After Paul Azinger was not re-signed as NBC’s principal golf analyst for the 2024 season, the network explored various talents to determine the best match. To avoid hasty conclusions, lead commentator Dan Hicks shared the booth with Brandel Chamblee, Luke Donald, Brad Faxon, Kevin Kisner, Jim “Bones” Mackay, and Paul McGinley during the season. Each […]
After Paul Azinger was not re-signed as NBC’s principal golf analyst for the 2024 season, the network explored various talents to determine the best match.
To avoid hasty conclusions, lead commentator Dan Hicks shared the booth with Brandel Chamblee, Luke Donald, Brad Faxon, Kevin Kisner, Jim “Bones” Mackay, and Paul McGinley during the season. Each contributor had strengths and weaknesses, but NBC ultimately opted for Kisner. Sports Business Journal was the first to disclose the information on Wednesday, and then the network confirmed that the 40-year-old Kisner is poised to be the lead analyst while also continuing his play on the PGA Tour next year.
A four-time Tour champion with nearly $30 million in earnings on the course, Kisner is utilizing a one-time exemption from the PGA Tour career money list to remain eligible for the 2025 season. His schedule includes working at 10 events – such as the U.S. Open, Open Championship, Players Championship, FedEx Cup playoffs, and the Ryder Cup – but he’s anticipated to participate in at least a couple of tournaments on NBC’s lineup during the Tour’s Florida swing. Golf Digest mentioned that Faxon is likely to step in for Kisner when he competes on Tour.
In 23 tournament appearances this season, Kisner only made six cuts and recorded his best finish of T29 at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, so the network likely need not be overly concerned about him securing a two-year exemption through a victory in his limited appearances. Kisner often remarks that golf “ain’t no hobby,” yet pursuing a career on Tour seems doubtful after next season.
“I’m honored and thankful for the opportunity to occupy a role that many legends like Johnny Miller and Paul Azinger have held before me at NBC,” Kisner stated in a press release. “I’m eager to provide a different perspective and introduce a new dynamic to the broadcasts, hopefully connecting with more fans and discussing matters candidly. That’s what I believe I excel at. I’m also thrilled to keep competing on the PGA Tour among my peers, which I think will help me understand what these players are truly experiencing on the course.”
Will he surpass Miller? Unlikely. Will he outshine Azinger? Probably.
While he is still developing, Kisner’s rapport with the players, his humor, and his analysis made him arguably the most favored commentator last season and a strong contender for the position. Chamblee performed well but is far more effective in a studio setting, and the same applies to McGinley. Faxon had his moments but is more suited as a backup than a permanent voice. Bones adds more value to the broadcast in the role of an on-course reporter due to his experience as a caddie, and Donald will be preoccupied strategizing on how to propel Team USA to victory again in the Ryder Cup at Bethpage next fall. Phil Mickelson would have been the perfect choice for the position, but his transition to LIV Golf and past comments have made that nearly impossible.
Considering the available alternatives, the NBC executives made a sound decision.
This article originally appeared in the Fried Egg Golf newsletter. Subscribe for free to receive golf news and insights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
