Paul Azinger out as NBC golf analyst as 5-year contract not renewed

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Paul Azinger’s tenure as the primary golf analyst for NBC Sports has come to an end, marking the conclusion of his five-year contract with the network, which concluded with the Ryder Cup in October, unbeknownst to him that it would be his final event.

According to a statement from his manager, the decision for Azinger and NBC to part ways at the end of their current contract was influenced by the evolving challenges within the golf and media landscapes. Azinger, while expressing disappointment and surprise, did not delve into the specifics surrounding the non-renewal of his contract. He did mention that it was a combination of both emotions.

Azinger had been scheduled to cover the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in early December, an event that would feature Tiger Woods returning to competitive play for the first time since April. However, it remains unclear who will be working alongside NBC host Dan Hicks now that Azinger will not be part of the broadcast team.

Notably, NBC has recently severed ties with three prominent voices in the past year, including Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch, whose contracts were also not renewed, much to their surprise. Maltbie had been associated with NBC since 1991, while Koch had been with the network since 1997.

In response to the development, Azinger expressed his deep appreciation for working alongside Dan Hicks and the talented NBC broadcasters, as well as lead producer Tommy Roy and the entire behind-the-scenes team. He expressed his gratitude to them and the numerous individuals who supported him throughout his television career.

Azinger conveyed optimism about his future endeavors, as well as the future of NBC and the sport of golf. An NBC spokesperson confirmed Azinger’s departure and thanked him for his contributions over the past five years, acknowledging his insights, work ethic, and industry relationships.

Paul Azinger, a PGA Championship winner in 1993, embarked on his television career in 2005 with ABC and ESPN, initially sharing analyst duties with Nick Faldo. His leadership as the Ryder Cup captain in 2008 earned him the moniker “Captain America” for his role in reshaping the U.S. qualifying process and leading the American team to victory.

Afterward, Azinger transitioned to Fox Sports as the lead analyst when it acquired the U.S. Open broadcasting rights, maintaining his role there. However, NBC later regained the U.S. Open contract in 2020, leading to Azinger’s appointment as the replacement for longtime analyst Johnny Miller in 2018.

While Azinger’s immediate plans involve fishing at his home in Bradenton, Florida, and collaborating with Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design on the Miakka Golf Club project in Florida, his departure from NBC marks a significant shift in the broadcasting landscape of golf.

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• Paul Azinger out as NBC golf analyst
• Ryder Cup
• Hero World Challenge
• Tiger Woods
• Roger Maltbie
• Gary Koch
• PGA Championship
• Ryder Cup Captain
• U.S. Open
• Miakka Golf Club
• Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design