Jack and Tiger lead tributes to departing NBC commentators: "You understood us"

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods led the tributes to departing NBC commentators Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie. 

News filtered through in early December that Koch, 70, and Maltbie, 73, were not having their contracts renewed after decades of service. 

The duo expressed their shock at the decision. Maltbie had been with the network for 31 years and Koch 26. 

Koch previously told GolfDigest:

Speaking at the conclusion of the PNC Championship on Sunday, Maltbie said:

Both looked visibly moved as the network dedicated a 13-minute segment to the pair, with tributes pouring in from the aforementioned Nicklaus and Woods. 

Woods, unsurprisingly, picked out that iconic call from Koch on the famed 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass from the 2001 Players. 

Better than most! 

Here's what Tiger said to the pair: 

This is tough to watch. Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch and their final weekend of calling golf. They stoked my love of the game and broadcasting. pic.twitter.com/QAArQgIefx

— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) December 17, 2022

And Nicklaus: 

Elsewhere Justin Thomas, Davis Love III, Billy Horschel, Webb Simpson and Lee Trevino also offered kind words. 

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