Jan 18, 2016
Norman out as Fox golf analyst
Greg Norman’s tenure as the lead analyst for Fox Sports’ golf coverage came to an abrupt end on Monday. The Australian was dropped by Fox, which began a lengthy term as broadcaster for the United States Golf Association.
By Bob Weeks
Greg Norman’s tenure as the lead analyst for Fox Sports’ golf coverage came to an abrupt end on Monday.
The Australian was dropped by Fox, which began a lengthy term as broadcaster for the United States Golf Association.
According to a report on Golf.com, Norman, while very likeable, didn’t seem to properly prepare for his role at events such as the U.S. Open. Outside of the Australian golfers, he seemed lacking when it came to offering a comment and that led to some awkward moments. At times when he needed to speak, he didn’t, offering up very little in the way of observation.
It came to a head when Dustin Johnson missed a short putt to collapse at the end of the American championship and Norman, who fell apart at the ’96 Masters, told viewers that he was “speechless.” That’s not really a word you want to hear from the guy you’re paying to speak and from a guy who might know exactly how Johnson was feeling.
To be fair, of course, Norman wasn’t the only bad thing about the Fox debut at the U.S. Open. His partner in the booth was Joe Buck, who had never called golf before and seemed off balance all week. Holly Sonders was given the task of doing the post-round interviews but reportedly had to be hand-fed the questions and was pulled off that role prior to the next event, the U.S. Women’s Open.
There was questionable camera shot selection, the following of a vertigo-suffering Jason Day from green to tee just in case he collapsed and the poor use of some on-course reporters.
It was, in short, an awful start.
Now the question turns to who should replace Norman. The obvious choice is Paul Azinger, an outspoken former player who has done well as an analyst before while working on ESPN and ABC.
But Fox may not have to look far at all if it wants a true talent. Brad Faxon is already working for Fox and filled a lot of dead air left by Norman, especially at the U.S. Women’s Open, where the Aussie was clearly out of his element. He’s smart, well-spoken, well-liked and a hard worker.
Another good choice might be Nick Price, who has just come off a two-term run as Presidents Cup captain and knows most of the players. He’s also not one to hold back.
And Canada’s Stephen Ames even jokingly threw his hat into the ring.
There is no word on when the replacement will be named.