Johnny Miller announced his retirement as lead golf analyst for NBC Sports after nearly 30 years in the 18th hole tower.
Miller’s final event will be the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Jan. 31-Feb. 3 at TPC Scottsdale https://tpc.com/scottsdale/ in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“When NBC Sports approached me 30 years ago about a move to TV, I never could have imagined how it would lead to so many lasting relationships and countless memories made alongside a team of talented friends, both in front of and behind the camera,” said Miller, a two-time major golf champion.
“I’m forever grateful to my family for their support during this fulfilling chapter of my life. As I say farewell to the 18th tower, I look forward to spending more time alongside my wife Linda, our children, and our 24 grandchildren. Soon, it will officially be Miller time.”
The 71-year-old Miller was named lead analyst of NBC Sports’ golf broadcast team in 1990 and was known for being candid and sometimes controversial in his on-air comments.
Miller earned eight Emmy nominations as “Outstanding Sports Personality—Sports Event Analyst.”
“When it comes to serving golf fans with sharp insight on what is happening inside the ropes, Johnny Miller is simply the gold standard,” said Tommy Roy, NBC Sports’ lead golf producer.
“It has been an honor working with him, and while it might not be Johnny’s personal style, it will be fun to send him off at one of the PGA Tour’s best parties at TPC Scottsdale.”
Added Mike McCarley, NBC Sports president for golf: “Johnny Miller is the best golf analyst ever and he will be missed by millions of fans. Early in his career, he made a commitment to serve the fans by telling it like it is and for three decades he’s served those fans incredibly well.
“Whether they agree or disagree with Johnny, everyone wants to hear what he has to say. His unfiltered approach has not only been refreshing, but it’s what makes him great. He is a part of the fabric of NBC Sports, and as one of the most influential voices in golf, he will forever have a home here.”
Miller, who was born and raised San Francisco, and lived in Napa for several years before moving his family to Heber City, Utah, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998, after winning the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club http://www.oakmont-countryclub.org/ and the 1976 Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club http://royalbirkdale.com/ in England among his 25 PGA Tour victories.
While winning 1973 U.S. Open he became the first player to shoot 63 in a major championship, doing it in the final round to claim his first title in one of the Grand Slam events.
Miller, who was a two-time All-American at BYU, will retain a connection to the PGA Tour as host of the Safeway Open at Silverado Resort and Spa https://www.silveradoresort.com/ in Napa.
Among his broadcast partners were Bryant Gumbel, Charlie Jones, Jim Lampley, Dick Enberg and, for the last 20 years, Dan Hicks.
