In his illustrious looper career, Wood was on the bag for Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Mark Calcavecchia and others. He also caddied in Ryder Cups, Presidents Cups and The Olympics.

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Lanny wadkins joins golf channel champions tour broadcast team.

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World Golf Hall-of-Famer Lanny Wadkins returns to the broadcast booth full time this week as lead analyst for Golf Channel’s Champions Tour coverage, beginning Friday at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. Wadkins, recognized as one of the fiercest and more outspoken competitors during his playing days, will be Golf Channel’s lead analyst for the network’s 22 Champions Tour events. He also is scheduled to appear on various Golf Channel news and instruction programming throughout the year. “I’m excited to return to the broadcast booth and continue working with my friends at Golf Channel, talking about guys I played with and competed against for over 40 years,” said Wadkins. “Lanny was one of the greatest golfers of his generation, and we are thrilled to have him as a member of our Golf Channel family,” said Molly Solomon, Golf Channel’s executive producer. “I have been a fan of Lanny’s for many years, and we look forward to his return to television and hearing his familiar voice each week on the Champions Tour.” Wadkins – who was lead golf analyst for CBS Sports from 2002-2006 – recorded 21 PGA TOUR victories, four international wins and a major championship (1977 PGA Championship ) during his Hall-of-Fame career. He also captained the 1995 U.S. Ryder Cup team at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y. He won the 1970 U.S. Amateur Cup tournament while attending Wake Forest University and was named Collegiate All-America in 1970 and 1971. Golf Channel’s coverage of Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai Golf Channel Airtimes: Friday 7:30-10 p.m. (Live) Saturday 7:30-10 p.m. (Live) Sunday 7:30-10 p.m. (Live)

The Ohio Golf Journal Golf Tips, Tools & Techniques Especially for Golfaholics

Good and bad: golf announcers, analysts and commentators.

• 3 Years ago
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UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 10: CBS announcers Nick Faldo (L) and Jim Nantz in the broadcast booth at the 18th green during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on the Poppy Hills Golf Course on February 10, 2007. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

By Ed Schmidt

Dedicated Golfaholics watch hours of tournament action on television every week. The announcers can be bland, annoying, funny and occasionally entertaining. Here a few comments about these on-air personalities and what they do, or don’t bring to the big screen.

Paul Azinger (NBC)

“The Zinger” is opinionated and he draws his opinions, analysis and assumptions from a career that included a major championship victory and as the winning Captain of a Ryder Cup team. I liked him better when he was teamed with Nick Faldo on ABC, but I still enjoy him alongside Dan Hicks. He might not be Johnny Miller, but he’s a pretty good replacement.

Amanda balionis (cbs), she has the perky gene, ala katie couric, but her post round interviews are predictable and snooze inducing. first question: how does it feel to win or lose second question: what went right and what went wrong out there i don’t know the third question because i’m typically on my way to the fridge for another brewski., notah begay (nbc).

He’s a buddy of Tiger’s going back to their days at Stanford, so Begay is, not surprisingly, a Woods apologist. That said, he offers up some interesting takes on playing between the ropes. Begay’s PGA Tour career was disappointing, but with some seasoning and enough T.V. reps he could turn out to be better analyst. Just, please, don’t ask this guy any Tiger questions because he’ll never bum kick his friend.

 Brandel Chamblee (Golf Channel) 

He comes off as somewhat of a know-it-all frat boy with his dapper wardrobe and Prince Valiant haircut, but Chamblee knows golf. He can break down a swing as well as anyone on television, plus he’s not afraid to criticize golf’s biggest stars.

David Duval (ESPN)

Extremely knowledgeable about competing at the highest levels. Duval is superb at breaking down what it takes to deliver consistently in the big moments, especially majors. Unfortunately, his voice has very little inflection and excitement and I find myself rapidly traveling to sleepyville when he drones on too much.

Ian Baker-Finch (CBS)

“Finchy” as he’s often called on broadcasts, has one of the greatest accents ever. The Aussie is knowledgeable and can turn a phrase. Much like Henry Longhurst and Peter Aliss, I can’t get enough of Finchy’s accent.

  Nick Faldo (CBS)

It’s hard to believe Faldo was so mum with the media when he played. Sir Nick can talk endlessly about golf. He seemingly has a well thought out opinion on just about every aspect of the professional game. Faldo is at the top of his broadcasting game because he’s superb at telling the viewer exactly what’s it’s like to play between the ropes. Nobody gets inside the minds of super star players like Faldo. I like to listen to Sir Nick, but I’m fully aware there are lots of viewers who simply can’t stand the sometimes smug and arrogant British attitude.

David Feherty (NBC)

He’s just not that funny. feherty always seems more interested in desperately trying to come up with zany one-liners than effective analysis. i cringe every time the announcer says, “let’s go to feherty.” i realize more than a few people think feherty is humorous, but i would absolutely hate to be sitting on a long flight with him and be forced to listen to his boorish act., terry gannon (golf channel).

A smooth talker who typically works on LPGA telecasts, Gannon is one of the best set-up men in the business. No matter who he’s working with, Gannon asks pertinent questions to the analyst and moves the coverage along effortlessly.

