NBC promotes Curt Byrum to lead analyst for Hero World Challenge

NBC has announced the promotion of Curt Byrum to the lead analyst role for the upcoming Hero World Challenge, taking over from Paul Azinger.

At 64 years old, Byrum secured his only PGA Tour victory at the Hardee’s Golf Classic in 1989 and has been a Golf Channel analyst since 2001.

Following the retirement of Johnny Miller in 2019, Azinger had been serving as the lead analyst, but his contract was not renewed by NBC. According to Sports Illustrated, the decision came after Azinger rejected a contract offer that would have resulted in a pay cut.

In a statement, NBC expressed gratitude for Azinger’s contributions over the past five years and wished him well in his future endeavors, acknowledging his expertise and connections in the golf industry.

Azinger’s departure is part of NBC’s broader restructuring in golf coverage, which also involved parting ways with on-course analysts Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie last November.

While the full-time replacement for Azinger is yet to be determined, NBC has announced Byrum’s promotion to the position for Tiger Woods’ annual event, where Woods will be returning after ankle surgery. The Hero World Challenge will feature a 20-player field at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas, with reigning FedEx Cup champion Viktor Hovland as the defending event champion.