Kevin Kisner is returning as an analyst for NBC Sports at the WM Phoenix Open, marking his second appearance after a successful debut, with NBC planning to rotate multiple analysts before announcing a permanent replacement for Paul Azinger by the 2024 US Open.
At Glance
‣ Kevin Kisner is making his return as an analyst for NBC Sports at the WM Phoenix Open, marking his second appearance after a successful debut at The Sentry.
‣ Kisner, known for his straightforward commentary, notably offered candid advice to Jordan Spieth during his debut, emphasizing the simplicity of a short putt Spieth missed, which highlighted his direct approach to golf analysis.
‣ NBC Sports plans to rotate multiple analysts in the coming months to find a permanent replacement for former lead golf analyst Paul Azinger, aiming to make a formal announcement before the 2024 US Open.
‣ The 16th tee at TPC Scottsdale, where Kisner and Smylie Kaufman will be stationed, is famous for its lively atmosphere and memorable moments, such as the topless celebration by Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen during the 2022 competition.
NBC is keeping with tradition this week in Phoenix, as Kevin Kisner and Smylie Kaufman will be stationed alongside the 16th tee at TPC Scottsdale on Saturday.
CBS has had Amanda Renner and Colt Knost there the last couple of years.
— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter)
Kevin Kisner’s back at it again. This time, he’s hitting the screens for his second go-round as an NBC Sports analyst during this week’s WM Phoenix Open. His first time? At The Sentry. And let me tell ya, it was a hit with the crowd.
Over in Hawaii, at the crack of January, Kisner stepped up to the mic. He was testing the waters to see if he could fill Paul Azinger’s pretty big shoes as the lead analyst on Golf Channel’s coverage. Spoiler alert: The folks at home dug it.
Then came that Saturday. Oh, that Saturday. Kisner had a moment that pretty much everyone and their grandma talked about. He gave Jordan Spieth a nudge of advice, the kind that’s a bit tough but totally on the money. Spieth missed a birdie putt on the 15th, a short one at that, and started mumbling excuses. Wind, grass grain, the hill – you name it. Kisner’s response? Classic. “That’s 3 feet, Jordan. Just knock it in, bud. Ninety-nine percent on Tour.”
But hey, Kisner’s not just about the tough love. Recently, he tried a trick shot and, well, it didn’t go as planned. Ended up hitting an influencer right in the noggin. Oops. Will he keep that sharp tongue for his pals this time around? Guess we’ll see. He’s teaming up with Smylie Kaufman at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, right by the 16th tee, for Saturday’s WM Phoenix Open action.
NBC’s sticking to what works. Kisner and Kaufman, side by side at the 16th tee. It’s a tradition by now. CBS tried something similar with Amanda Renner and Colt Knost in the past couple of years. Tradition, folks.
Now, let’s talk about that 16th hole. It’s the star of the show at TPC Scottsdale. Picture this: wild cheers, beers flying through the air, and the occasional topless golfer. Yep, Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen went shirtless after a killer putt in 2022. Dahmen even chatted about it on Netflix’s ‘Full Swing.’ Season two’s dropping in March 2024, by the way.
Kisner’s not the only one eyeing the analyst spot. NBC’s got a whole lineup of contenders. We’re talking Paul McGinley, Brandel Chamblee, and a bunch of others. It’s like a who’s who of golf trying to snag Johnny Miller’s old seat.
But here’s the kicker: NBC’s playing the field. They’re not rushing to replace Azinger. Nope. They’re giving a bunch of folks a shot at the mic alongside Dan Hicks. And they’re taking their sweet time about it. Word on the street (okay, Front Office Sports) is they’ll make the big reveal before the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst.
So, what’s the takeaway? Kisner’s back, the 16th hole’s a party, and NBC’s keeping us on our toes. Golf’s never been so lively.
