Nick Faldo is doing fine in his job as analyst for The Golf Channel and CBS, but right now, he’s no Johnny Miller.
Miller is one of the best analysts in sports, not an easy accomplishment in the staid world of golf. True, sometimes he says outlandish things – where exactly was that pebble in the TPC Sawgrass Stadium course, Johnny? – but he’s more often right than wrong. The only better analyst in sports right now is Charles Barkley.
His main attribute, of course, is that he is willing to tell viewers what they just saw and know to be true: this guy choked, this guy made a stupid mistake, and this guy just ain’t that good.
He’s also extremely knowledgeable about the players, picking up on nuances that others either miss of afraid to talk about.
Faldo has a better sense of humor and doesn’t go through as many extended babble sessions as Miller, but isn’t as provocative or willing to say something controversial. He’s much newer at the game, of course, and I hope he gains the confidence to tell it like it is.
He’s easier to listen to than Miller’s monotone, but he too frequently seems to be on auto-pilot, which must be easy to do after talking about golf for hours on end. Still, right now, he’s the second-best golf analyst, not bad for such a short time on the job.
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Jason Scott Deegan:
The Accidental Golfer:
Katharine Dyson:
Kiel Christianson:
I agree with you 100 percent on Miller. I've often said that he's the best commentator in golf; his honesty is refreshing and his knowledge of the game formidable. To add to what you said, his knowledge of technique and shot selection is impressive as well; he will point out things that most commentators do not understand or do not discern.
I actually had forgotten about Alliss; yes, he's one of a kind. His combination of accent, good-natured charm and wit cannot be duplicated.
And can someone explain to me his agenda on trying to bring back the "reverse C"?
Personally, I was fond of Alliss, because he blends a knowledge with some wit and charm. I think Faldo has potential if he wants to take broadcasting seriously, based on that same premise. I like Ian Baker-Finch for his analysis without being a boor, and obviously McCord and Feherty for keeping it light. Rankin isn't bad.
Tilghman doesn't cut the mustard, neither does Clampett. Not a Dottie Pepper fan, and Koch doesn't impress me as being "better than most".