Nina Caldwell
Paul Azinger is an American professional golfer and TV golf analyst. He started broadcasting in 1995 as an on-course reporter for NBC while recovering from chemotherapy. From 2005 to 2015, he worked as the lead analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports' golf coverage. He then assumed this role at FOX Sports before moving back to NBC in 2020. However, NBC elected not to renew his contract in November 2024, ending his four-year stint as their lead golf analyst. Despite this, Azinger is set to return to broadcasting in 2025 as the lead analyst for the PGA Tour Champions, replacing Lanny Wadkins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Returning to broadcasting | 2025 |
| Role | Lead analyst for PGA Tour Champions |
| Number of tournaments | 10-12 |
| Contract | One-year deal |
| Replaced | Lanny Wadkins |
| Replaced by (NBC) | Rotating analysts including Brandel Chamblee, Paul McGinley, Luke Donald, and Kevin Kisner |
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What You'll Learn
Paul Azinger's broadcasting career
Paul Azinger is an American professional golfer and TV golf analyst. He started his broadcasting career in 1995 as an on-course reporter for NBC while recovering from chemotherapy. From 2005 to 2015, he worked as the lead analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports' golf coverage, initially sharing analyst duties with Nick Faldo. After ESPN and ABC lost the rights to the U.S. Open and Open Championship, Azinger joined Fox Sports as its head golf analyst in 2016.
In October 2018, NBC Sports and Golf Channel named Azinger their lead golf analyst, succeeding Johnny Miller. Azinger remained with Fox for the 2019 season for the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, and U.S. Amateur alongside his NBC duties. However, in 2020, those championships returned to NBC, where Azinger also ended up.
In 2024, NBC elected not to renew Azinger's contract, ending his four-year stint as its lead golf analyst. Despite the messy parting, Azinger is returning to broadcasting in 2025 as the lead analyst for PGA Tour Champions, replacing Lanny Wadkins. He will appear on Golf Channel but is employed by PGA Tour Entertainment.
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His departure from NBC
Paul Azinger's time as the lead analyst for NBC Golf came to an end in November 2023, with the network electing not to renew his contract. Azinger had been with NBC for five years, joining the network in 2019 after a stint as the lead analyst at Fox.
Azinger's departure from NBC was reportedly due to a combination of factors, including budget cuts and changes in leadership at the network. According to sources, Azinger was in the middle of contract negotiations for a new deal when the network decided to go in a different direction. The sticking point in the negotiations was reportedly the compensation offered, which was lower than Azinger's previous pay. Azinger proposed aligning his contract renewal with that of lead announcer Dan Hicks, but his counteroffer was rejected.
In an interview with Golfweek, Azinger expressed his frustration with the way his departure from NBC unfolded. He stated that he was surprised by the sudden decision and took issue with the handling of his negotiations by NBC Sports executive vice president, Sam Flood. Azinger described Flood's demeanor during the negotiations as "an a-hole".
Following his departure from NBC, Azinger joined the PGA TOUR Champions broadcast for the 2025 season, replacing long-time analyst Lanny Wadkins. Azinger has also been working on designing a new golf club in Florida and enjoying his newfound free time, stating that he is "kind of happy" about his departure from NBC.
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His new role at PGA TOUR Champions
Paul Azinger is an American professional golfer and TV golf analyst. He has had a successful career, winning 12 times on the PGA Tour, including the 1993 PGA Championship. He has also battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma and written a book about his experience.
In 2024, Azinger's contract with NBC was not renewed, ending his four-year stint as lead golf analyst. However, in 2025, he is returning to broadcasting as the lead analyst for PGA Tour Champions. This role will see him commentating on several of his contemporaries from his extensive PGA Tour playing career.
In his new role, Azinger will replace Lanny Wadkins, who served as the lead analyst for PGA Tour Champions since 2011. Miller Brady, president of PGA Tour Champions, expressed his enthusiasm for Azinger's addition, citing his extensive experience and recognition within the sport.
Azinger's role as lead analyst for PGA Tour Champions is a part-time position, allowing him to stay involved in the game while also pursuing other interests. He will be part of a broadcast group that includes hosts Bob Papa and John Swantek, analyst and on-site reporter John Cook, and analyst Peter Jacobsen, among others.
The 2025 PGA Tour Champions season will include 28 events, with Azinger taking breaks during which Peter Jacobsen and John Cook will fill in for him.
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His career as a golfer
Paul William Azinger is an American professional golfer and TV golf analyst. Born on January 6, 1960, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Azinger started playing golf at the age of five. He turned pro in 1981 and went on to have a highly successful career on the PGA Tour, winning a total of 12 times, including one major championship, the 1993 PGA Championship.
Between 1988 and 1994, Azinger spent nearly 300 weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking. During this period, he came close to winning the 1987 Open Championship at Muirfield, finishing just one shot behind Nick Faldo. At the 1991 Ryder Cup, Azinger was involved in a controversial episode with Seve Ballesteros, with whom he shared a fierce rivalry. In violation of an agreement between the Cup captains, Azinger and his American teammate Chip Beck used balls of different compressions off the tee on multiple holes. While Azinger initially denied the accusation, he later admitted to the violation.
In December 1993, Azinger was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in his right shoulder. He recovered from chemotherapy and returned to the PGA Tour, enjoying several more successful playing years. In 1995, during his recovery, Azinger made his television debut as an on-course reporter for NBC. He worked alongside lead NBC analyst Johnny Miller, who recruited him to join the broadcast team. Azinger covered the singles match at the 1995 Ryder Cup between Tom Lehman and his former rival, Ballesteros.
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His personal life
Paul Azinger was born on 6 January 1960 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and began playing golf at the age of five. He attended Sarasota High School in Florida and later studied at Brevard Community College and Florida State University.
Azinger has been married to Toni Azinger and the couple has two daughters, Sarah and Josie (Josie Lynn). The golfer often reflects on the importance of family in his life and career, especially during his health challenges. In December 1993, Azinger was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in his right shoulder. He underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment for months and eventually returned to golf. He received the Golf Writers Association of America's Ben Hogan Award in 1995, which is given to a professional golfer who remains active despite a serious illness or physical handicap.
Azinger has had a successful playing career and is also a household name as a broadcaster. He has worked with NBC Sports and ESPN, and has been a lead analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports' golf coverage. He has also authored a book, 'Zinger', about his battle with cancer. Apart from golf, Azinger enjoys fishing, playing foosball, and poker. He also has a strong media presence and has worked with brands that align with the golf lifestyle, including equipment manufacturers and apparel companies.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Paul Azinger is returning to broadcasting in 2025 as the lead analyst for PGA Tour Champions.
Paul Azinger is replacing Lanny Wadkins, who served as the lead analyst for PGA Tour Champions since 2011.
NBC elected not to renew Azinger's contract, ending his four-year stint as its lead golf analyst.
