Did the U.S. open seal Azinger's fate?

[MattyO1984]

Thankfully, this side of the pond we didn't need to put up with him too often but "put up with" was definitely how I felt we had to approach Azinger. I am sure that he is a perfectly pleasant guy and no doubt would have some good stories, etc, but the over riding thought I had was that he was operating with a second rate intellect that was simply not able to cope with being the lead analyst. 

[Duct Tape]

Regarding a few calls for Phil. If he appeared on my TV screen as an analyst I would turn it off and go hit balls on the range. 

[Ferguson]

Curt Byrum.

 

Excellent choice. 

 

[SEP1006]

11 hours ago, ChrisL52188 said:

Honestly people forget Paul Azinger had cancer 30 years ago and he beat that. I am sure Paul knows important that was to his life and career and he won that battle. So I am sure Paul will be all right from this lay off. People love to criticize Paul but he already won the most important thing in life.

 

How would anyone else feel if they had cancer in prime years?  Everything Paul did is a bonus after his cancer.

 

 

I have nothing against Azinger as a person. Like you stated he has been through a lot and come out of it even stronger. Loved his "homemade" golf swing and enjoyed watching him play golf. And obviously he was a GREAT Ryder Cup Captain.

 

He's just not a good commentator. 

 

 

[kmbean]

Rumors are swirling NBC has already whittled it down to their three final candidates: Michael Block, Morgan Pressel and Christina Kim.

[myspinonit]

Azinger made some dumb comments for sure but mostly I endured them. 

 

But more and more when Steve Sands opens his mouth again and again to simply overstate the obvious I hit the mute on the remote. Or a couple of expletives drown him out.

 

Hopefully whomever replaces Azinger will know that sometimes appropriate silence also speaks volumes and increases the suspense.

[sui generis]

Azinger's illiteracy made him so, so unbearable. 

[Louis_Posture]

43 minutes ago, sui generis said:

Azinger's illiteracy made him so, so unbearable. 

 Paul Azinger knows how to read and write. Also, he had a sensational playing career, battled cancer, did an admirable job of replacing Johnny Miller as NBC's lead expert announcer etc...

What have you ever done that you believe gives you the right to proclaim him to be "illiterate"?

[Soloman1]

I think the suits want Paige Spiranac.

 

I don’t need to explain why.

[ThinkingPlus]

3 minutes ago, Soloman1 said:

I think the suits want Paige Spiranac.

 

I don’t need to explain why.

Yep, she's cheap.

[Shilgy]

16 minutes ago, ThinkingPlus said:

Yep, she's cheap.

[scotee]

Curt Byrum to replace Azinger

 

https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/who-is-curt-byrum-meet-paul-azingers-nbc-replacement-for-the-hero-world-challenge?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR3G2DYbeEJbqiaYJUjPLY0s4QLtJuq132PYFTezjMPP4-Bsbimnj3mMofo

 

 

Edited November 22, 2023 by scotee

[AmazinBlue]

I saw something today that said Curt Byrum may be the replacement.  He's smooth, non-controversial and a former player.  simple fit.  They need someone who is honest and sill call a bad shot a bad shot or poor decision.

[Duct Tape]

9 hours ago, scotee said:

Curt Byrum to replace Azinger

 

https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/who-is-curt-byrum-meet-paul-azingers-nbc-replacement-for-the-hero-world-challenge?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR3G2DYbeEJbqiaYJUjPLY0s4QLtJuq132PYFTezjMPP4-Bsbimnj3mMofo

 

 

Technically, for now just for the Hero World Challenge. Although who knows going forward?  May be a test. 
 

I’ve watched golf my entire life. How could I not know the guy who won the Hardee’s, beating legends the likes of Britton and Tennyson?   😳🤓🏌🏼‍♀️

 

 

Byrum eventually amassed 371 appearances on the Tour, which included one win – the 1989 Hardee’s Golf Classic (now the John Deere Classic), where he beat Bill Britton and Bryan Tennyson by a shot. 
 

Edited November 22, 2023 by Duct Tape

[sui generis]

8 hours ago, Louis_Posture said:

Paul Azinger knows how to read and write.

 

That he may, however his inability to translate that into spoken English on TV made everyone who can use the English language cringe.

[scotee]

Sure, Zinger said some stupid stuff: "Their gonna have to legislate for the elevation changes here at Kapalua."  But at least he is an interesting character. The last thing golf needs is same old boring.  I give him and even McCord a pass.  I also miss Roger Maltbie.

[Holy Moses]

12 hours ago, AmazinBlue said:

I saw something today that said Curt Byrum may be the replacement.  He's smooth, non-controversial and a former player.  simple fit.  They need someone who is honest and sill call a bad shot a bad shot or poor decision.

And he’s a lot cheaper and that’s what NBC really wants

[Holy Moses]

12 hours ago, AmazinBlue said:

I saw something today that said Curt Byrum may be the replacement.  He's smooth, non-controversial and a former player.  simple fit.  They need someone who is honest and sill call a bad shot a bad shot or poor decision.

