Nick Faldo-At the top of his game. |
From the bland and downright annoying to informative and fun, golf’s on air
personalities entertain and sometimes irritate viewers.
Here’s a review of the best and worst of golf’s more notable
announcers, analysts and commentators:
(Listed alphabetically)
Tom Abbott (Golf Channel)--Although he tends to get a bit wordy at times, it doesn't really annoy me because of his melodic English accent. A native of London, England, Abbott likes to incorporate an entertainment flair with his golf telecast performances. Known primarily for his work on the LPGA, he's also been the co-host of the Golf Channel's "Big Break" since 2010 and has been showing up on some PGA Tour telecasts recently.
Paul Azinger (FOX)—“The Zinger” is opinionated and he draws his opinions, analysis and assumptions from a career that included a major championship and captain of a Ryder Cup team. I liked him better when he was teamed with Nick Faldo on ABC, but I still enjoy his game whenever he shows up on golf telecasts.
Paul Azinger (FOX)—“The Zinger” is opinionated and he draws his opinions, analysis and assumptions from a career that included a major championship and captain of a Ryder Cup team. I liked him better when he was teamed with Nick Faldo on ABC, but I still enjoy his game whenever he shows up on golf telecasts.
Ian Baker-Finch (CBS)—“Finchy” as he’s often called on
broadcasts, has one of the greatest accents ever. The Aussie, who also does golf for TNT, is knowledgeable and
can certainly turn a phrase. Just like Henry Longhurst and Peter Aliss, I can’t
get enough of Finchy’s accent.
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.
Brandel Chamblee (Golf Channel)—He comes off as somewhat of a know-it-all frat boy with his dapper outfits and Prince Valiant haircut, but Chamblee knows golf. He can break down a swing as well as anyone on T.V. and he’s not afraid to criticize golf’s biggest stars.
Jane Crafter (ESPN)--She's the female answer to Ian Baker-Finch with her soothing Aussie accent. A pharmacist before she bean playing professional golf, Crafter may not have a marquee name, but she knows the game and works diligently to explain the nuances to viewers.
Brandel Chamblee (Golf Channel)—He comes off as somewhat of a know-it-all frat boy with his dapper outfits and Prince Valiant haircut, but Chamblee knows golf. He can break down a swing as well as anyone on T.V. and he’s not afraid to criticize golf’s biggest stars.
Jane Crafter (ESPN)--She's the female answer to Ian Baker-Finch with her soothing Aussie accent. A pharmacist before she bean playing professional golf, Crafter may not have a marquee name, but she knows the game and works diligently to explain the nuances to viewers.
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
superstar players like Faldo.
David Feherty (CBS/Golf Channel)—He’s just not that funny.
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.”
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
Johnny Miller and making the broadcast flow effortlessly.
Gary Koch (NBC)--The analyst who coined the phrase, "Better than Most" tends to agree with Johnny Miller too much rather than expressing his own opinion. That said, you can't deny Koch's knowlege of the game as he has was a star junior and college player, middle-of-the-pack guy on the PGA Tour and a Champions Tour player.
Peter Kostis (CBS)—He gets a bit technical on his swing
analysis and I’m not a big fan of his interviewing, but Kostis is extremely
knowledgeable and adds a lot to a broadcast. A member of Golf Digest’s teaching
staff, Kostis has worked with Bernhard Langer, Steve Elkington and Mark
Calcavecchia, so he knows the ins and outs of the PGA Tour game.
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.
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.
Verne Lundquist (CBS Masters Coverage)—It wouldn’t be the
Masters without veteran Verne.
He’s been in a tower at the Masters for 28 years. This guy was born to
be a sports announcer. He’s one of those golden voices that’s never annoying or
grating, and he always adds to the drama, not detract from it.
Roger Maltbie (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.
Roger Maltbie (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.
Gary McCord (CBS)—I enjoy McCord, the author of “A Range
Ball in a Box of Titleists”. Even though many of his lines seem rehearsed before
the broadcast, he’s funny and adds a lot to the production. Too bad, the
hierarchy at the Masters doesn’t feel the same way.
Johnny Miller (NBC)—You get the feeling Miller couldn't care
less what anybody on Tour thinks of his commentary. That’s what makes Miller so
appealing. He’s the antithesis of a butt kisser. I trust his analysis and
opinions because the guy had a serious golf game in his day. He knows what he’s
talking about and you never know what he’ll say next. The feelings of
anticipation and unpredictability when you’re watching a telecast with Miller
make him must watch T.V.
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, 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.
Frank Nobilo (Golf Channel)—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.
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."
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 know 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 (ESPN)--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?"
Charlie Rymer (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.
Kelly Tilghman (Golf Channel)—A former college player at Duke, Tilghman’s love for the game comes through as a play-by-play announcer. She’s attractive, knowledgeable and an easy listen. What more do you want?
