Brandel Chamblee Taking Turn As Lead NBC Analyst This Week for PGA Tour’s American Express
The network is continuing to evaluate potential replacements for Paul Azinger through brief tryouts.
The lead analyst chair for NBC’s golf coverage is once again rotating, but this week it will feature a voice that fans will find especially familiar. Brandel Chamblee, the former PGA Tour player and longtime Golf Channel host, will temporarily step into the role at the American Express, where he’ll call the La Quinta action in real time.
Since 2003, Chamblee has served as a studio analyst for Golf Channel, taking the lead on shows such as "Golf Central" and “Live From” at the game’s four major championships, the Players Championship and the Ryder Cup. Known for his fiery takes, intricate vocabulary and breadth of knowledge about the professional game, it is safe to say that Chamblee will adjust to the lead analyst role during this weekend’s broadcast rather smoothly.
Chamblee’s stint in the role comes in the wake of Paul Azinger’s departure from NBC Sports and Golf Channel. The longtime analyst’s contract with the network was not renewed this fall.
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“I have treasured working beside Dan Hicks and other talented NBC broadcasters as well as lead producer Tommy Roy and all those behind the scenes,” Azinger said in a statement after the split. “They are a remarkable team, and I will miss them tremendously.”
Since Azinger’s seat was vacated, NBC has been on the hunt for a new lead in the booth, using brief “tryout” stints to evaluate potential candidates. At the Hero World Challenge in December, Irish former pro and Golf Channel commentator Paul McGinley stepped in. At the Sentry, current PGA Tour player Kevin Kisner gave it a shot. He’ll be back for a second trial period at the WM Phoenix Open.
“I’m going in blind,” Kisner told Sports Illustrated prior to his TV debut. “I’m just going to wing it and see how I do, and let them tell me if I need to get better.”
Although lacking experience, Kisner’s candid and informative approach at the Sentry received widespread praise from viewers who appreciated the change of pace.
Chamblee’s performance this weekend will undoubtedly be highlighted by his in-depth research and real-time critical analysis. The former pro shared a sneak peek of his tournament preparation on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a few clips of his favorite swings in the field.
Out scouting @theamexgolf with @LucasWald getting ready for the broadcast Thursday-Sunday and some swings that I just love… The Coody Twins, Parker and Pierceson, (Pierceson first video) Lee Hodges ( 2nd video) who won the 3M last year by 7 and Jake Knapp (video courtesy of his… pic.twitter.com/8vScMHrnrg
— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) January 17, 2024
When Chamblee has the mic, he not afraid to speak his mind, whether he’s addressing Scottie Scheffler’s putting woes or the uncertain future of the professional game. The TV host is open about his fierce opposition to LIV Golf and the human rights abuses of its Saudi Arabian backers.
Last month, Chamblee spoke to SI’s Bob Harig about the ongoing negotiations of the June 6 “framework agreement” between the Saudi PIF, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour and did not hold back.
“If LIV exists in its current form, the PGA Tour will always be susceptible to the poaching of its stars," Chamblee said. “What if Ludvig (Aberg) turns out to be as big of a star as it looks like he may be? He likely will be courted until they find his price. And ... into the future.”
“The best thing for the Tour to do is make this deal, dissolve LIV as soon as possible and unify the game. Saudis win. Professional golf gets dirtied up."
Chamblee will take his seat in the booth starting Thursday, Jan. 17. The American Express airs from 4-7 p.m. ET Thursday-Sunday on Golf Channel.