Just for the Hero. But who knows when we get to December’s major - the PNC!

[grm24]

12 minutes ago, Holy Moses said:

And he’s a lot cheaper and that’s what NBC really wants

Seems the major over the air networks in the USA have always had a major winner as their lead golf analyst on the telecast. Do you think NBC goes against that now? Byrum as solid as he is on tv has zero experience when it comes to contending let alone winning a major. He barely played in majors in his career. Never played the Open Championship as a PGA Tour member.

[Holy Moses]

10 minutes ago, grm24 said:

Seems the major over the air networks in the USA have always had a major winner as their lead golf analyst on the telecast. Do you think NBC goes against that now? Byrum as solid as he is on tv has zero experience when it comes to contending let alone winning a major. He barely played in majors in his career. Never played the Open Championship as a PGA Tour member.

I know that’s been the trend, but these are unprecedented times. Who would be available that has a major resume? Ogilvy? Beem? Harrington? Els?

[subrew]

If ever there was an opportunity to shake up the paradigm of two old guys in the booth calling shots, this is the time.  But TV execs and producers really can't move beyond that concept.  Do we actually need a shot-caller and a color commentary person, in a booth?  Just becuase it has been done this way for 5-6 decades across multiple sports, doesn't actually mean it is the only way.

 

How about get rid of that one guy making a big salary and sitting in a booth in a suit and tie, and hire 4-6 hungry on course reporters.  Some of those current players that maybe lost their card, but still have good relationships with current top players, caddies, coaches.  Actual current talent that have played these courses, with clubs similar to what is used now.  Let's quit having a guy talking about "back in my day when......" as his lead into every shot call. 

 

When it comes down to Sunday final groups, have 2-3 people following that group.  One at the tee box, one in the landing zone, then hustle the tee box person down to the green.  Do the shot calling with actual eyes on the balls, ears on the caddies etc.  The reality is on Sunday back 9, the TV coverage is already incredibly focused on about 8-10 players, 4-5 groups.  The one person in the booth can still call a replay of a chip-in eagle by a guy in 36th.  But get the real shot-callers on the ground, with the players making the shots. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Titleist99]

1 hour ago, scotee said:

Sure, Zinger said some stupid stuff: "Their gonna have to legislate for the elevation changes here at Kapalua."  But at least he is an interesting character. The last thing golf needs is same old boring.  I give him and even McCord a pass.  I also miss Roger Maltbie.

Our thoughts are the same......NBC is stupid for getting rid of someone who's very controversial. IMO Azinger is in his detractor's head.🤣

 

Roger definitely should make the Golf Hall of Fame for his on course reporting. JMO

[hackeraz]

6 hours ago, Duct Tape said:

Technically, for now just for the Hero World Challenge. Although who knows going forward?  May be a test. 
 

I’ve watched golf my entire life. How could I not know the guy who won the Hardee’s, beating legends the likes of Britton and Tennyson?   😳🤓🏌🏼‍♀️

 

 

Byrum eventually amassed 371 appearances on the Tour, which included one win – the 1989 Hardee’s Golf Classic (now the John Deere Classic), where he beat Bill Britton and Bryan Tennyson by a shot. 
 

Perhaps his biggest claim to fame is, "that was my brother's putter!" 

[grm24]

8 hours ago, Holy Moses said:

I know that’s been the trend, but these are unprecedented times. Who would be available that has a major resume? Ogilvy? Beem? Harrington? Els?

Geoff Ogilvy would be great and my personal choice. Harrington and Els are too involved with the Champions Tour (and playing well) and Padraig with playing the odd PGA Tour/DP Tour events. Duval and Leonard are playing Champions Tour. I know Beem does some Sky Sports (Comcast/NBC owned) announcing. Regardless of who is chosen there will be a large portion of WRX whining about it. 

Edited November 23, 2023 by grm24

[Titleist99]

19 minutes ago, Holy Moses said:

I know that’s been the trend, but these are unprecedented times. Who would be available that has a major resume? Ogilvy? Beem? Harrington? Els?

Rich Beem is on Sky Sports (Brit). Now is a good time to bring him back home to America. Still a Curt Byrum fan though...........

Edited November 22, 2023 by Titleist99

[Holy Moses]

14 minutes ago, subrew said:

If ever there was an opportunity to shake up the paradigm of two old guys in the booth calling shots, this is the time.  But TV execs and producers really can't move beyond that concept.  Do we actually need a shot-caller and a color commentary person, in a booth?  Just becuase it has been done this way for 5-6 decades across multiple sports, doesn't actually mean it is the only way.

 

How about get rid of that one guy making a big salary and sitting in a booth in a suit and tie, and hire 4-6 hungry on course reporters.  Some of those current players that maybe lost their card, but still have good relationships with current top players, caddies, coaches.  Actual current talent that have played these courses, with clubs similar to what is used now.  Let's quit having a guy talking about "back in my day when......" as his lead into every shot call. 

