Former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk is exploring television as the lead analyst for Golf Channel during its weekday broadcasts of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and the Players Championship.
His role also encompasses Golf Channel’s two hours of lead-in coverage on the weekends at Bay Hill.
“It’s likely on a trial basis, to see how much I enjoy it and to get accustomed to it,” Furyk stated. “With any new venture, it’s a learning experience. There’s a rhythm and flow to how the show operates. I’m concentrating on performing well for these two weeks.”
Furyk will join announcer Terry Gannon in the booth for both tournaments.
This marks the second occasion this year that Golf Channel has introduced a new voice. Roger Maltbie, who dedicated over 30 years to NBC, contributed to Golf Channel’s coverage at Pebble Beach as part of a five-tournament agreement that includes the Memorial and Cadillac Championship at Doral (both CBS productions), along with Bay Hill and The Players.
Television is not entirely unfamiliar territory for Furyk.
He briefly appeared in the booth at The Players in 2004 while recuperating from surgery on his left wrist. Last year, during his recovery from hip replacement surgery, he participated in Golf Channel’s coverage of The Ally Challenge at Warwick Hills, where he achieved two victories. This was conducted from the PGA Tour Studios alongside Paul Azinger.
“It’s a different experience doing it from Ponte Vedra,” Furyk remarked. “It will be enjoyable to be on-site, reconnect with some friends, and discuss something I’ve been involved with for 30 years.”
Furyk boasts 17 victories on the PGA Tour, including his 2003 U.S. Open championship and his FedEx Cup title in 2010, when he was honored as player of the year. He is among five individuals who have served as U.S. captain in both the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
“When you observe Jim Furyk compete … there is an undeniable passion and intensity within him,” commented Tom Knapp, executive vice president and general manager at Golf Channel. “Jim is one of the most successful golfers in recent times, and we are excited to have him bring that competitive spirit into the Golf Channel booth.”
Golf Channel will provide four hours of coverage at Bay Hill on weekdays, and two hours before NBC’s broadcast on Saturday and Sunday. It will air six hours (1 p.m. to 7 p.m.) on weekdays at The Players.
