Whilst Sky Sports coverage of the PGA Tour sees UK and Irish viewers treated to the likes of Paul McGinley, Wayne Riley and Dame Laura Davies for the bigger events, the run of the mill tournaments usually carry the host broadcaster’s commentary feed.
This means that the die-hards who tune in to watch events like the Sanderson Farms Championship, the ZoZo, The Valspar and other non-Signature events in 2024 will do so without hearing the tones of Paul Azinger after the former PGA Championship winner was axed from the NBC commentary team.
The 63-year-old, who had previously been the network’s lead golf analyst, has not had his contract renewed as the five-year term came to a close and it was a move that came as a surprise to Azinger.
“I have treasured working beside Dan Hicks and the other talented NBC broadcasters as well as lead producer Tommy Roy and all those behind the scenes,” Azinger said in a statement released on Sunday. “They are a remarkable team, and I will miss them tremendously. My thanks to them and the countless others who have supported me and helped me along the way during my work in television. I have faith in what the future holds for me, for NBC, and for the great game of golf.”
The 2008 Ryder Cup winning US Captain had succeeded Johnny Miller in the role starting in 2019, and his replacement – who has yet to be announced – is part of a reputed shakeup at the network as they seek to overhaul their coverage team and could be the first of many changes for the upcoming season.
“We want to thank Paul for his work with us over the last five years,” NBC said in a statement. “His insights, his work ethic and relationships in the golf industry are well known, and we appreciate what he brought to our team. We wish Paul the best in his future endeavors.”
Azinger will not be part of the NBC team covering the Hero World Challenge in just over a week that will see Tiger Woods make his first competitive start since withdrawing from the Masters in the third round back in April and undergoing further surgery on his right ankle.
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