What did the PGA Tour and NBC announce?

🗣️ Hello Friends,

The PGA Tour announced some monumental news last week as the golf season is bleak until we flip the calendar to 2025.

Additionally, we have some interesting broadcasting news to share that NBC recently announced. 

So let’s cut right to the chase and break it all down!

🦸‍♂️ Creators Assemble!

The PGA Tour has created what they are calling the “Creator Council”. 

Here is the list of creators/groups participating:

• Fore Play/Barstool Sports

• No Laying Up 

• The Bryan Brothers 

• Erik Andres Lang 

• Paige Spiranac 

• Roger Steele 

• Tisha Alyn 

It has been evident that the PGA Tour has embraced the creator movement. 

I already wrote about my thoughts from the grounds at the “Creator Classic” tournament and the impact it had. 

Additionally, the PGA Tour held an 18 hole event for creators to qualify for the Myrtle Beach Classic in March. They produced a whole YouTube video out of it that got more than one million views.

I believe the creation of this council is a brilliant next step in the right direction.

What the Creator Council can bring to the table:

• Act as spokespeople for the fans

• Be able to draw a younger audience to watch tournaments

• Collaboration on content strategy

• Discuss ways to improve broadcasts

The PGA Tour will benefit significantly if they use the knowledge of the council that they have assembled.

The Creators understand what fans like and don’t like to consume.

I believe that both sides will be able to come together and help grow the game the proper way.

🎙️ Kisner To The Booth

NBC recently announced that Kevin Kisner will be returning to the booth to cover the PGA Tour on more of a full-time basis. 

The network has been searching for a replacement for Paul Azinger, who was in the chair as NBC’s primary color commentator next to the legendary play-by-play commentator Dan Hicks. 

Over last golf season, NBC rotated a handful of analysts on a part-time basis to see who would fit best with Hicks. Those names included Kevin Kisner, Luke Donald, Brandel Chamblee, Brad Faxon, and Paul McGliney.

Kisner is known for his charismatic personality on and off the golf course among players and media members. 

Over the last couple of years, Kisner has struggled mightily on the PGA Tour:

• Has not competed in a major since the 2023 PGA Championship. 

• Failed to post a T10 or better finish since the 2022 Travelers.

• Made the cut in 6 of 23 events in the 2023 PGA Tour season

More recently, Kisner did not earn his PGA Tour card for the upcoming 2025 season. 

However, he is using his one-time career earnings exemption for next season, as he has made roughly 29 million dollars in his career.

So, Kisner will to try and maintain his card by playing in the events he is qualified for.

Kisner has committed to covering NBC’s marquee tournaments such as the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, The Players Championship, along with 10 additional PGA Tour events.

🎥 What Kisner Brings To The Broadcast

Kisner appeared in a number of PGA Tour tournaments last year, most notably the Players Championship, Waste Management, and the Sentry. 

With no prior broadcasting experience, Kisner brings a fresher, younger voice for viewers. 

Kisner isn’t shy to share his opinion and critique players live on air.  He has the respect from the top players, who many he is friends with. 

Here is a sound bite from the Sentry last season where Kisner took a jab at Jordan Spieth’s putting:

The traditional golf media has been ridiculed for being boring. 

NBC has realized this problem and debuted a “Happy Hour” segment with Smylie Kaufman to interview players while hanging out on a hole on the course. 

Kisner appeared in a couple of these segments hosted by Kaufman to bring humor and friendly jokes about players:

With Kisner’s lack of broadcasting experience, he will have to figure out what works and what doesn’t in the booth. 

Seemingly, Kisner will need to find a balance of serious golf analysis and humorous banter.

If you asked me for stock advice for Kisner’s broadcasting career, I would say to BUY!

Talk soon!