As Phil Mickelson continues to “evaluate” his performance and future on the PGA Tour, the talk is already turning to his possible future in golf broadcasting.
Last August, Mickelson made a cameo in the CBS booth as a guest analyst, joining Jim Nance and current analyst Sir Nick Faldo.
Lefty was cool and comfortable in the booth and his performance was dominant, something that perhaps should be of concern to Sir Nick, if Mickelson decides to seriously pursue a television gig.
His agent and business partner, Steve Loy, confirmed that’s something they’ve been discussing.
“Absolutely, we’re always in discussions about Phil’s future,” Loy said when asked. “It wouldn’t surprise me if in the next 12 to 24 months you might see more of Phil on the air.”
One network insider who preferred to remain anonymous, was totally bullish on Mickelson’s broadcast future.
“Phil would be the great catch of all golf analysts. He’s the guy all the networks want,” the source said.
Only question is where Mickelson would go. Fox is no longer in the golf business, and while ESPN is expanding its golf efforts, thus far that’s mostly relegated to the digital side. The new PGA Tour rights kick in next year, with CBS and NBC essentially carrying everything aside from a few days per year on ESPN at the Masters and PGA Championship. CBS also has a lead analyst in Faldo, while NBC has Paul Azinger.
Mickelson would presumably be more expensive than anyone currently working in a broadcast booth, until Jim Nantz lands his next deal. From a viewers perspective, Mickelson would be a clear upgrade over both Faldo and Azinger.
Word is now getting out now that Phil is interested and has a timeline that allows networks to evaluate their options and maybe plan for a potential change. In the meantime, Mickelson hawks a number of products for various companies. He’s still playing on the regular PGA Tour but might make more appearances this season on the Champions Tour, where he has been in only two events and won both.
Will we see Mickelson in the booth at some point in time?
The answer is probably yes. It’s too good of a fit for Lefty.
Coletta, Cunningham Shoot 63s at LECOM Suncoast Classic:
The Korn-Ferry Tour is back in action, finally, after a near three-month layoff and scores were low on Thursday at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
Aussie Brett Coletta and American George Cunningham opened with eight-under par 63s at Lakewood Ranch. Canadian Albin Choi had one-hole to play when darkness suspended round one late Thursday.
Choi was eight-under and could join the leaders with a closing par of take the solo lead with birdie.
Rain is in the picture for Friday’s second round with cool temperatures ahead for the weekend.
5 Comments
baxter cepeda
Yes of course Phil will do some broadcasting but a man can only be in one place at a time.
We also know he will continue playing on the pga tour and could be the most dominant senior tour player ever.
Lefty did not dominate in the booth. He was fine rapid firing his best material when he’s been in the booth. But Faldo, the established pro he has become, kind of dominated Phil. And let’s not forget the Englishman has 6, uno mas then the So Cal kid.
That being said of course casual viewers prefer Phil over Paul Azinger, who is pretty great himself, and Nick.
But I do not see Phil leaving his major tee times on the table to sit at a table calling golf all the time. I do not see Phil leaving all those Tuesday money games on the table. I do not see Phil not enjoying dominating the champions tour.
Phil will do some broadcasting and he will get paid extremely well when he does. But for the next decade there will be only be some broadcasting; post round visits and extra work after missed cuts.
Zinger and Sir Nick can rest easy.
Tom Edrington
Hmmmmm, so Steve Loy is making all those calls just for the heck of it….?
baxter cepeda
I didn’t say that.
Loy said in 1 to 2 years we will see Phil on air more. That definitely doesn’t sound like he’s going to anchor himself somewhere; as Faldo and Azinger have.
Those guys play sometimes.
Phil’s going to keep playing mostly. He will sable for a decade and Someday after phil turns 60 he may likely anchor himself somewhere; that’s my guess. But even then I don’t see Phil grinding away full time behind a mic.
#lefty has to play baby.
Tom Edrington
Here’s one for you Baxter: Next week’s WGC event will mark the first time since they started these WGC events that neither Tiger nor Phil will be in the field.
baxter cepeda
Times are a changin’. But at the same time the more they change; Tiger is qualified.