They call the shots. They give us the stats and the history. They give us insight into the players' minds and moods. And, for better or worse, they give us their opinions on every aspect of this game we love.
What follows is my own take on the personalities that strap on the headphones to bring us their analysis of professional golf.
Who's The Man?
Johnny Miller
Love him or hate him, no on-air personality garners more comment on golf forums than Johnny Miller. With 32 professional wins and 2 major titles, he obviously has the credentials to be 'lead golf analyst' for NBC. What sticks in the craws of many, though, are his critical comments of the decisions that golfers make week in week out. I for one don't fault him for these opinions. He is being paid for his insights, and, while I may disagree on occasion, I would have to say that he is more often right than wrong. The only criticism I have of Johnny is his dog-with-a-bone like quality when he talks about the influence of the grain or wind on greens. O.K. Johnny we get it! Every player has come up short with their approach putts on number 12 because they are failing to factor in the grain. Easy to say when you have watched 26 groups play the hole, but gee whiz golly, do we have to hear it every time?
Nick Faldo
Sir Nick has been a solid and interesting analyst, since he joined ABC in 2004 and moved to CBS two years later. He's definitely not controversial, but his dry wit and ability to focus in on the essential challenge facing a player in any given situation makes him worth listening to. While he is even more accomplished than Miller (40 wins worldwide, 6 majors and ranked World Number One for 98 weeks,) I've never felt Faldo to be arrogant. You've got to respect that.
Let's Hear it From the Girls
Kelly Tilghman
You can't mention Faldo, without Kelly Tilghman. Indeed, I've long suspected they were romantically involved, but I have absolutely no proof on which to base that opinion. Perhaps it's the way she gushes at every word that comes out of his mouth. She does a good job at setting up Faldo though and she handles interviews with the big names rather well. Aside from the notorious 'lynching' comment she made in regards to Tiger a while back, she has managed to bounce back and hold her own.
Judy Rankin
One of the best analysts out there; male or female. She knows the game, and is always on point. Perhaps it's because she is an on-course commentator, rather than an in-booth talking head, she gives you the lie, the yardages, the breaks with crystal clarity. I'd love to have her on my bag!
Dottie Pepper
Not as refined as Judy, but knows what's she's doing out there. She gets better every tournament she covers. I wonder if she doesn't try a little to hard to be 'one of the boys,' though, but that's a minor criticism. I also wonder why she stopped competing. But, that's a legitimate question for many of the people we're looking at here. For some it's because they know they wouldn't be competitive, for others it may be because they make a lot more bank on the air than they would on the links.
The Jokers
Gary McCord & David Feherty
Ever since Tiger Woods' video game hit the shelves, these two are inseparable in the minds of many. Actually, McCord's 'Tin Cup' appearance made him a household name to many non-golfers and affirmed what we all know; he's a hoot to listen to, but he doesn't exactly demand respect from his colleagues. Be that as it may, I think the reason I like McCord is that he is at heart a big fan himself. So, his cries of ecstasy at well struck shots and groans of agony at missed putts reflect what the viewer is thinking. I just wish he's stop peddling merchandise.
Feherty is a whole other lunatic. His quirky, self-deprecating style gets me every time. I remember a few years back at The Canadian Open that his gallery was bigger than any golfer, except for Mike Weir. People love him and it's not hard to see why. He's not afraid to say what he's thinking and is looking for any opportunity to crack wise. But, perhaps I give him too much credit. What is just as likely is that there is absolutely no filter between his brain and his mouth. Either way, he's my favorite.
The Journeymen
Peter Oosterhuis
Of all the commentators out there, he's the guy I trust the most. He is like the glue to any telecast in that he reins in overstatements and warns one and all that there is no more important shot than the next one. He's what Johnny Miller aspires to be. He gives credit where credit is due, but he doesn't give it out liberally, which makes those occasions when he is effusive all the more meaningful.
Peter Kostis
No one can break down a swing as clearly as Kostis. I just wish he didn't have to say, 'Now with the help of the Minolta Biz Hub Swing Vision Camera...' every time he does it. What a mouthful! Anyway, as a coach to tour pros, he is the best guy out there for helping the average Joe wrap his head around what is without a doubt one of the most unnatural motions a human has ever been forced to perform.
Gary Koch
Solid commentary and analysis. He is the definition of embedded. Koch has been doing it for such a long time, that I'm sure there would be a pretty substantial void in any telecast without his voice. A trusted man on the ground day in and day out.
The Golf Channel Boys
Frank Nobilo
The best of the TGC crew, Frank is still actively involved in some big stakes events like The President's Cup, so he can sit down with people like Nicklaus and Norman and ask real questions. He didn't have the most stellar career, but he has real empathy with players and cuts them a bit of slack when everyone else (Chamblee) are ready to burn them in effigy.
Brandel Chamblee
Seldom has someone who has accomplished so little on the golf course had so many opinions about so many golfers. Of course, you don't need a resume like Faldo to state your case, but do you have to do it as though your life is at stake? I guess that's what he gets paid for, but is it just me, or does he sometimes contradict himself? Especially when Tiger comes up, he knows no middle ground. Full on praise or damnation of biblical proportions. A little balance would make him a much better commentator.
Charlie Rymer
There was never a period during Tiger's meltdown that warranted tears from an on-the-air golf commentator. But, that didn't stop Ol' Charlie. Stick to the Big Break for Pete's sake.
Rich Lerner
Yiddish is the only language that accurately describes this guy. Schmaltzy! I know tradition is important to the game, but Lerner thinks his little pieces are high art and will wind up in the Golf Hall of Fame. Sheesh! Get over yourself!
Michael Breed
The idea that you can 'Fix' a persons swing faults in 30 seconds is ridiculous on its face. The idea that you can do that while screaming with a nasal twang makes it surreal. Let's not do this!
There are so many more, good and bad (Rolfing / Byrum – good, Lewis / Sands – Bad) that it would take too much blog space to comment on them all, but I just wan't to mention one more.
The Lucky Man
Dave Marr
Along with Mark Lye (also good) this guy has the best job in broadcast golf. He schmoozes with past greats every day, knows them all intimately, and he knows more about their careers than they do. He asks good questions, and never stops smiling. Granted the seniors are a lot more approachable than regular tour players, but I give Marr credit for taking what was probably not the most prestigious post in golf commentary and making himself hands down the best at what he does.
It was the fourth PGA Tour win for O'Hair, but his first since 2009 and his first top-15 this season. In fact, prior to this weekend, he had missed 10 cuts out of 17 tournaments. He admitted he was not playing well after Wednesdays Pro-Am and felt he had bottomed out.
