However, nobody else in the golf-announcing game has the same tools in their toolbox as the Ulsterman with the colored past. I largely think it was his Scottish accent, but he also comes across as hugely knowledgeable without distracting from the coverage.". Unfortunately, he won so much (13 times from 1947-50) that resentment built and he eventually left America in a dispute over PGA Tour playing commitments. As everyone complained about the unfairness of the set-up, Goosen kept ploughing along to win by two strokes from Phil Mickelson. He also oversees all Tour player content as well. The words of the late Walter Smith, speaking on a ticker . Yes, he may have stepped over the line announcing Els at the Tavistock Cup when Els subsequently unloaded on him in print (lighten up, Ernie!). Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II (9.5 Carl Yuan whats in the bag accurate as of the Farmers Insurance Open. Getting to see the players up close and personal is great to watch and allows us regular golfers to see how good these guys really are!". I know Johnny Miller is popular (mostly among people who think professional wrestling is a real sport and that insulting players is good analysis), but a top 10 list that doesnt include Renton Laidlaw from the European Tour ? Yes. I use my DVR to record golf from Europe to Asia to the good ol US of A. I watch when I get home and when I go to sleep. I think you pretty much nailed it. A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. What exactly makes an announcer "the best in golf"? Frank Nobilo- Brilliant analyst of the game, calm, articulate, uses detail to support his statements, Nobilo was impressive during his Golf Channel days, although he needs more airtime these days to best showcase his strengths on CBS. The guys I place with STILL use those when someone is trying to hit that highlight reel shot. Ive seen them all, and there was never a putter like him.. Ambassador Mathu Joyini objected to the phrasing of the resolution, saying it "does not create an . And again. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment, Plus tips on how to play better and interviews with the biggest names. When his is on we mute the coverage. Now, Im not saying he has lost his edge, but I do feel at times that his criticisms can be a little stronger or seem a little more personal at times. Endycotts weakness so far seems to be the driver, and with his stats suggesting he recovers well top-15 for approaches in recorded events this non-penal track should suit. Role: On-course reporter, interviewer, swing analyst. His record at the Alfred Dunhill Links is exemplary a pair of wins and two second-place finishes whilst he has five top 10 finishes from nine starts in Abu Dhabi. I needed to mention that right off the bat. The victory has been the apex of a career that has also included 14 other professional victories. Is he deranged? The quality of a golf announcer's work comes down to: With this in mind, let's take a look at the best in the game. Like good friend Jason Day, it was only a matter of time before 34-year-old Fowler came back to something approaching his best. Golf Twitter Divided Over 'Bad Etiquette' Viral Putting Green Clip, These 2022 Golf Products Are About To Be ReplacedGrab A Bargain, Sergio Garcia Opens Up On 'Very Sad' McIlroy Fallout, I Tracked Every Shot Of Tiger Woods' Warm-Up, Rick Shiels' Ultimate 30 Minute Range Session, very few golfers to have completed the Career Grand Slam, Fall in love this February with a Golf Monthly subscription. Golfshake's Digital Editor Kieran Clark has also shared his thoughts and identifies a personal top ten. Butch Harmon- Another US veteran on Sky, Harmon is an engaging personality, strongly opinionated but with a showman quality. He does a solid job and deserves recognition as being the less outrageous of the on-course duo between Gary McCord and Uncle Maltbie. Key to Hatton is his ability to prove top grade for his driving, allowing him to play approaches away from the rough, and in four of the last five outings (including and since the DP World Tour Championship) he has been listed in the top-12 for accuracy off the peg. My top-10 list is not designed to say who has called the most majors, or who has the best catch phrase, or who has the greatest golf resume (although it doesnt hurt either). Site Link; Location: Sandton Gauteng, South Africa Par: 72 Length: Green 6535, White 5881, Red 5004 This golf course should need no introduction to any golfer or golf fan. The South African challenge features Thriston Lawrence, Oliver Bekker, Zander Lombard, George Coetzee, Justin Walters, Shaun Norris, JC Ritchie, Branden Grace, Richard Sterne and Christiaan. Murray