Where was Johnny Miller when he was really needed?
Probably at home watching round four of the Phoenix Open like everyone else.
Too bad.
On a day of chaos, mayhem, craziness and unusual happenings at the Phoenix Open, Miller’s substitute was as bland as a bowl of mush.
It was really hard to tell that Paul Azinger was on the set, working for NBC as the analyst-heir-apparent to Miller, who retired from the television booth after Saturday’s third round in Phoenix.
On a day when Rickie Fowler rose, then fell, the picked himself up off the canvas to finally win the Phoenix Open, Azinger brought little to the party.
Azinger’s only words of wisdom during the telecast:
“Rickie’s gotta want to win this more than he’s afraid to lose it.”
Seriously?
Is that the best Azinger could come up with?
Yes, he has very, very large shoes to fill but on Sunday, Azinger simply wasn’t up to the task when great drama was unfolding there right in front of him.
Best thing is the crowd noise made it tough to hear the commentary at times.
And that was a plus for Paul Azinger.
It’s gonna be a long season for NBC.
6 Comments
FPPGA
Paul Azinger did what every person does on their first day on the job…I met him at my club about 2 years ago…We had an excellent conversation from A to Z on golf and the tour…He is better in person and just needs to bring that to the booth…I told him that I have been watching golf on TV since 1965 and without a doubt, his comment about Tiger Woods when Tiger was having issues with his swing was the best comment of all time about anyone that is a tour player!…”Tiger is playing like he has one ball left in his bag!”…Wonderful observation!
Tom Edrington
Met him at his home back around ’89….always has been a good guy……his tape from FOX wasn’t anything to write home about which is why I was surprised they didn’t just slide Koch into that chair…..they are more enamored with his Ryder Cup captaincy and his PGA title than with his broadcast ability……
FPPGA
Voice issue and delivery…He doesn’t have that what I call “punch” in his voice…These are the people who have that voice quality that is pleasing to the ear and punch: Byron Nelson, Chris Schenkel, Dave Marr Senior, Pat Summerall, Rodger Thryrbal, Bobby Clampett, Ian Baker Finch, Gary Koch, Peter Jacobson, and Gary McCord…The rest are average or not good…As for the Ryder Cup, for that year you and I could have been the captains and the US still wins…Player’s win or lose…The Captain is useless just like the Maestro so call directing the musician’s…
Tom Edrington
FPPGA: Thanks for your great observations…..no argument here, we think alike! Check in often, please.
FPPGA
Tiger last week reminded me of the Ali vs L. Spinks fight #1…Ali looked tired and lost…Tiger looked tired and lost…
Tom Edrington
36 in one day is tough for Tiger at his age and given his surgical history. I think he’ll be fine at Augusta.