Recent changes in golf broadcast team include Paul Azinger’s exit from NBC

If Ken Venturi had been the lead golf analyst for CBS during the social media era, would he have remained in that position for 35 years?

That’s a fascinating query for two reasons. First, enduring 35 years of criticism and negativity on social media seems unfathomable. The advent of platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Threads brings about more constant and severe scrutiny, potentially causing employers to reconsider the broadcaster’s credibility.

Secondly, Paul Azinger, NBC’s lead golf analyst, has relinquished his position. After enduring a year’s worth of criticism on social media during the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup, Azinger declined a pay cut proposed by NBC when his contract expired.

Not long ago, television golf viewers were accustomed to hearing the same voices for decades. However, NBC recently underwent significant changes, parting ways with Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch in addition to Azinger. This trend is mirrored in CBS’s decision to replace long-time personalities such as Gary McCord and Peter Kostis.

Younger and fresher?

Many of these recent replacements aimed at youth and renovation, favoring broadcasters in their 40s over those in their 70s. This shift may have contributed to NBC’s decision regarding Azinger, despite his relative youth.

Who will replace him is a crucial question. Early candidates include Curt Byrum, a seasoned NBC and Golf Channel commentator, and Paul McGinley, a prominent former European Ryder Cup player. NBC’s decision, whether to seek a direct replacement or revamp their entire broadcast team, will be intriguing.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Paul Azinger brought credibility to NBC golf broadcast booth