Dan Hicks (NBC)

He’s a solid announcer that never seems to say anything too offensive or annoying. Hicks does a great job of setting up Paul Azinger and making the broadcast flow effortlessly. He makes the perfect mediator and gets everyone involved in the action.

Gary Koch (NBC)

The analyst who coined the phrase, “better than most” tends to agree with the booth guys too much rather than expressing his own opinion. that said, you can’t deny koch’s knowledge of the game as he has was a star junior and college player. he was a middle-of-the-pack guy on the pga tour, as well as, on the champions tour., mark immelman (cbs), mark immelman spent 20 years carrying his brother’s (trevor) golf bag and has a caddie’s knowledge and insight to his comments. as a published author, director of golf at columbus state and experienced caddie, he is a breath of fresh air on television broadcasts, trevor immelman (cbs), i’m not sure why, but commentators and analysts with great accents just seem to come off a lot smarter than their american counterparts. trevor immelman’s rhythmic south african accent is easy to listen to and as a masters champion, knows the game at its highest level., justin leonard (golf channel).

Always looking like he just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren Polo advertisement, Justin Leonard is insightful, informative, professional and brings lots of credibility with his successful career on the PGA Tour. Don’t expect a lot of funny one-liners, Leonard’s on-air game is all about letting you know what the players think inside the ropes.

Rich Lerner (NBC)

A smooth talker, adept at reading a teleprompter and well versed in statistics, Lerner is a thorough professional who rarely makes a mistake. He’s very comfortable in front of the camera and never seems to get rattled. His special videos are always well written and delivered with impeccable timing.

Verne Lundquist

While the 80-year old Lundquist has lost a little off his fastball, I still enjoy his commentary and calls on the par 3 No. 16 at the Masters. His “Yes, sir” call at the 1986 Masters and  “In your life have you seen anything like that?” in 2005 when Tiger made his miracle chip shot are part of Masters lore. He’ll be difficult to replace when he eventually steps down from the tower.

Jim “Bones” Mackay (NBC)

The former caddie to Phil Mickelson sounds exactly like, well, a caddie. I like his act and really enjoy his information about reading greens and how to approach certain putts. He seems to improve with each tournament. By the way, Bones’ old employer,  Phil Mickelson , made a great appearance on the Saturday telecast of the PGA Championship (2020). Lefty has a great future in broadcasting, if he wants it.

Roger Maltbie (NBC)

A former PGA Tour player, Roger Maltbie is a reliable, venerable, on-the-course reporter, who has that comfortable, drinking buddy kind of demeanor that is never irritating. He is a guy one could easily imagine enjoying a single malt, or a pint and listening to his colorful golf stories.

Jim nantz(cbs).

Nobody in the business does it like Jim Nantz. While you can criticize him for being too mushy, or overdramatic, when talking about the Masters and Augusta National, he is always well prepared and unruffled on the air. He makes few mistakes and doesn’t impose his personality on the viewer. It’s an art to be on the air for so long and not annoy the heck out of people.

Frank Nobilo (CBS)

With his great New Zealand accent and an ability to talk on every aspect of life on the PGA Tour, Nobilo is one of the best analysts on television. He’s not afraid to criticize, but always does it fairly with facts to back up his assertions.

Andy North (ESPN)

Knowledgeable, professional and comfortable in front of the camera, Andy North, a two-time U.S. Open Champion, seems like a nice guy you’d go to for golf advice. North doesn’t say anything even close to controversial so most television viewers probably couldn’t pick him out of a line-up of popular analysts. He probably gets more recognition from his spokesperson duties for the Square Strike Wedge infomercials, which ran incessantly on golf programming.

Dottie Pepper (CBS)

A two-time major winner, Pepper is excellent at describing the physical and mental intricacies of playing professional golf at the highest level. She is not afraid to ruffle a few feathers. If you want a strong opinion, she delivers. Although she’s mellowed since her recent return to televised golf last year, who can forget her legendary line calling the 2007 Solheim Cup American team “choking freaking dogs.”

Judy Rankin (Golf Channel)

She exudes class and knows both the men’s and women’s game. In fact, she was the first woman to work full-time on broadcasts of men’s events. Rankin knows the LPGA better than anybody, as she served as the LPGA Tour president 1976-77.  Articulate and knowledgeable, Rankin never gets flustered and always puts the viewer in a good mood.

Tom Rinaldi (Fox)

I used to like Rinaldi’s soft approach and heart-warming human interest pieces and post-game interviews. I can’t take it anymore, though. Everything he does now has a certain sameness and predictability. He asks the same old and tired three questions: “How do you feel?”, “What were you thinking?” and “Why did you cry?”

Steve Sands (Golf Channel)

This gravelly voice broadcast veteran is always reliable with accurate information on the players and tournaments. He’s well connected and respected by the players and PGA Tour officials and presents interesting behind-the-scenes information that enhances the telecast.

Curtis Strange (ESPN)

Remember, this is the guy who sanctimoniously told a young, confident Tiger Woods in 1996 that “You’ll learn” when referring to Woods’ goal to win every tournament. Strange still appears a bit uncomfortable talking about Tiger after all these years. Curtis also seems like the grouchy old guy at the clubhouse grill who might offer up this kick in the balls to Joe Golfer: “Hey, I won two U.S. Opens and you can’t even break 90, get out of my face with your opinion.”

