Two years ago, when it was announced that Fox Sports had obtained the rights to broadcast the U.S. Open, the golf world was stunned and reacted with mixed emotions. On the one hand, NBC, which had broadcast the national championship since 1995, provided generally excellent coverage. They had also been broadcasting golf for years, providing commentary for events like the Ryder Cup and Players Championship. Golf would be an entirely new thing for Fox.
Paul Azinger replaces Greg Norman as Fox’s lead analyst at the U.S. Open
After a disastrous first year broadcasting golf, Fox bounces Greg Norman and nabs the experienced and often critical Paul Azinger from ESPN.
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On the other hand, Fox has often been viewed as an innovator, or at least willing to try new and crazy things. Anyone remember the glowing puck? Whether good or bad (the puck was bad), maybe Fox could bring some new concepts to the sometimes dull and traditional broadcasting of a golf tournament ... and also attract more viewers.
So how did it work out in year one? Not great!
The team of Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller served as the main broadcast team for NBC, as they still do to this day. They have a level of experience and knowledge that most do not. For Fox’s first U.S. Open, they tabbed Joe Buck and golf legend Greg Norman as their main broadcast team. Buck, a mainstay on NFL Sundays and Fox’s baseball coverage, had little, if any, golf experience. Of course, Norman has a ton of golf knowledge but he lacked the broadcasting background that many have when they are thrust into the starring role.
While Buck was average, Norman flopped in his first attempt at being the main analyst and was let go earlier this month. At times, Norman seemed lost and confused by the basics of golf broadcasting. And when there were moments where he could have helped Buck with his knowledge, he stumbled. He will probably be most remembered for this gem rather than his actual golf coverage.
To replace Norman, Fox has decided to bring in Paul Azinger. It’s a move that instantly adds experience to the main broadcast booth. Azinger, who was previously with ABC/ESPN, will team up with Buck to broadcast the three USGA Opens that Fox Sports has the rights to: The U.S. Open, the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. Senior Open.
Fox Sports’ executive producer John Entz had this to say about the addition for Azinger:
“Paul is a respected and trusted voice in the golf community, and he has the credibility of being a major champion with a strong track record of experience in the broadcast booth. He has been one of golf’s most candid and thoughtful analysts and we are excited to add him to our team.”
Azinger seems to be excited as well:
“I am honored to partner with Fox Sports and the USGA to provide analysis for the compelling slate of USGA Championships,” Azinger said. “It will especially be an honor to call our national championship, the U.S. Open, beginning in June at storied Oakmont Country Club.”
Azinger will undoubtedly improve on a Fox broadcast that was average, at best, in 2015. With his knowledge and experience coupled with his ability to drop a few savage one-liners, Zinger will be a great replacement for the man he beat in the 1993 PGA Championship.
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