Paul Azinger was reportedly shocked when notified that his services as a lead golf analyst at NBC Sports would no longer be needed after a five-year tenure.
Paul Azinger out at NBC Sports after 5 years as lead golf analyst https://t.co/OFO1QUooG8 pic.twitter.com/PKL3iuW2Wv
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 19, 2023
This sudden decision from NBC Sports, as reported by The Associated Press, ended Azinger’s stint at the network without a renewal of his contract.
Paul Azinger, a seasoned golf analyst, was brought on board by NBC Sports in 2018 to fill the void left by his precursor, Johnny Miller.
With his five-year tenure, Azinger has left a significant mark in the golf world. His unexpected departure was announced after the network decided not to renew his contract, catching the 63-year-old off-guard.
Azinger last featured as an analyst for NBC Sports during the Ryder Cup held in October, unaware that this would be his swan song with the sports network.
NBC had also planned to have him offer expert commentary at the Hero World Challenge scheduled to take place in the Bahamas in December.
The event marquee highlights the return of Tiger Woods who has been away from the golf greens since The Masters back in April.
The dismissal of Azinger from NBC’s golf commentary team is part of a broader strategy to overhaul the network’s golf coverage.
His dismissal follows the footsteps of Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch who were also released from their contractual obligations in November last year.
NBC Sports seemed sincere in its appreciation for the efforts of Paul Azinger as conveyed by a spokesperson who stated, “Paul’s insights, work ethic, and relationships in the golf industry are well known, and we appreciate what he brought to our team. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Azinger, a twelve-time PGA Tour winner who lifted the 1993 PGA Championship title, however, had left a section of fans displeased with his commentary during the U.S. Open earlier this year.
After having served as the primary analyst at the U.S. Open since 2016 under both Fox Sports and NBC Sports, Azinger’s bold and impactful commentary will no doubt be missed.
Before joining NBC, Azinger was the leading analyst at Fox Sports when the network secured the U.S. Open contract.
Even after his move to NBC to replace Miller, Azinger was allowed to retain his role at Fox.
While his sudden exit may have caused a stir, Azinger has etched his mark into the annals of golf commentary history.
One of his notable moments was when he passionately rebuffed a “garbage” report about Patrick Cantlay seeking payment at the Ryder Cup.
As the news of his dismissal unfolded, Azinger broke his silence according to The Associated Press.
“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. “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.”
As NBC aims to revamp its golf coverage, the network now has another pair of shoes to fill.