Mike Tirico (NBC)

Possessing some great pipes for broadcasting, Tirico has the type of voice I never get tired of hearing. He brings immense professionalism to the booth. You can tell he loves golf and seldom makes a mistake.

Scott Van Pelt (ESPN)

SVP is one of the best things going for ESPN. He’s got the smooth professionalism of Jim Nantz and spins some great stories along the way as well as solid analysis mixed in with some good humor. His relationship with Tiger Woods dates back to SVP’s days at The Golf Channel, where he got his start in the broadcasting biz. SVP has lots of credibility when it comes to covering El Tigre.

Michelle Wie West (Golf Channel)

With her teenage heroics and long-time play on the LPGA Tour, her credibility is unquestioned. Wie West’s pleasant personality is a strong asset, but in these early stages of her broadcasting career she speaks in way too many generalities. Hopefully that will change as she learns how to be a professional broadcaster and not just an ultra-successful athlete that happened to score a role in front of the camera.

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Brandel Chamblee Taking Turn As Lead NBC Analyst This Week for PGA Tour’s American Express

• Author: Gabrielle Herzig

The lead analyst chair for NBC’s golf coverage is once again rotating, but this week it will feature a voice that fans will find especially familiar. Brandel Chamblee, the former PGA Tour player and longtime Golf Channel host, will temporarily step into the role at the American Express, where he’ll call the La Quinta action in real time. 

Since 2003, Chamblee has served as a studio analyst for Golf Channel, taking the lead on shows such as "Golf Central" and “Live From” at the game’s four major championships, the Players Championship and the Ryder Cup . Known for his fiery takes, intricate vocabulary and breadth of knowledge about the professional game, it is safe to say that Chamblee will adjust to the lead analyst role during this weekend’s broadcast rather smoothly. 

Chamblee’s stint in the role comes in the wake of Paul Azinger’s departure from NBC Sports and Golf Channel. The longtime analyst’s contract with the network was not renewed this fall. 

Brandel Chamblee will sit in the lead analyst's chair this week as the PGA Tour's West Coast swing begins.

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

“I have treasured working beside Dan Hicks and other talented NBC broadcasters as well as lead producer Tommy Roy and all those behind the scenes,” Azinger said in a statement after the split. “They are a remarkable team, and I will miss them tremendously.” 

Since Azinger’s seat was vacated, NBC has been on the hunt for a new lead in the booth, using brief “tryout” stints to evaluate potential candidates. At the Hero World Challenge in December, Irish former pro and Golf Channel commentator Paul McGinley stepped in. At the Sentry, current PGA Tour player Kevin Kisner gave it a shot. He’ll be back for a second trial period at the WM Phoenix Open. 

“I’m going in blind,” Kisner told Sports Illustrated  prior to his TV debut. “I’m just going to wing it and see how I do, and let them tell me if I need to get better.” 

Although lacking experience, Kisner’s candid and informative approach at the Sentry received widespread praise from viewers who appreciated the change of pace. 

Chamblee’s performance this weekend will undoubtedly be highlighted by his in-depth research and real-time critical analysis. The former pro shared a sneak peek of his tournament preparation on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a few clips of his favorite swings in the field. 

When Chamblee has the mic, he not afraid to speak his mind, whether he’s addressing Scottie Scheffler ’s putting woes or the uncertain future of the professional game. The TV host is open about his fierce opposition to LIV Golf and the human rights abuses of its Saudi Arabian backers.  

Last month, Chamblee spoke to SI’s  Bob Harig about the ongoing negotiations of the June 6 “ framework agreement ” between the Saudi PIF, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour and did not hold back. 

“If LIV exists in its current form, the PGA Tour will always be susceptible to the poaching of its stars," Chamblee said. “What if Ludvig (Aberg) turns out to be as big of a star as it looks like he may be? He likely will be courted until they find his price. And ... into the future.”

“The best thing for the Tour to do is make this deal, dissolve LIV as soon as possible and unify the game. Saudis win. Professional golf gets dirtied up."

Chamblee will take his seat in the booth starting Thursday, Jan. 17. The American Express airs from 4-7 p.m. ET Thursday-Sunday on Golf Channel. 

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All Smiles: Smylie Kaufman has made the transition from player to analyst for NBC/Golf Channel

Past pga tour winner enjoying marriage, fatherhood and analyzing shots by the best players in the world.

If Smylie Kaufman comes out with a clever line during an NBC/Golf Channel telecast of a PGA Tour event, thank a gang of cronies he plays golf with at the Vestavia Country Club in Birmingham, Ala. 

"Most of my good bits come from this group," the 31-year-old Kaufman said a few days before the beginning of Players Championship week. "We do a lot of trash-talking, bet a lot and never pay each other." 

More importantly, golf is fun again for Kaufman.

The LSU graduate was a PGA Tour winner in Las Vegas in 2015 with a final-round 61, played in the last twosome with Jordan Spieth in the 2016 Masters, tied for 12th in the 2017 Players Championship (and played with winner Si Woo Kim in the third round) yet found himself off the Tour by 2021 after injuries to his wrist and elbow caused yips with the driver and a series of poor performances that defied belief. 

More Players Championship coverage

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Kaufman got as high as 48th in the world, was in demand by sponsors and was part of the spring break posse that include Spieth, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler .

