In an unprecedented move, NBC Sports has decided to change up their golf coverage’s dynamics this season.
In a break from the tradition of having a lead analyst in the 18th tower, NBC has entered into a phase of rotating analysts.
This strategy commenced after last year’s Ryder Cup when they severed ties with their lead analyst, Paul Azinger.
This week, viewers will be treated to the insightful commentary, not by a permanent pundit, but by another familiar face from the sports broadcasting world – Jim “Bones” Mackay.
Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay is NBC’s newest lead guest analyst for golf coverage https://t.co/mGFoz4Gemr pic.twitter.com/XtQKlzB81m
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 20, 2024
The Mexico Open television coverage presents a unique situation with Mackay as the lead analyst.
Mackay had a flourishing run as a top on-course reporter for NBC Sports before parting ways to return to the tour as a caddy for the multiple major winner Justin Thomas.
With Thomas sitting the week out, NBC welcomed the perfect opportunity to re-establish their association with Mackay.
GolfWeek confirmed that Bones would be busy wearing a new hat, as the lead analyst, in Thomas’s absence.
“Justin Thomas is skipping the PGA Tour’s Mexico Open this week but his caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay, will be busy doing a first for TV.
Mackay will serve as the lead analyst for NBC Sports on the telecast of the Tour event South of the border, the first time an active caddie has ever filled that role”.
“NBC Sports parted ways with Paul Azinger late last year as his contract was set to expire at the end of the season and the network has been rotating voices ever since. PGA Tour pro Kevin Kisner, who handled duties at The Sentry and WM Phoenix Open, former European Ryder Cup captain and SkySports/Golf Channel commentator Paul McGinley did so at the Hero World Challenge, Curt Byrum took a spin at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee worked The American Express, all taking turns as the lead analyst during NBC telecasts.”
The NBC Sports coverage of the Mexico Open will serve as more than just a golf tournament. This week is bound to enter the record books as it features an active caddie, for the first time, in the role of a lead analyst.
While the news is hitting the sports journalism world like a storm, Mackay maintained his clear stance.
He confirmed that he isn’t interested in committing full-time to the role yet. Nonetheless, given Thomas’ recent performance, the future can hold multiple possibilities for Mackay.
NBC’s decision to conduct live tryouts mid-week with a non-candidate for the job might raise questions.
However, the network’s contentment with rotating top analysts might be an indicator of their new unique broadcasting strategy.
