NBC has made changes to its golf coverage, promoting Curt Byrum to the lead analyst role for the upcoming Hero World Challenge. Byrum, 64, is a former PGA Tour winner and has been working as an analyst for the Golf Channel since 2001.
The move comes as a result of NBC not renewing Paul Azinger’s contract, who had been the lead analyst since 2019. According to a report by Sports Illustrated, the decision was made after Azinger rejected a contract offer that would have led to a pay cut. NBC thanked Azinger for his contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.
In addition to Azinger’s departure, NBC has also parted ways with on-course analysts Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie in the past year. It remains to be seen who will permanently replace Azinger, but for now, Byrum will take on the lead analyst role for the Hero World Challenge.
The tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods, will see Woods make his return after ankle surgery. The invitational event will feature a 20-player field at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas, with reigning FedEx Cup champion Viktor Hovland as the defending event champion.