Life was good but Kaufman said he now realizes that he didn't have the Thomas or Spieth type of game. He eventually came to peace with that and knows what's important now: his wife Francie, who has been with him since they were in high school in Birmingham, and a two-month baby daughter, Anna Carter. 

"I still love being on a golf course," the former LSU player said. "I love being with so many of the guys I played with on the Tour. I really did miss those guys." 

"I'm on a different journey now," said Kaufman, part of a new announcing crew that will work The Players Championship this week at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. 

A mix of veterans and new voices

The NBC/Golf Channel crew will be a mix of familiar faces and voices and like Kaufman, some new blood. Mike Tirico continues with his host duties, Dan Hicks is back as the play-by-play announcer for a 24th year and Paul Azinger is the lead analyst. 

Faxon and Paul McGinley are analysts, Curt Byrum and Steve Sands will be in the tower and Notah Begay III and former Tour caddie John Wood join Kaufman as on-course analysts. 

Jimmy Roberts will do essays during the week and Damon Hack will do post-round interviews.  Tommy Roy, a Ponte Vedra Beach resident, is in his 31st year overseeing The Players coverage.

There will be live streaming on Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Network coverage will be Thursday and Friday from noon-6 p.m. on Golf Channel and Saturday and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. on NBC.

Kaufman wanted on-course work

When Kaufman started to realize his golf career might have flamed out, he asked his agent to inquire about TV gigs. If Kaufman couldn't hit shots he wanted to watch them and bring a player's perspective to viewers. 

But he didn't want to start out in a studio setting. Kaufman wanted to walk the course, in heat of cold, wind and rain. 

His first gig was a big one: the PGA last year at Southern Hills in Tulsa. His combination of a dry wit, delivered with an aw-shucks Southern drawl, charmed viewers and eventually the leadership team at Golf Channel. 

Golf Channel executive producer Molly Solomon call Kaufman one of the "fresh, new faces," along with Brad Faxon and Curt Byrum, as the network replaced Gary Koch, Roger Maltbie and David Feherty. 

Former Golf Channel host Gary Williams said on his podcast that Kaufman "has a savant-like ability to talk like himself and give a thought in 12 seconds." 

Kaufman prefers to think of it as being himself — with some help from his Vestavia posse who supply him with fresh material. 

He prepared for the PGA (where he worked on ESPN's streaming of feature groups) by going to the 2022 Masters and watching his old pals Spieth and Thomas play. While he was there, Augusta National patrons spotted him and offered encouragement. 

"I was shocked by how many people recognized me and gave me support," he said. "I thought that maybe there is a place for me in the game of golf, and if playing golf wasn't working out, maybe I find a way with the media. My wife thought there would be some legs to this."

Kaufman 'really inquisitive

Kaufman was given a tryout of sorts by NBC at the U.S. Junior Amateur. It was there that he endeared himself to First Coast golf fans when he praised Jacksonville Beach resident and junior high player Miles Russell on social media when Russell was eliminated on the 16th hole of an opening-round match Kaufman was following. Russell noticed there were no groups behind him, went ahead and played the final two holes, just for fun. 

Kaufman tweeted two videos of Russell playing, crediting him with giving a strong effort against a college-bound that "outweighted him by 75ish pounds" and for playing the final two holes. 

"#Nails," Kaufman tweeted. 

"He was a fighter out there," Kaufman said. "I loved it." 

Kaufman said he has an even greater appreciation for the talent of his former PGA Tour peers watching them up close as an analyst. 

"One of my takeaways is that they do things I couldn't do," he said. "I always felt like my game, at its best, could compete with anyone but it's incredible how often I see the consistency they're able to pull off these shots." 

Hicks said Kaufman didn't come to the job with the idea that he had a built-in advantage because he was a PGA Tour winner.

"He's really, really inquisitive," Hicks said. "Sometimes you get players that come over to this side of the broadcast and they may think they have it all figured out. But Smylie has been asking me, the rest of the guys good questions about how he can get better. That's a great sign."

Kaufman said he will try not to be away from home for longer than three weeks at a time. Besides, he's got to brush up on learning to "swaddle" his daughter.

"I can change diapers," he said. "That swaddling? It's like Oragami."

And Kaufman is more than content with playing golf on a recreational basis, where he has rediscovered the joy of a well-hit shot without worrying about the consequences of a bad one. 

"We love the game ... it's fun," he said of his games with friends. "I don't put much emotion in golf shots anymore. The game's become more fun and less stressful. Before I'd hit a bad shot and it would send an alarm ... 'we have to fix that.' Now we just laugh." 

NBC/Golf Channel at The Players

∎ There will be more than 20 hours of live tournament coverage, using more than 65 cameras at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. 

∎ Golf Channel will air 42 hours of “Live From the Players,” which began on Monday. 

∎ A 25-foot high “JitaCam” overlooking the 18 th tee, along with tracing technology, will offer viewers an enhanced perspective on ball flights. 

∎ A “FlyCam” will stretch 225 yards from the 16 th tee to the 17 th hole. 

∎ An “Atlas Cam,” a depth-of-field camera, will show specific players walking shot-to-shot. 

∎ NBC is in its 36 th season televising The Players.  

