Brandel Chamblee follows Paul McGinley and Kevin Kisner in trying out for the role after Paul Azinger’s departure
Brandel Chamblee will become the latest figure to try out for the NBC lead analyst role when the American enters the booth at this week’s American Express.
Since veteran analyst Paul Azzinger left, the position hasn’t been filled on a permanent basis. After the US Ryder Cup final in Rome in October, NBC did not extend the contract of the 2008 captain. Subsequently, Sports Illustrated revealed that Azzinger was in the midst of settling on a new contract when the decision to split was taken.
Irishman Paul McGinley filled in as lead analyst for the return of Tiger Woods at the Hero World Challenge, while four-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Kisner stepped into the booth at The Sentry, the Tour’s season-opening event a fortnight ago.
Now, though, it is the turn of Chamblee, who has been a long-time studio analyst for Golf Channel. The 61-year-old has long been a name in consideration to take over the role on a full-time basis.
However, reports suggest that NBC Sports is in no rush to make a permanent decision and is happy to continue with its rotating cast of lead analysts for a number of months.
A final decision could be made as late as the US Open in June, with several names in consideration such as Justin Leonard, Brad Faxon, David Duval, and Geoff Ogilvy.
Chamblee will make his debut appearance alongside the network’s broadcast team of Dan Hicks, Curt Byrum, Mark Rolfing, John Wood, Smylie Kaufman and Todd Lewis.
The American has been a divisive figure in recent years due to his vocal and consistent opposition to LIV Golf. Chamblee described the shock June 6 merger announcement as “one of the saddest days in the history of professional golf” but has since softened his stance following Jon Rahm’s departure for the 54-hole circuit.
“I’m hoping that the LIV deal closes soon. Early in December, he said on The Dan Patrick Show, “It’s clearly the best thing for the PGA Tour.”
It remains to be seen whether LIV survives if it passes. If not, it appears that Rahm was the calculated move LIV needed to make in order to bridge this merger, as both parties have interests in common.