Paul Azinger has not appeared earlier than the golf world because the 2023 Ryder Cup, which marked his final occasion with NBC Sports activities.
Within the weeks that adopted, the community determined to not renew Azinger’s contract, leaving the lead analyst place vacant.
Curt Byrum, Paul McGinley, Brandel Chamblee, Kevin Kisner, and, most lately, Luke Donald have all rotated out and in of the chair alongside Dan Hicks since.
Nonetheless, Azinger caught up with Adam Schupak of Golfweek and provided some onerous truths in regards to the present state {of professional} golf and his break up from NBC.
“I don’t need to get in an excessive amount of sizzling water and make large headlines or something, however the most effective gamers aren’t on the PGA Tour,” Azinger mentioned.
“They’re scattered in every single place, and that’s a tragic day that’s much like what occurred in tennis. The most effective gamers are going to be on the 4 majors, similar to tennis, and it’s unfolding proper earlier than our eyes.”
LIV Golf has poached dozens of former PGA Tour stars, together with Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson. Different high gamers now play on the Saudi-backed circuit, too, with maybe no person on the earth taking part in higher than Joaquin Niemann.
Niemann lately gained his second LIV Golf occasion in Saudi Arabia this previous weekend.
“The most effective gamers aren’t all taking part in PGA Tour tournaments. That’s over,” Azinger bluntly mentioned.
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“Immediately, the LIV Tour, let’s simply say it like this: the PGA Tour has quick change into the qualifier for LIV, and it’s a tragic day for golf. Yeah, I’ve watched a bit of bit and I’m not I’m not lacking it that a lot. I’m not lacking it in any respect.”
Regardless of the framework settlement signed by the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi Public Funding Fund (PIF) in June 2023, golf continues to be divided. That deal basically settled all lawsuits between the 2 sides, as the game continues to sputter on the skilled stage.
Therefore, Azinger doesn’t miss his function with NBC Sports activities.
If he had been approached by a community once more sooner or later, he would quite work for the Champions Tour versus the PGA Tour.
“I’m over the PGA Tour,” Azinger added.
“To name the most effective senior gamers on the earth, no less than they’re the most effective.”
As for who ought to function his long-term alternative within the lead chair, Azinger provided a stunning identify.
“Charles Barkley needs to be the analyst,” Azinger mentioned.
“He understands what it’s like for an athlete to attempt to pull it off on the finish when his entire life is dedicated to one thing and he’s acquired his probability and the world’s watching. Barkley is aware of what that seems like. However Barkley in all probability goes to be dearer, in order that’s not what they’re capturing for…
“That’s the truth. All the things is about making it inexpensive. It’s a disgrace.”
Azinger additionally criticized his former employer for cost-cutting, saying he skilled loads of finances cuts throughout his five-year stint with NBC.
NBC additionally refused Azinger’s counteroffer throughout contract discussions final fall, which led to their divorce.
Alas, Azinger is content material to be out of the fray that’s professional golf. He’s fortunately fishing in Florida, soaking within the solar, and dealing on a course design in Myakka Metropolis, Florida, situated 40 minutes east of Sarasota.
It sounds peaceable.
Much more peaceable than golf’s present debacle.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. You should definitely take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.
