[PHOTO: Ben Jared]
Paul Azinger is out as NBC Sports’ lead golf analyst. The move, which was first reported by the Associated Press, has been confirmed by Golf Digest.
Azinger’s contact was not renewed by NBC, although sources tell Golf Digest the decision caught Azinger by surprise. His last event was the Ryder Cup, and he will not be on call for the upcoming Hero World Challenge.
Sources tell Golf Digest the move is part of a potential overhaul at NBC Sports’ golf coverage, with more changes possibly coming to the company’s Golf Channel brand.
Azinger became NBC Sports’ lead analyst in 2019 after the retirement of Johnny Miller. From 2006-2015, he served as the lead golf analyst for ABC and subsequently ESPN. In 2016, he joined Fox Sports’ team for its schedule of USGA Championships.
“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 to golf journalist Steve Eubanks. “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 of writing, there has been no official announcement on who will replace Azinger in the booth.