played on the European Tour before retiring. Like Ernie, Goosen played on several Presidents Cup matches and contributed three huge points to help the International team tie in 2003. Although we in the U.S. only get to steal him away from the BBC on rare occasions, Alliss is a maestro whose absence only makes us grow fonder for his singular eloquence and wit. Chelsea by Agbedo kizito. Similarly, Greg Norman led Nick Faldo by two strokes at the . Johnstone currently works for Sky Sports as golf commentator. There was an authority to Miller's announcing that you rarely see today. Age: 51 Turned pro: 1987 Highest world ranking: 71 Achievements: 1999 Open runner-up. get him off the mike. 6 in the world rankings. He has 21 US professional titles and 25 worldwide victories. Nationality: South African. 3. We're based in South Africa and have set up countless exhilarating golf holidays for couples and groups of all sizes since 2004. There may well be a time when Will Zalatoris turns full-on Scheffler. Andrew Cotter- Recently known for the chronicles of his dogs Olive and Mabel on Twitter, the Scot just happens to be one of the UK's finest sports broadcasters. Goosen also has wins on the Sunshine Tour, the Asian Tour and the European Tour (more than a dozen through 2010), to go along with his seven official PGA Tour victories (through 2010). Frost has nearly 30 pro wins total, including a senior major the 2013 Tradition. I think Nobilo is rock solid as an announcer. which Majors did he win ? Kostis is second-to-none in that department. UK Politics; . Feedback | He's a decent interviewer with good rapport with the tour's best, but he truly shines in his instant analysis of players' swings. Our Services | He lives in Sunningdale in England. Feherty then said with a perfect delivery in his Iris brogue, This is gonna land like a sack of flour. What a line and what a delivery and earns him a spot at No. Between his debut on the tour late in 2020 and today, WillyZ has recorded 11 top-10s, four runners-up and his sole win, and last completed start of 22, at St.Jude last August. "Like anything, bad commentary is easy to spot, but the good stuff you only notice when it matters. Jun 22, 2020, 01:46 PM Personally, I feel that Augusta National has taken it too far with the McCord ban. If they can let women into the clubhouse (as they should have long ago), then its time to let McCord back on the grounds and let it finally be said that he has served his sentence in full for the notorious bikini wax and body bags comments. Come on you must be joking. Johnny is certainly at the top of the list as both player and announcer. But he's added runner-up finishes in both The Masters and U.S. Open, and through 2016 had eight career wins on the European Tour and seven on the Sunshine Tour. Certainly. Any chance of him ever retiring. After being with SABC sports for 10 years, Carol left the channel in 2011 and joined Supersports. Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa. All rights reserved. Sadly, live golf is now relegated to the iPad and headphones, "I love some of his expressions, his anecdotes and links to how that would never happen in his day are classic.". STUDIO HOSTS. Bounded to the south by 2,800 kilometres of coastline along the South Atlantic and India Oceans, South Africa shares inland borders with five other nations (Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe) and it also surrounds the enclaved country of Lesotho in the north east part of the country. I feel like Peter Kostis should be on that list. He won tournaments all over the world, including 24 times on the PGA Tour, 63 times on the Sunshine Tour, 18 times on the PGA Tour of Australasia, and countless others in nations like Brazil, China, Japan and so on. Lets not forget that Fuzzy Zoeller went further than McCord ever did with offensive comments at The Masters and was never punished with as much force and venom as Mr. McCord was for his attempt at humor. Back in 2017, Grace became the first player to shoot a sub-63 round in a Major, posting a 62 at the Open Championship held at Royal Birkdale. "Rich Beem provides perspective from someone who's close to the tour, as well as plenty of amusing anecdotes, and Butch Harmon has a wealth of knowledge which he freely shares, plus endless enthusiasm when players hit great shots - attaboy! Yes, Zoeller paid a step price in PR, but McCord has been shamed annually for over a decade for an innocent attempt at humor. Jim Nantz is the ultimate anchor. If it wasnt for thegolfchannel.com Id have no idea who Stephanie Sparks is either. She is a wonderful storyteller, expressed through an economy of words, which is the highest compliment. A name that probably isn't that well known anymore, but "Ol' Muffin Face" is one of the all-time greats. Yes, Feherty rehearses funny lines and then pops them out when the occasion arises. South Africa has a long history of producing world-class golfers capable of winning all over the world. Stephanie Sparks is one of those. 