Greg Norman, who was expected to play a huge role in golf coverage on Fox Sports, is out as lead analyst on the network’s telecasts of United States Golf Association events after only one season, the network confirmed.
Reports indicated Paul Azinger, the 1993 PGA champion, might replace him.
“(Norman) didn’t do his homework and he didn’t know any players who weren’t Australian,” said a source who asked not to be identified. “It was tough for the whole staff because he wasn’t involved in the shows like a lead analyst should be.
“Maybe he thought just being Greg Norman was enough. He’s been successful in everything he’s done in business, but he wasn’t good at TV. He was a team player, but when the cameras turned on, he just went silent.”
Norman, who claimed 90 victories as a professional including the 1986 and 1992 Open Championships, didn’t provide the spark Fox expected when he was paired with lead announcer Joe Buck.
That left on-course commentator Brad Faxon to provide much of the analysis.
Norman, who finished second nine times in major championships and often in tragic circumstances, was roundly criticized for remaining silent when Dustin Johnson three-putted the final green to finish second to Jordan Spieth in the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay.
Johnson missed a 15-foot birdie putt that would have given him his first major title, and then could not sink the comebacker from four feet for a par that would have forced a playoff with Spieth.
All Norman would have had to say was that he knew what Johnson was going through because he had been there before, but the Australian great was speechless.
“I put a lot into my role this past year and really enjoyed the time I spent with the commentary team,” Norman said in a statement. “I have a long history with Fox and wish them well on their journey showcasing USGA Championships.
“I also want to thank David Hill (former head of Fox Sports) and the USGA for believing in me and instilling their vote of confidence in me from the outset.”
Said John Entz, Executive Producer of Fox Sports: “After careful consideration, we have decided to make this change to our USGA Championships coverage. We want to thank Greg for his contributions last year, and wish him success in all his current and future endeavors.”
Fox Sports signed a 12-year contract with the USGA, which took effect last year, to telecast the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and other USGA championships.