Golf Channel broadcaster Stephanie Sparks dead at 50

S tephanie Sparks, former U.S. Curtis Cup golfer and Golf Channel co-host of the reality show “Big Break,” died on April 13, according to an online obituary.

She was 50.

No cause of death was given.

“She had been a professional golfer herself,” Tom Abbott told Golfweek , who has been Sparks’ co-host for seven years. “She knew what it was like for the contestants, and she wanted them to succeed. She kind of rode their emotions in a way when we were doing the show.

“She knew how tough it was.”

Spark starred as a young golfer, winning the 1992 North and South Women’s Amateur and the 1993 Women’s Western Amateur and Women’s Eastern Amateur.

She went on to golf collegiately for Duke, where she earned first-team All-American honors in her freshman season and second-team as a sophomore.

She was then part of the 1994 Curtis Cup team that tied Great Britain and Ireland at The Honors Course outside Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Her pro career, however, was short-lived due to injuries, especially back pain, which limited her to just one season on the LPGA Tour.

“I’ll forever be grateful for the friendships I made in junior golf,” broadcaster Lisa Cornwell wrote on X about Sparks . “Last week, we lost one of our best @AJGAGolf mates. God bless you, Sparky… and thanks for being you.”

After her career, Sparks played the part of Alexa Stirling in the 2004 movie “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius,” and she eventually went on to host various shows on the Golf Channel, including “Big Break,” where players competed for spots to play in pro tournaments.

I’ll forever be grateful for the friendships I made in junior golf.

Last week, we lost one of our best @AJGAGolf mates.

God bless you, Sparky… and thanks for being you. ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/1V07JC6Vim

Sparks also reported at several golf tournaments and hosted “Golf with Style” and “Playing Lessons with the Pros.”

According to her obituary, a private family service will be held in West Virginia, where she was born.

Stephanie Sparks, longtime host of Golf Channel's reality series 'Big Break,' dies at 50

Longtime Golf Channel “Big Break” host Stephanie Sparks has died at the age of 50.

No cause of her April 13 death was listed in a story about Sparks' death on the NBC Sports website.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Robert and Janie Sparks, Mary Stephanie Sparks was an All-American collegiate golfer at Duke.

She won the 1992 North and South Women’s Amateur at Pinehurst and in the summer of 1993, rattled off victories at the Women’s Western Amateur, Women’s Eastern Amateur and the West Virginia State Amateur.

Sparks represented the U.S. on the 1994 Curtis Cup team and had a brief professional career that was plagued by injuries. She began her pro career on what’s now the Epson Tour and played only one season in the LPGA in 2000 before chronic back pain ultimately ended her career.

Sparks played the role of three-time U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Alexa Stirling in the 2004 movie “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” opposite Jim Caviezel.

In addition to the “Big Break” reality series, Sparks hosted the “Golf with Style” series on Golf Channel as well as “Playing Lessons with the Pros.” She also did some on-camera reporting at tournaments.

During her competitive days, Sparks wrote player diaries for Golfweek, offering an inside look into tour life.

Golf Channel’s Tom Abbott worked seven seasons with Sparks as a co-host on the popular “Big Break” series. Abbott, who is on the broadcast team this week at the Chevron Championship, lauded Sparks’ work ethic.

“She had been a professional golfer herself,” he said, “so she knew what it was like for the contestants, and she wanted them to succeed. She kind of rode their emotions in a way when we were doing the show.

“She knew how tough it was.”

Sparks’ Kepner Funeral Homes obituary page notes that she was an advocate for hospice care for the last several years of her life and supported Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation and the Barber Fund in Orlando.

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2024 RBC Heritage live stream, TV schedule, how to watch online, channel, tee times, radio, golf coverage

There was no rest for the weary with a signature event on tap one week after the masters.

Players have made the short trip from Augusta, Georgia, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for the 2024 RBC Heritage. In total, 69 golfers teed it up on Harbour Town Golf Links as yet another signature event on the PGA Tour's playing calendar rolls on.

Unlike the Genesis Invitational or Arnold Palmer Invitational, the RBC Heritage does not feature a 36-hole cut, meaning the entirety of the field will be around for the weekend. That is music to the ears to those who missed out on the weekend action at the Masters, including the likes of Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman.

Spieth, the 2022 champion, looks to kickstart his season after a disappointing showing at Augusta National. He is no stranger to bouncing back at the RBC Heritage, following a missed cut at the year's first major championship with a win a week later in Hilton Head. He's not in contention to win this tournament, but he's certainly playing better than he did last week.

This tournament, like the rest on the PGA Tour these days, goes through Scottie Scheffler. The world No. 1 aims to collect his fourth trophy in his last five tournaments, and he holds the 54-hole lead entering the final day of play. Fresh off slipping on his second green jacket, Scheffler has widened the gap between him and the rest of the world and shows no signs of slowing down. Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Åberg -- just as they did at the Masters -- are breathing down Scheffler's neck on Sunday.

All times Eastern; streaming start times approximated   

Round 4 - Sunday

Round starts:  7:15 a.m.

