Paul Azinger ‘caught by surprise’ as NBC Sports choose not to extend his deal as lead golf analyst – meaning he will NOT cover Tiger Woods’ return at Hero World Challenge next week

NBC Sports has parted ways with Paul Azinger as the network’s lead analyst for its golf coverage.

“With the golf and media landscape in a more challenging environment, Azinger and NBC will part ways when their current contracts expire,” said a statement from his manager.

Azinger chose not to discuss details about why a new contract was not agreed, saying only on Sunday that it was a mixture of disappointment and surprise.

“I was supposed to do the Bahamas,” he said, referring to the Hero World Challenge the first weekend of December, where Tiger Woods played for the first time since April.

It was not known who would team up alongside NBC host Dan Hicks with Woods set to play again.

NBC has now parted ways with three of its most notable voices in the past calendar year, with Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch also not having their contracts renewed in a decision that took them both by surprise. Maltbie has worked at NBC since 1991, Koch since 1997.

“I really appreciated working alongside Dan Hicks and the other talented NBC broadcasters, as well as lead producer Tommy Roy and everyone behind the scenes,” Azinger said. ‘It is a special team and I will miss them enormously.

‘My thanks go to them and the countless others who have supported and helped me along the way during my work in television.

“I am confident in what the future holds for me, for NBC and for the great game of golf.”

An NBC spokesperson confirmed that Azinger is no longer with the network with a statement thanking him for his work over the past five years.

“His insights, work ethic and relationships in the golf industry are well known, and we appreciate what he has brought to our team.

“We wish Paul the best in his future endeavors,” the statement said.

Azinger won the 1993 PGA Championship in a playoff against Greg Norman and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma later that year.

Azinger (center) has worked at NBC since 2018, replacing the retiring Johnny Miller

In his playing days, Azinger won a major in 1993 and went on to lead the US to Ryder Cup glory

He began his television work in 2005 at ABC and ESPN in a unique role, sharing analyst duties with Nick Faldo in the booth.

They faced off as captains at the Ryder Cup in 2008, where Azinger was nicknamed ‘Captain America’ for reshaping US qualifying and leading the Americans to victory.

ESPN lost its rights to the British Open in 2015 and Azinger joined Fox Sports as lead analyst when it took over the US Open contract.

NBC hired him in 2018 to replace longtime analyst Johnny Miller, allowing him to retain his Fox role. In a twist, NBC then got the US Open contract back in 2020.

Azinger had no immediate plans, other than to go fishing at his home in Bradenton, Florida, and to work with Fry/Straka Global Global Golf Course Design at Miakka Golf Club in Florida.

Azinger’s comments have drawn criticism in recent years. In 2020, he was the target of ire for appearing to dismiss Tommy Fleetwood’s victories on the European Tour during a PGA Tour broadcast.