NBC Sports reveals a change in the booth – substituting one Paul for another, at least for one week.
During the Hero World Challenge, starting on Thursday in Nassau, Bahamas, former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley will assume the role of lead analyst for NBC, taking over from Paul Azinger, according to a spokesperson for the network as reported by Golfweek.
Azinger had one remaining event on his contract, which was originally set to expire by the end of the year. However, negotiations to renew the contract fell through, with NBC reportedly pulling its offer and parting ways with the former 12-time PGA Tour winner.
McGinley, a 56-year-old Irishman, has been a long-time commentator for Sky Sports in Europe and has contributed to Golf Channel’s “Live From” show in recent years. He’s set to join NBC lead anchor Dan Hicks in the booth and will work alongside analyst Curt Byrum in a three-man lineup, which appears to have the aura of a tryout.
Speaking to Golf Digest, McGinley acknowledged that he will be filling in for Azinger this week due to his prior work with NBC and Comcast Group.
Azinger had been NBC Sports’ lead analyst since 2019, following the retirement of Johnny Miller.
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