2. "His knowledge of the players and their game is right up there as well.". Driver: Cobra-Puma rep rips Bryson over asinine comment and claims hes looking for unicorn driver, Hes learned nothing Olympic legend launches scathing attack on Tiger Woods over tampon apology, Golf fans left bemused following bizarre Jim Nantz blunder, An UP-CLOSE look at Tiger Woods famous Scotty Cameron putter, Best driver 2023: Expert club fitters recommend the best driver for your swing speed, David Feherty ridiculed for Greg Norman comment during LIV broadcast, Tour pro says LIV would be done if Brooks Koepka returned to PGA Tour. Frank Nobilo is kind of like a song that becomes a part of my regular rotation. In the last six years, Tony Finau and Viktor Hovland both broke their maiden here, whilst after a period of personal tragedy, multiple winner, Branden Grace, bounced back to form. How good was Nobilo ? So, without further adieu, I present my top-10 list of golf announcers in the game. Feel free to add your comments and share your perspectives of why I'm wrong and/or who I forgot. There are so many voices, whether it be in the studio, tower, or booth, that have defined eras in the sport. After the back-to-back top-25s, he was a sneaky play at a long price for the Honda, but was never comfortable, withdrawing during the event with sinus issues. Who are the best South African golfers, the all-time greats from South Africa? Jerry Foltz and Sparks are the two bright spots. he does do is provide smart insight combined with a strong golf resume all rapped in a pleasant voice with respect from his co-workers and the pros he works around. Published 28 February 23. Born: 1917 - 1987 Bill Kratzert (Golf Channel) A former PGA Tour player in the 1970s with four wins, Kratzert is one of these long-time golf analysts that hasn't worn out his welcome. Sun City Resort is famous for hosting some of the most iconic events in South Africa, including the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge. "I really like the current players who guest present, picking out Darren Clarke, Jamie Donaldson and especially Jack Nicklaus! There is a gnats hair between the 26-year-old and the flying Jon Rahm, but if conditions worsen as expected, Id be certain only one of these is made to deal with it. The fact that a lot of South African tennis was played at altitude in Johannesburg was another plus, he added. Arthur D'Arcy 'Bobby' Locke was a hugely prolific winner during his playing career, especially at The Open Championship. All rights reserved. Charl Schwartzel of South Africa. "My two favourites are Peter Alliss and Wayne Radar Riley. Still, someone has to win, and, with such dead wood, punters might smile at this opportunity to nab the winner of an event returning to its status as an opposite event expect LIV to make an offer in 2024. He possesses all of the attributes that make for the perfect announcer: he has a clear and soothing voice, he has the right balance of sense of humor combined with the appropriate level of seriousness when needed, he has the resume from his days on tour and he possesses the right balance to know when to criticize and/or praise and when to back off a bit. However, since firing much of his team and linking back up with the legendary coach, Fowler has seen things improve month by month. The PGA Tour has announced yet another 'overhaul' to their 2024 season schedule in the wake of the threat of the LIV Golf Series, with similar no-cut and reduced events set to be introduced His feel for the game is staggering, his ability to read shots and lies, predicting the optiosn that the player is facing in any situation, is perfect for his role on the broadcast, something that makes the Australian the best at that role. Nick Faldo is one of the best golf commentators and announcers of all time. Our ultimate guide to the very best golf irons on the market, from game improvement clubs to players' irons, By Joel Tadman Former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa, English commentator and broadcaster Mark Nicholas, and South Australian-born commentator Mike Haysman are the other names in the elite list of commentators. Im not sure if I am sucker for a foreign accent or stodgy in my ways. I was combing through my mind for announcers and commentators that have made an impression on me. His commentary is flawless, to such an extent