Norman OUT at FOX
When FOX took over the rights to broadcast the USGA's annual golf championships, they promised big changes to the way viewers would watch golf. Some of the changes, such as enhanced shot tracker and a constant leader board, were fairly well received. One facet of the broadcast, namely the commentators, were not as well received. To FOX's credit, they realized, even during their broadcast, that changes needed to be made (such as removing Holly Sonders from conducting interviews).
Yesterday, FOX made another change when they removed Greg Norman as the lead analyst for their golf broadcasts. In my opinion, Norman's shortcomings were a result of his failure to provide any useful insight the way that viewers have become accustomed to hearing from Johnny Miller and Nick Faldo. Norman's career swung on both ends of the spectrum. He is as well known for his successes as he is for his colossal losses. Norman could have provided tremendous insight as Spieth climbed the leader board, and Dustin Johnson lost it at the end. Instead, there was a void of opinion and thought from FOX's No. 1 analyst.
There are a number of changes that FOX should make before June rolls around. First and foremost is the installation of a new lead golf analyst. There is only one choice: Paul Azinger. Azinger brings tremendous credibility to the position as a PGA Tour champion, major golf champion, Ryder Cup captain, and most importantly, veteran commentator. With ESPN relinquishing the rights to the Open Championship this year, Azinger's only golf duties involve ESPN's Thursday and Friday coverage of The Masters. Keep in mind, however, that Azinger's role in the Thursday and Friday coverage is greatly reduced as the CBS commentators (Jim Nantz, Nick Faldo, Ian Baker Finch, etc.) provide the golf commentary from the grounds.
Azinger would be a natural fit for FOX and it's USGA coverage. There is no doubt that Azinger would be the No. 1 guy with everyone taking their cues from him. That dynamic was severely lagging during the coverage of last year's Open.
While FOX is making changes for it's golf coverage, here are a few other tweaks they need to make:
Yesterday, FOX made another change when they removed Greg Norman as the lead analyst for their golf broadcasts. In my opinion, Norman's shortcomings were a result of his failure to provide any useful insight the way that viewers have become accustomed to hearing from Johnny Miller and Nick Faldo. Norman's career swung on both ends of the spectrum. He is as well known for his successes as he is for his colossal losses. Norman could have provided tremendous insight as Spieth climbed the leader board, and Dustin Johnson lost it at the end. Instead, there was a void of opinion and thought from FOX's No. 1 analyst.
There are a number of changes that FOX should make before June rolls around. First and foremost is the installation of a new lead golf analyst. There is only one choice: Paul Azinger. Azinger brings tremendous credibility to the position as a PGA Tour champion, major golf champion, Ryder Cup captain, and most importantly, veteran commentator. With ESPN relinquishing the rights to the Open Championship this year, Azinger's only golf duties involve ESPN's Thursday and Friday coverage of The Masters. Keep in mind, however, that Azinger's role in the Thursday and Friday coverage is greatly reduced as the CBS commentators (Jim Nantz, Nick Faldo, Ian Baker Finch, etc.) provide the golf commentary from the grounds.
Azinger would be a natural fit for FOX and it's USGA coverage. There is no doubt that Azinger would be the No. 1 guy with everyone taking their cues from him. That dynamic was severely lagging during the coverage of last year's Open.
While FOX is making changes for it's golf coverage, here are a few other tweaks they need to make:
- Reduced role for Holly Sonders. I know that she came to FOX from the Golf Channel and played at Michigan State, but she is a fish out of water doing the live broadcasts. Natalie Gulbis, who served as a part time analyst as she continues to play on the LPGA, was far more polished and knowledgeable than Sonders and, if her schedule would allow it, should be elevated in FOX's coverage.
- Even more shot tracker. The traditional golf broadcast features a tee shot, and then a different shot of the ball landing. Shot tracker allows viewers to see how much Tour players shape their shots.
- FOX needs to bring in a veteran on course announcer. I thought Juli Inkster did a good job and Scott McCarron was steady, but FOX needs to bring in someone who can be their David Feherty or Roger Maltbie.
- More Shane O'Donoghue. Guy has loads of talent, is extremely polished, and does not come off as elite.
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