Kevin Kisner never anticipated that his golf career would coincide with a burgeoning role in broadcasting as he navigated a challenging phase in his game. A year ago, he found himself outside the top 200 players on the PGA Tour for the first time in a decade, grappling for form when NBC reached out to him with an offer to step into the broadcast booth for The Sentry at Kapalua.
On Wednesday, NBC Sports revealed that Kisner will take on the role of lead analyst for its golf coverage, which encompasses two major tournaments and the Ryder Cup. This comes in the wake of the network’s search for a successor to Paul Azinger and Johnny Miller. Many are curious about what sets Kisner apart, considering his relatable demeanor and South Carolina background.
“I’ve questioned that myself,” Kisner stated. “I believe I provide a viewpoint that focuses on the players. I won’t sugarcoat my analysis just because I’m in this role. I plan to speak candidly about the performances, whether that’s highlighting a poor shot or a bad decision, while still maintaining good relationships with fellow players.”
NBC underwent a transition period after parting ways with Azinger following the 2023 Ryder Cup held near Rome. Kisner, alongside other noted figures like Brandel Chamblee, Luke Donald, Paul McGinley, and Brad Faxon, took turns serving alongside lead announcer Dan Hicks. The network opted to take its time in solidifying a long-term choice for the analyst position.
Ultimately, Kisner emerged as the selected candidate. Tommy Roy, NBC’s lead golf producer, expressed confidence in Kisner, stating, “Kevin has consistently provided honest and straightforward insights about golf during our discussions over the years. His forthrightness and engaging nature position him as an excellent addition to our broadcast team. He possesses a deep understanding of the players and the game, which audiences will appreciate as we include more of his thoughts this season.”
Kisner remains active in his golf career, having earned over $29 million throughout his time on the PGA Tour. Utilizing a one-time exemption based on his lifetime earnings has secured him a spot through 2025. A four-time champion, Kisner boasts a World Golf Championship title at the Match Play event and two additional appearances in championship matches. He has participated in the Presidents Cup in 2017 and 2022, and served as an assistant in the most recent event at Royal Montreal.
His plan includes fulfilling responsibilities at 10 tournaments, with key events like the U.S. Open and British Open, alongside the FedEx Cup playoffs and The Players Championship. He intends to participate in at least a couple of tournaments during the Florida leg of NBC’s broadcast series.
Kisner still identifies as an active player and has noted improvements in his swing. “NBC has been very supportive of my ongoing golfing endeavors, which is why I was open to negotiations with them. Their intention is to have me at significant events where I may not qualify, and they’ve been understanding about my participation if I manage to enter. This arrangement truly works in my favor. NBC is excited about me competing during CBS’s weeks of coverage, and I aim to perform well in those events,” he explained.
While he often asserts that “this isn’t a hobby,” next year is likely to see Kisner taking a prominent position in the NBC broadcast booth much more frequently than competing on the course.