Lanny Wadkins (Golf Channel)--He's back. After a hiatus from golf broadcasting (Wadkins served as lead golf analyst for CBS Sports from 2002-2006), Wadkins is now lead analyst for Golf Channel's Champions Tour coverage. He's perfect for the job since he knows and played with most of the old geezers he's covering. While not as caustic as Johnny Miller in his critiques, Wadkins isn't afraid to express his opinion on questionable strategy, club selection or choking.
Gary Williams (Golf Channel)-You sometimes wonder if this guy gets paid by the word. He rambles on and on in a rapid pace with so many stats and historical references that your head starts to spin. Williams comes off as a guy that seems a little too enamored with himself and his golf knowledge, which, admittedly is vast and impressive.
Kelly Tilghman (Golf Channel)—A former college player at Duke, Tilghman’s love for the game comes through as a play-by-play announcer. She’s attractive, knowledgeable and an easy listen. What more do you want?
Lanny Wadkins (Golf Channel)--He's back. After a hiatus from golf broadcasting (Wadkins served as lead golf analyst for CBS Sports from 2002-2006), Wadkins is now lead analyst for Golf Channel's Champions Tour coverage. He's perfect for the job since he knows and played with most of the old geezers he's covering. While not as caustic as Johnny Miller in his critiques, Wadkins isn't afraid to express his opinion on questionable strategy, club selection or choking.
Gary Williams (Golf Channel)-You sometimes wonder if this guy gets paid by the word. He rambles on and on in a rapid pace with so many stats and historical references that your head starts to spin. Williams comes off as a guy that seems a little too enamored with himself and his golf knowledge, which, admittedly is vast and impressive.
As Gary loves to say, "Better than most!"
ReplyDeleteEuropeen broadcasters are far superior. They know the difference between an adverb and an adjective.
DeleteIs there anybody you don't like? I hate golf annoucing
DeleteZzzzzzzzzz.. Its like listening to the inane banter on the local news.
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ReplyDeleteTerry Gannon a great set-up man? Please. Yeah he's a smooth cue card reader, but all he contributes generally and at best is a vacuous rewording Judy Rankin's peerless commentary. Not an original thought on his head and obviously doesn't really know anything about golf, but if that's your cup of tea...
ReplyDeleteGannon is terrible. I cringe at almost every comment.
DeleteTom Abbott and Great Britain s accents are annoying.. Send them all back home.. This is North America.. Spanish or Canadiens are fine!!!
DeleteGreat point buckrama, but I still like the British accents...
Deletei love gannon but he does look at those cue cards too often
DeleteReally dislike Gannon, very rehearsed and overly smooth, not trustworthy or genuine in appearance, and no evidence he really played much gold.
DeleteHelen, thanks for your opinion.
ReplyDeletekelly Tilghman =annoying
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletewith respect to the comment on Miller; it's "couldn't care less"... not "could care less".
ReplyDeleteShawn, Sharp editing eye. Thanks. Sorry about the slip-up. Correction has been made.
DeleteJust a FYI...Afraid it's not a "sharp editing eye." It was a huge error that made every reader cringe.
DeleteGary McCord, funny? I cant listen to him for more than a minute and I dont know anyone who agrees with you.
ReplyDeleteHe sucks so bad- I guess in the golf announcing world that passes for a personality
DeleteGary's wife does...
DeleteI completely agree. Gary McCord has never been funny and sadly he doesn't know it.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, just about everyone loves David Feherty! He's goofy and people can relate to him. That's why he is rated as one of the best golf personalities ever. Maybe you just have an issue with him and that's ok. Not everyone can like him. He is a ratings machine when it comes to announcers. Same with McCord for some reason. I guess he's pretty good. Chamblee is a kind of a jerk sometimes but he definitely does know what he's talking about. And he's so anti-Tiger it's borderline disturbing although you will hear him throw a rare compliment towards him every now and then but only if it's stat related. Anyways, good work on your list. The rest were spot on
ReplyDeleteBk, I'm not saying Feherty is not a popular comedian or a favored golf personality. My beef is with him as an on course analyst. His schtick is better suited for a stage or television set than from the fairways on a golf course.
ReplyDeleteIf someone would please stop Dan Hicks from saying, "While we have a moment," it would make my day! His moment never seems to fit in with my moment. Thank you :D
ReplyDeleteHicks is the worst almost always talking about something but the golf at hand ....everyone's story must be told ever time they make a play ...says the same 15 phrases over and over and over .....will tell a story ...go to that golfer ....and then retell the story ...twice
DeleteI was over in Scotland for this year's Ryder Cup and thoroughly enjoyed SkySports's coverage. Been hearing lots of complaints about way too many commercial breaks in the American coverage. Somewhere along the line, I guess Dan Hicks has to fit in a few minutes of golf with all those commercials.
ReplyDeleteI guess there are no women commentators? C'mon people! How about Judy Rankin, Dottie Pepper and Jane Crafter? They are great. Karen Stupples....not so much.
ReplyDeleteGood point. I'll remedy that issue...
Deletestupples is excellent
DeleteFaldo may know golf but his egotistical ramblings make me want to throw things at the TV set. Makes me want to barf. Oh for the days of Summerall, Venturi et al. Give me Feherty, Miller and McCord!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteSir Nick, what a boviating buffoon!
