Great White Shark Greg Norman has been dumped as lead golf analyst by the FOX network in the US.
The two-time major winner made his broadcasting debut to mixed reviews at Chambers Bay in June but won’t get a second chance at Oakmont this year after being officially relieved of his duties. However he got a trail run behind the ‘mike’ in December 2014 when he hosted the Shark Shootout in Naples, Florida.
FOX Sports released a statement Monday US time announcing the change, though no replacement has yet been named.
“After careful consideration, we have decided to make this change to our USGA Championships coverage,” Fox Sports president of production and executive producer John Entz said in a press release.
“We want to thank Greg for his contributions last year, and wish him success in all his current and future endeavours.”
Great White Shark Greg Norman loses his bite behind the mike.
The lead analyst position is one of the most sought after and difficult in golf, requiring a delicate balance of knowledge and compassion alongside an ability to speak one’s mind fearlessly.
Norman, and the entire FOX Sports team, attracted plenty of criticism during the US Open at Chambers Bay though few would have suspected he would be the first to go.
Anchor Joe Buck, better known for his work in baseball, was also an unpopular figure for the week but there has ben no suggestion he will be moved on.
For his part Norman told LINKS Magazine, who broke the story on Twitter, he was disappointed to be going but hopeful of another opportunity elsewhere.
“All I can say is this: going from what I was told by many at FOX and the USGA, knowing all that I put into the process, and considering it was my first run at it, I thought I did a good job. Not great, but good,” he said.
“Like trying to be the best you can be in golf, the more practice you have, the better you get. I only had one US Open Championship. I would have liked another opportunity, as it was so new to all of us last year.
“The learning curve was one that I truly enjoyed and I do believe I have a wealth of golfing experience on and off the course, design philosophy and agronomy knowledge, that someday I could express to the world. So I will certainly keep my options open.”
No replacement has yet been named for Norman though many are campaigning for 2008 Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger to get the job.
- Story by Rod Mori – www.golflink.com