that you forget just how good he is. Notable partakers from the squad include the likes of Irvette van Zyl, Wayde van Niekerk, Johan Spies and Akani Simbine, in athletics and cycling respectively. He describes the situation, has the right balance of humor combined with keen insight, and he seems to be at every tournament every week. But, times do change and just like all of us, there are sometimes those that come along that are just a little bit better. Frost won 10 times on the PGA Tour. Brent Grantcould very well be one of the seasons fairy stories by September, having already secured his 2022/23 card with a stunning 50-foot birdie putt on the last hole of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship enough to finish 11th and sneak in. Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. . Alfred Dunhill Championship: The details. I cant remember a thing he has said and I cant recall a specific insight or magical moment. To add to that he has won on multiple tours and represented his country on numerous occasions. Then, as I heard more and more, it became catchy. While he's not overflowing with personality, Koch is the consummate professional, and he always makes valuable additions to the telecast. Working through the grades, hisdebut, five-shot victory on the KFT,was backed up with a pair of top-10s and two-top-20s, easily enough to nab his PGA Tour card for 2022/23. While, the answer to this question may be highly subjective, here are a few thoughts. Yes, he can even be a bit awkward at times in his interviews on his own show (although many have been terrific). He combines a dry sense of humor with a quick wit, keen insight, a love of golf, and an accomplished career as bothprofessional golfer and announcer. With that utterance at the 1986 Masters (see the video above), Verne Lundquist assured his place in the pantheon of great golf calls. Then, after a period where I am accustomed to it, it is a standard in my library. is it harmful for health? leave your comments below (Comments), Help | Gary Lisbon View: 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 The panel also includes Kass Naidoo, who is a renowned South African female cricket analyst and commentator. Her career in sports started while she was still in high school presenting Sportsbuzz. Nick Faldo. Despite being one of the few early-season events not to be honoured withelevated status,the Plantation produced a thrilling play-off betweenan emotional Chris Kirk and mini-tour legend Eric Cole, with Monday qualifier Ryan Gerard finishing fourth on only his second ever PGA Tour start. "I enjoy those who avoid cliche, aren't hyperbolic, are keen to share their honest thoughts, and provide a touch of levity. Lawyers for Dominion Voting Systems released portions of unflattering messages and depositions in court filings as part of their $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox for broadcasting . Oh, Garys line about the greens at Augusta was funny, by the way! Golfer Retief Goosen Is a 2-Time U.S. Open Champ, 24 Champion Golfers Who Died Tragic, Early Deaths, Golfer Paul Azinger: Cancer Survivor and Major Championship Winner, Top 10 Golfers In the History of the Champions Tour, Golfer Tom Weiskopf: Bio and Career Stats, PGA Tour record for largest margin of victory. Johnstone is noted for his excellent short game and topped the European Tour's short game statistics in 1998, 1999 and 2000. I will go and research all his wins and then make another comment. As a five-time PGA Tour winner with 12 top-10 finishes in majors and two European Tour wins, his fall from grace since his victory at the 2019 Phoenix Open has been tough to watch. Farewell to the Honda Classic, as we know it. He's a decent. Yes, the retired Ken Venturi deserves a spot on any list of current golf announcers, in my opinion! Sorry to say, Peter Alliss has died today, aged 89, the greatest of them all. Kelly Tilghman Kelly Tilghman (born August 6, 1969, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) was a broadcaster for The Golf Channel, and the PGA Tour's first female lead golf announcer. Kass Naidoo regarded as an award-winning sports journalist and achieved her dream of becoming South Africa's first female television cricket commentator at the age of 27. He defines insipid, trite, boring, clumsy, sophomoric to name just a few of his distasteful attributes. "Firstly, given that he is probably the most recently retired player commentating he will be a lot closer and understand the current game better than anyone else might do. Both teams were tied on 17 points and Ernie battled Tiger in a sudden-death playoff to decide the winner. 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