The upcoming U.S. Open tournament will feature Brandel Chamblee as one of the lead analysts in NBC’s four-man booth. Chamblee, known for his controversial and unfiltered opinions, has put in a significant amount of preparation for this role, including studying tapes of previous lead analyst Johnny Miller to develop his own unique style. The 61-year-old golf commentator is stepping in to replace Paul Azinger, whose contract was not renewed by the network last fall. NBC had been utilizing a rotating cast of analysts to fill in for Azinger, and Chamblee was ultimately selected for the U.S. Open broadcast.
Chamblee will be paired with play-by-play man Dan Hicks, while analyst Brad Faxon will be paired with play-by-play man Mike Tirico. During the tournament’s “prime hours,” the two teams will switch off with Chamblee and Hicks covering the even holes, and Faxon and Tirico covering the odd holes. This new approach allows for more context to be provided by the play-by-play announcers, while giving analysts and on-course reporters more opportunities to engage with each other and provide insight into the players’ strategies and techniques. Sam Flood, executive producer and president of production at NBC Sports, highlighted the benefits of this odd/even system for commentator pairings.
Brandel Chamblee is no stranger to the golf media world, having served as an analyst for Golf Channel and being a prominent figure on the network’s “Live From” show. Chamblee’s willingness to undertake roles for both Golf Channel and NBC showcases his dedication to providing insightful commentary and analysis to viewers. His inclusion as one of the two lead analysts for the U.S. Open reflects NBC’s confidence in his ability to deliver intriguing and informative commentary during the tournament. With his distinct style and strong opinions, Chamblee is sure to bring a unique perspective to the coverage of the major golf event.
Tommy Roy, NBC’s lead golf producer, commended Chamblee for the amount of preparation he put into his role as a lead analyst for the U.S. Open. This preparation included studying tapes of Johnny Miller, a former lead analyst for NBC, as well as incorporating his own twist on the role. Chamblee’s dedication to learning from the best in the industry and adapting his style sets him up to succeed in his new position. With his biting opinions and in-depth knowledge of the golf world, Chamblee is likely to generate heated discussions and provide valuable insights during the U.S. Open broadcast. NBC’s decision to select Chamblee as one of the lead analysts for the tournament signals a new chapter in golf media coverage and sets the stage for an engaging and informative broadcast.