ReplyDelete"The putta" can't stand him
Deletebloviating!
ReplyDeleteI see that Nobilo has been calling the early rounds of tournaments for a while now. Not too bad. Old Miller & Hicks aren't going to be calling the U.S. Open anymore from what I hear. I think Fox Sports bought them out and Greg Norman will be the lead analyst. I'm not a big fan of that but we'll see what happens. My all-time favorite Announcing group is during the Masters. Love it. The Open is nice too.
ReplyDeleteI'll take HIcks over Nantz or Tirico any day of the week. I think he's very underrated. Cant' wait until NBC takes over the Open coverage.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll second Douglas's thoughts on Summerall and Venturi. The best.
NBC HickS and Johnny miller haven't a clue how to do anything golf in any format on any day .....never talking about the golf on hand unless to say that was a stupid choice of shots because JM is the finest shot maker of all time (except the 3 footer hahahaha)
DeleteNantz is all knowing with the facts, but a syrupy sweet yes man. sort of like a modern chris schenkle. time for him to go to his plantation and hold mint julip parties. Being a buddy of Fred Couples has not hurt him, his middle name should be Mr. Butter Up.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNice analysis Orlando...enjoy listening to almost all of the people you mention above...with the exception of one or two ..Mc Cord is funnier then Fehrety IMO..But enjoy them both...Johnny Miller clearly the best color man....Gratefully, since FOX picked up the USGA events we don't have to listen to Chris Berman on ESPN any more...
ReplyDeleteI watch GC non stop, and also enjoy Curt Byrum and David Duvall, great analysis from both.
Rich Beam on SKY Sports is OK..
Only thing worse than Berman's commentary is his golf game - have you seen this hacker?
DeleteCharlie Rymer is an embarrassment to all of us born below the Mason - Dixon line.
ReplyDeleteHe tries too hard to be funny and amusing.
Although he is a Ga Tech man, he is no Bobby Jones.
Gary "here's a tip for the amateurs" Koch- I'm sure the other announcers roll their eyes each time he gives an inane tip.
ReplyDeleteMy all time favorite was Ben Weight. Met Venturi at Isle of Capri years ago and he bought my wife and I a drink and conversed with him for an hour. RIP Kenny!
ReplyDeleteThat's Ben Wright
ReplyDeleteAlways been a huge Ben Wright fan. Too bad all the networks turned on him...
DeleteWhy have all the Golf Channel commentators and hosts started doing that stupid thing with their hands? They move them around like they are getting swarmed by bees while they are talking and the movements just seem way too contrived. I think they are trying to keep the viewer interested in the mundane and repetitive wordy commentaries and shows but the hand movements kind of wilt the flow. If you need to use tricks and eye catchers to keep your audience interested, maybe you need to change your delivery or your personalities. Lose the hand movements unless it is a natural flow of the commentary.
ReplyDeleteJamie, they've somehow noticed all of their viewers that are fast asleep on their couches and they're trying anything to wake them up...
ReplyDeleteTerry Gannon is awful. Always the wise guy, shamelessly plugs Southern Cal as if that region needs any more attention, and just needs to speak naturally if able instead of all the inflections and intonations.
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ReplyDeleteCrafter may not have a marquee name, but she knows the game and works diligently to explain the nuances to viewers.http://www.stockholmfreetour.com
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ReplyDeleteA native of London, England, Abbott likes to incorporate an entertainment flair with his golf telecast performances.umbrella
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Oh Lanny is the worst... “no question, Billy Ray....”. No question and Billy Ray is said 50 times in an hour. He make senior tour boring as hell!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNo question both of those guys are snoozers
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If you can find the name of the commentator for the world feed during the commercials you really are good...the guys name seems to have been erased by the NSA... :-)
ReplyDeleteAll the announcers are pretty bad. "Johnny, what do you think....". "And he's hoping for a two-put Ed". They always have to say another announcers name and it sounds stupid.
ReplyDeleteThen all the announcers think they can accurately diagnose a bad golf swing when it's shown via the slow motion mode. Would love to have announcers critique pre-recorded golf swings by professionals where they have no clue in advance if it was a bad or a good shot Bet all of them would do horribly.
I had to stop watching golf with the sound on. The dialogue is just plain atrocious and embarrassing.
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ReplyDeletePaul Azinger SUCKS!! Whoever wrote this either doesn't play or is busy bobbin Zingers knob.
ReplyDeleteTerry Gannon please stop saying Japanese names wrong your pronunciation is terrible, you put an a where a E should be, then you put an e where a U should be.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you just ask how to pronounce the name correctly.
Terry Gannon is a moron. A real golf expert makes a comment and Gannon said “I know.” He too often forgets he is not the golf expert that people tune in to listen to He’s a narcissist who masks his stupidity with butt kissing and an okay voice. But even his voice is annoying; he goes into his deep ‘manly’ voice like the dork who speaks through a microphone for the first time.
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