PGA Tour Live:  7:15 a.m. -  6 p.m. --  PGA Tour Live

Early TV coverage:  1-3 p.m. on Golf Channel,  fubo  (Try for free) Live streaming:  1-3 p.m. on Peacock

Live TV coverage:  3-6 p.m. on CBS Live simulcast:  3-6 p.m. on  CBSSports.com  and the  CBS Sports App

Radio:  1-6 p.m. --  PGA Tour Radio  

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Invited Celebrity Classic: Storylines, how to watch and more

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PGA TOUR Champions heads to Irving, Texas, for the Invited Celebrity Classic. The field features 78 players from the PGA TOUR Champions and 40 celebrities competing at Las Colinas Country Club.

Last year’s champion Mark Hensby defeated Charlie Wi on the fourth playoff hole to claim his first PGA TOUR Champions victory.

Las Colinas Country Club is the shortest course on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule at 6,703 yards but is defended with water in play on eight holes and 47 bunkers across the course.

Retief Goosen is in the field after winning last time out at The Galleri Classic after 72nd hole heroics beating Ricardo Gonzalez and Steven Alker by a stroke. Alker elected not to play this week in Texas.

Vijay Singh is teeing it up in Texas off a tie for 58th at the Masters.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo won the celebrity division last year. Celebrities include Mardy Fish, Vince Carter, Annika Sörenstam, DeMarcus Ware

The begins four weeks of events on PGA TOUR Champions leading up to the first major of the season at the Regions Tradition.

Tournament facts

• Course: Las Colinas Country Club, par 71, 6,703 yards
• Field: 78 players, 40 celebrities (54 holes)
• Defending champion: Mark Hensby
• Purse: $2,200,000 (winner: $330,000)
• Low 18-hole score: 63, Gene Sauers (2022), Matt Gogel (2023)
• Low 54-hole score: 201, Mark Hensby, Charlie Wi (2023)

How to watch

• Friday: 9-11 p.m (Tape Delay on Golf Channel)
• Saturday: 5-7 p.m. (Golf Channel)
• Sunday: 5-7 p.m (Golf Channel)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, March 11th, 2024

NBC SPORTS SURROUNDS 2024 PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP WITH COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE ACROSS NBC, GOLF CHANNEL AND PEACOCK

Comprehensive Coverage Begins Tonight at 7 p.m. ET With Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS Alongside Iconic 17 th Hole at TPC Sawgrass

Kevin Kisner Serves as Analyst – Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch Join Thursday-Friday Coverage in Celebration of 50 th PLAYERS Anniversary

Kisner and Smylie Kaufman Host “Friday Happy Hour” Coverage from 17 th Hole

Peacock Streams All Live Championship and Studio Coverage on NBC and GOLF Channel

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 11, 2024 – NBC Sports will surround the 2024 PLAYERS Championship with comprehensive live championship and studio coverage from The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach., Fla., across NBC, GOLF Channel and Peacock, beginning tonight with Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS at 7 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock.

Live championship coverage on GOLF Channel and Peacock begins Thursday and Friday at Noon ET, with NBC and Peacock carrying exclusive live weekend coverage beginning both days at 1 p.m. ET. All live championship and studio coverage airing on NBC and GOLF Channel will stream live on Peacock.

Last week, NBC Sports announced that Kevin Kisner will serve as an analyst for this week’s coverage of The PLAYERS alongside Dan Hicks , and Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch will join this week’s broadcast team as part of NBC Sports’ celebration of the 50 th anniversary of the championship.

Maltbie will serve as an on-course reporter during Thursday and Friday coverage, while Koch will join  Mike Tirico  in the broadcast booth during Thursday and Friday coverage. Additionally, Kisner and  Smylie Kaufman  will team up to call “Friday Happy Hour” coverage from alongside the iconic 17 th  hole on Friday afternoon on GOLF Channel and Peacock.

“Kevin did a great job in the booth with Dan Hicks earlier this year and his work with Smylie Kaufman on the 16 th  hole at the WM Phoenix Open made for great TV, so we’re happy we can once again pair Kevin with Dan and have Kevin join Smylie at the 17 th  hole at TPC Sawgrass on Friday,” said  Tommy Roy , NBC Sports’ lead golf producer. “Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch have called some of the most iconic moments at The PLAYERS Championship throughout the past three decades and having them on this week’s broadcasts is a great way for NBC Sports to celebrate the 50 th  anniversary of The PLAYERS.”

The flagship event of the PGA TOUR, The PLAYERS has been played at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course each year since 1982. Scottie Scheffler , the World No. 1 and last week’s winner at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, looks to become the first player to win The PLAYERS in back-to-back years.

NBC Sports will utilize more than 60 cameras for its coverage of The PLAYERS, including:

• Drone camera coverage dedicated to the 16 th and 17 th holes;
• A FlyCam set between the 9 th and 18 th holes to run alongside and provide perspectives of tee shots and approach shots;
• Bunker Cams at the 16th and 17 th hole;
• JitaCam overlooking the 17 th tee along with tracing technology, pushing along with tee shots as they are struck towards the island green to provide an enhanced perspective on the flight of the ball;
• Live drone and fixed-wing airplane coverage from high atop TPC Sawgrass;
• X-mo and super-slo-mo replays, as well as NBC Sports NBCeeIt zoom technology to make sure fans don’t miss a moment.