 

When it comes down to Sunday final groups, have 2-3 people following that group.  One at the tee box, one in the landing zone, then hustle the tee box person down to the green.  Do the shot calling with actual eyes on the balls, ears on the caddies etc.  The reality is on Sunday back 9, the TV coverage is already incredibly focused on about 8-10 players, 4-5 groups.  The one person in the booth can still call a replay of a chip-in eagle by a guy in 36th.  But get the real shot-callers on the ground, with the players making the shots. 

 

 

 

 

 

NBC is cutting people, not expanding 

[dubbelbogey]

Don't care at all if the new commentator is a past major winner with a storied playing career. If anything, that seems to have proven to be an impediment to good announcing.

 

I don't need controversy for controversy's sake. Just because you have a strong opinion, doesn't mean it's a valuable or accurate opinion. And just because you won a major doesn't make that bad opinion any more valuable. Strong opinions are fine, but you better be on the mark.

 

While I don't necessarily require somebody to be all up on the latest analytics, anybody who spouts tired old golf-isms and completely rejects some of the new ways players are actually playing the game today is not what we need. The game is continually evolving and the TV crews need to evolve along with it.

 

I want somebody who is interesting, articulate and can bring some of the insiders perspective. They gotta have the vast majority of their facts straight. Don't make stuff up just for the sake of getting our attention. If a player on course is doing something different than you (as a former player) used to do it, fine to point it out, but don't simply reject it because that wasn't the way you all did it 25 years ago. Maybe put your brain in gear and try to learn why they're doing it differently today. Don't be so lazy.

 

And what we, as golf fans watching on TV, have ever done on the course that might merit (or not) our criticism of announcing crews is completely immaterial. We're the customer, so by definition we get to criticize.

 

 

 

[Dutch1008]

1 hour ago, subrew said:

If ever there was an opportunity to shake up the paradigm of two old guys in the booth calling shots, this is the time.  But TV execs and producers really can't move beyond that concept.  Do we actually need a shot-caller and a color commentary person, in a booth?  Just becuase it has been done this way for 5-6 decades across multiple sports, doesn't actually mean it is the only way.

 

How about get rid of that one guy making a big salary and sitting in a booth in a suit and tie, and hire 4-6 hungry on course reporters.  Some of those current players that maybe lost their card, but still have good relationships with current top players, caddies, coaches.  Actual current talent that have played these courses, with clubs similar to what is used now.  Let's quit having a guy talking about "back in my day when......" as his lead into every shot call. 

 

When it comes down to Sunday final groups, have 2-3 people following that group.  One at the tee box, one in the landing zone, then hustle the tee box person down to the green.  Do the shot calling with actual eyes on the balls, ears on the caddies etc.  The reality is on Sunday back 9, the TV coverage is already incredibly focused on about 8-10 players, 4-5 groups.  The one person in the booth can still call a replay of a chip-in eagle by a guy in 36th.  But get the real shot-callers on the ground, with the players making the shots. 

 

I like this idea. Kind of like Vin Scully with a support system. Of course, Vin Scully is a freaking unicorn GOAT so I'm not sure that is replicable. I think Nantz could probably operate in the booth solo and simply pass the ball to various on course support but I think most announcers today would struggle. 

[Dutch1008]

47 minutes ago, dubbelbogey said:

Don't care at all if the new commentator is a past major winner with a storied playing career. If anything, that seems to have proven to be an impediment to good announcing.

 

I don't need controversy for controversy's sake. Just because you have a strong opinion, doesn't mean it's a valuable or accurate opinion. And just because you won a major doesn't make that bad opinion any more valuable. Strong opinions are fine, but you better be on the mark.

 

While I don't necessarily require somebody to be all up on the latest analytics, anybody who spouts tired old golf-isms and completely rejects some of the new ways players are actually playing the game today is not what we need. The game is continually evolving and the TV crews need to evolve along with it.

 

I want somebody who is interesting, articulate and can bring some of the insiders perspective. They gotta have the vast majority of their facts straight. Don't make stuff up just for the sake of getting our attention. If a player on course is doing something different than you (as a former player) used to do it, fine to point it out, but don't simply reject it because that wasn't the way you all did it 25 years ago. Maybe put your brain in gear and try to learn why they're doing it differently today. Don't be so lazy.

 

And what we, as golf fans watching on TV, have ever done on the course that might merit (or not) our criticism of announcing crews is completely immaterial. We're the customer, so by definition we get to criticize.

 

Well said. I'll take Colin Montgomerie. Smart, articulate, funny, knows the game but isn't stuck in the past. I don't care that he doesn't have a major. He's been in contention, he knows what its like. 

[Barfolomew]

Just have A.I. call it... program it to throw in golf dad jokes every 15 minutes and be done with it