Paul Azinger "surprised" after being booted off NBC Sports golf coverage
Former winning Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger has been axed as NBC Sports lead golf analyst.
Paul Azinger has been axed as NBC Sports lead golf analyst for 2024, according to multiple reports.
Azinger, 63, joined NBC Sports and Golf Channel in 2018 and he then assumed the lead golf analyst role in 2019.
The victorious 2008 US Ryder Cup captain had replaced Johnny Miller, who originally helped give Azinger his start in broadcasting during his recovery from cancer in 1995.
Azinger's call of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone in Rome, which saw Europe defeat the United States, was reportedly his last for NBC Sports as his contract has not been renewed by the broadcaster.
It has been confirmed by Golf Digest that Azinger will not be working for NBC Sports at the Hero World Challenge in two weeks' time.
Tiger Woods revealed on November 18 he will be participating in the 20-man tournament, marking his first competition since undergoing ankle surgery in April.
Sources have told Golf Digest "the decision caught Azinger by surprise".
In a statement following his exit from NBC, Azinger told journalist Steve Eubanks:
Sources have informed Golf Digest that NBC Sports' move to axe Azinger is part of a potential overhaul of their coverage in 2024.
It has not yet been confirmed as to who will replace Azinger as the lead golf analyst at NBC Sports.
Azinger has never been one to shy away from making bold comments in his media career.
Two years ago he thought Brooks Koepka should have relinquished his spot on the Ryder Cup team.
Arguably the American's most controversial comment came in 2020 when he said this about the European Tour.
Prior to his position at NBC Sports, Azinger served as the lead golf analyst at a number of broadcasters including ABC, ESPN and also Fox Sports.
Azinger won the 1993 US PGA Championship among 12 PGA Tour titles.
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