NBC, GOLF Channel & Peacock Broadcast Team

• Host/Play by Play: Mike Tirico
• Play by Play : Dan Hicks
• Analyst/Holes : Kevin Kisner / Brad Faxon / Curt Byrum / Notah Begay III / Steve Sands / Gary Koch
• On-Course : John Wood / Smylie Kaufman / Notah Begay III / Roger Maltbie
• Interview/Reports: Damon Hack

How To Watch – Thursday, March 14 – Sunday, March 17 (all times ET)

• TV – NBC, GOLF Channel
• Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

Notable Players This Week

• Scottie Scheffler
• Rory McIlroy
• Jordan Spieth
• Justin Thomas
• Rickie Fowler
• Min Woo Lee
• Viktor Hovland

Studio coverage on GOLF Channel begins tonight at 7 p.m. ET with Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS , followed by full-day coverage on Tuesday and Wednesday which begins at 9 a.m. ET. Rich Lerner anchors primetime Live From coverage each evening alongside analysts Brandel Chamblee and Paul McGinley . Live From will also include on-course segments and interviews with Johnson Wagner .

Live From THE PLAYERS Broadcast Team

• Host : Rich Lerner / Damon Hack / Anna Jackson / Todd Lewis
• Analyst : Brandel Chamblee / Paul McGinley / Mark Rolfing / Notah Begay III / Brad Faxon / Arron Oberholser / John Wood / Smylie Kaufman / Brad Faxon / Curt Byrum / Johnson Wagner
• Reporter : Todd Lewis / Rex Hoggard / Ryan Lavner / Steve Burkowski / George Savaricas / Kira K. Dixon / Jay Croucher

–NBC SPORTS–

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Last call for the ultimate Pinehurst trip

2024 Chevron Championship: How to watch, TV coverage, streaming info, tee times

Nelly Korda is on an unprecedented hot streak this LPGA season.

Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

The 2024 Chevron Championship , the first LPGA major of the 2024 season, begins this week at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the event, including full Chevron Championship TV coverage, streaming info and complete tee times for the first round.

How to watch 2024 Chevron Championship

Heading into the first major of the year, all eyes are on World No. 1 Nelly Korda . Korda has been a star on the LPGA Tour for years now, but her performance in 2024 is unprecedented .

Two weeks ago at the T-Mobile Match Play, Korda defeated Leona Maguire in the final match to capture the victory. Incredibly, the win marked Korda’s fourth in a row , dating back to the LPGA Drive On Championship in January. She’s also won the last three LPGA events to be played.

If anyone is going to halt Korda’s win streak and prevent her from capturing the second major title of her career this week in Texas, Lilia Vu is the best bet.

Not only is Vu the World No. 2, she is also the defending champion this week, having won last year’s Chevron the first time the event was held at The Club at Carlton Woods.

Golf Channel and NBC will provide TV coverage of the 2024 Chevron Championship, while ESPN+ and Peacock will offer streaming coverage online. You can find complete information about streaming and TV options for the Chevron Championship below.

Tournament basics

What: 2024 Chevron Championship Where: The Club at Carlton Woods, The Woodlands, Texas When: Thursday-Sunday, April 18-21 Purse: $7.9 million ($1.2 million winner’s share) Defending champion: Lilia Vu

How to watch 2024 Chevron Championship on TV

Golf Channel and NBC will provide TV coverage of the 2024 Chevron Championship. Check out the full TV schedule below.

Thursday, April 18: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel/ Peacock ) Friday, April 19: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel/ Peacock ) Saturday, April 20: 2-3 p.m. ET ( Peacock ); 3-6 p.m. ET (NBC/ Peacock ) Sunday, April 21: 2-3 p.m. ET ( Peacock ); 3-6 p.m. ET (NBC/ Peacock )

How to watch 2024 Chevron Championship online, streaming

You can watch the 2024 Chevron Championship online with Peacock and ESPN+ . ESPN+ will provide featured group coverage all four days of the tournament, beginning at 9 a.m. ET on Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. Peacock will offer simulcasts of Golf Channel and NBC’s TV coverage, as well as exclusive early coverage of the third and final rounds beginning on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.

2024 Chevron Championship tee times: Round 1 (ET)

8:15 a.m. – Isi Gabsa, Stephanie Meadow, Kristen Gillman 8:26 a.m. – Olivia Cowan, A Lim Kim, Isabella Fierro 8:37 a.m. – Marina Alex, Jenny Shin, Maja Stark 8:48 a.m. – Elizabeth Szokol, Sarah Schmelzel, Alexa Pano 8:59 a.m. – Megan Khang, Angel Yin, Bailey Tardy 9:10 a.m. – Leona Maguire, Grace Kim, Anna Nordqvist 9:21 a.m. – Mi Hyang Lee, Andrea Lee, Atthaya Thitikul 9:32 a.m. – Robyn Choi, Hinako Shibuno, Jin Hee Im 9:43 a.m. – Chun-Wei Wu, Caroline Masson, Lindsey Weaver-Wright 9:54 a.m. – Matilda Castren, Ryann O’Toole, Gaby Lopez 10:05 a.m. – Shinsil Bang, Carlota Ciganda, Gemma Dryburgh 1:15 p.m. – Yuna Nishimura, Jasmine Suwannapura, Emily Kristine Pedersen 1:26 p.m. – Jiyai Shin, Savannah Grewal, In Gee Chun 1:37 p.m. – Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Ally Ewing, Georgia Hall 1:48 p.m. – Stacy Lewis, Chanettee Wannasaen, Amy Yang 1:59 p.m. – Yani Tseng, Ashleigh Buhai, Cheyenne Knight 2:10 p.m. – Pajaree Anannarukarn, Hye-Jin Choi, Hannah Green 2:21 p.m. – Hae Ran Ryu, Mone Inami, Albane Valenzuela 2:32 p.m. – Polly Mack, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Stephanie Kyriacou 2:43 p.m. – Miyu Yamashita, Perrine Delacour, Sarah Kemp 2:54 p.m. – Aditi Ashok, Danielle Kang, Karis Davidson 3:05 p.m. – Moriya Jutanugarn, So Mi Lee, Ruixin Liu

