Former World No. 1 golfer and current European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald is trying out for the lead analyst position at NBC Golf. He will be joining the booth for the next two PGA Tour events and he will step in for Paul Azinger at both the Cognizant Classic and the Arnold Palmer Invitational during the PGA Tour’s in Florida and Bay Hill respectively.
According to Sports Business Journal, there will be an announcement at the Mexico Open, scheduled for the end of this week. It is expected that Donald will be involved in the NBC/Golf Channel coverage on Thursday at the Cognizant Classic. And then join host Dan Hicks as a two-man crew in the booth over the weekend.
Several other individuals have also tried for the lead analyst position at NBC Golf. For instance, the PGA Tour professional golfer Kevin Kisner , showcased his skills at The Sentry and this year’s WM Phoenix Open.
Apart from this, Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee stepped in to cover Nick Dunlap’s incredible victory at The American Express. Paul McGinley also filled in during Tiger Woods‘ highly anticipated return at the Hero World Challenge towards the end of last year.
The experienced caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay is currently serving as the main analyst for NBC. On top of it Mackay fulfills the role of Justin Thomas‘ caddie. That is why Mackay’s presence does not serve as an audition for the permanent lead analyst position.
Will Brandel Chamblee take the role of next NBC lead analyst?
NBC has been holding auditions for the lead analyst position ever since Paul Azinger left in December. This came after the network chose not to renew Azinger’s contract following the 2023 season.
It’s a unique process that will showcase a variety of voices, but Brandel Chamblee was one of the first names to be rumored for the role. Chamblee mentioned to GOLF in December that he is uncertain about NBC’s direction but is willing to call live golf wherever they need him.
While Chamblee’s talent has occasionally caused some controversy, he is still no doubt one of the most skilled analyst in terms of covering golf. Whether he will actually take up this role in the upcoming future now remains to be seen.
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