8:15 a.m. – Lauren Coughlin, Wei-Ling Hsu, Minami Katsu 8:26 a.m. – Caroline Inglis, Yealimi Noh, Lindy Duncan 8:37 a.m. – Mao Saigo, Yu Jin Sung, Jeongeun Lee6 8:48 a.m. – Yuka Saso, Xiyu Lin, Ariya Jutanugarn 8:59 a.m. – Ayaka Furue, Sei Young Kim, Linn Grant 9:10 a.m. – Jin Young Ko, Patty Tavatanakit, So Yeon Ryu 9:21 a.m. – Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko 9:32 a.m. – Yana Wilson, Brittany Lincicome, Pernilla Lindberg 9:43 a.m. – Megan Schofill, Maria Fassi, Hira Naveed 9:54 a.m. – Akie Iwai, Yan Liu, Hee Young Park 10:05 a.m. – Auston Kim, Jasmine Koo, Bianca Pagdanganan 1:15 p.m. – Sophia Popov, Yu Liu, Linnea Strom 1:26 p.m. – Jennifer Kupcho, Esther Henseleit, Peiyun Chien 1:37 p.m. – Eun-Hee Ji, Lizette Salas, Lucy Li 1:48 p.m. – Rose Zhang, Hyo Joo Kim, Nasa Hataoka 1:59 p.m. – Celine Boutier, Allisen Corpuz, Ruoning Yin 2:10 p.m. – Nelly Korda, Minjee Lee, Lilia Vu 2:21 p.m. – Charley Hull, Alison Lee, Angela Stanford 2:32 p.m. – Lottie Woad, Madelene Sagstrom, Gabriela Ruffels 2:43 p.m. – Narin An, Celine Borge, Azahara Munoz 2:54 p.m. – Trichat Cheenglab, Weiwei Zhang, Paula Reto 3:05 p.m. – Malia Nam, Xiaowen Yin, Ela Anacona

Latest In News

Nelly korda's dominance continues, wins chevron for 5th title in a row, nick faldo wonders: did he just see the best golf swing ever, how to watch nelly korda's attempt at five-straight wins at the chevron championship, 2024 rbc heritage purse: payout info, winner’s share , kevin cunningham.

As managing producer for GOLF.com, Cunningham edits, writes and publishes stories on GOLF.com, and manages the brand’s e-newsletters, which reach more than 1.4 million subscribers each month. A former two-time intern, he also helps keep GOLF.com humming outside the news-breaking stories and service content provided by our reporters and writers, and works with the tech team in the development of new products and innovative ways to deliver an engaging site to our audience.

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Kevin Le Roux Leaves Russian Vice-Champions Dinamo Moscow with Injury

  0 Braden Keith | October 25th, 2017 | European volleyball , International Volleyball , News , Pro Indoor , Russian League

Kevin Le Roux (right) was named to the FIVB World League Dream Team over the summer.  Archive Photo via FIVB

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French national teamer  Kevin Le Roux has left his club side Dinamo Moscow to return home to France and undergo treatment on his back. He missed the team’s last 5 matches with the injury after joining the team as one of their biggest additions this summer from Italian side Modena .

“This morning we sent Kevin Le Roux to France for a course of treatment from his doctor and to return to the team in a better physical condition,” Vladimir Kastornov told state-run rsport. “We took a certain risk, but the player asked for it himself, and we, weighing the pros and cons , did not find a reason to not let him go.The player is ocassionally worried about the problem with his back, which he has since childhood.”

The 28-year old, 6’10” middle blocker was rated as the best middle blocker of the 2017 FIVB World League where he helped lead France to a breakthrough title run – their first big national team event after a disappointing Olympic run a year earlier. Le Roux had 14 blocks in the World League and 48 total points, in spite of missing several games with an ankle injury . He had a big effort in the gold medal game with 11 points (3 blocks, 2 aces, 6 kills).

He’s one of several injuries that have plagued the 7-time champions of Russia. The team finished runners-up last year, but separated from head coach Yuri Marichev earlier this week after a run of injuries that led the club to think that maybe there was overtraining or overload on the players. Marichev was replaced by Boris Kolchin.

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About Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of VolleyMob.com. Braden's first foray into sports journalism came in 2010, when he launched a swimming website called The Swimmers' Circle. Two years later, he joined SwimSwam.com as a co-founder. Long huge fans of volleyball, when Braden and the SwimSwam partners sought an opportunity to …

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