Golf tournaments are a gripping watch, but then major events don’t happen all the time. Often, we have to settle for watching golf announcers and commentators break down our favorite golfers or tournaments. Whether giving a play-by-play analysis of a particular event or interviewing pro golfers, golf journalists have the skills and knowledge to make every conversation enjoyable. Some of the iconic TV voices on this list have spent some time on tour and therefore bring their on-course experience to the big screen, while others carry the kind of charm and humor that make them captivating.
Top 10 Most Iconic TV Voices in Golf
Jim Nantz
American sportscaster Jim Nantz has been perfecting his craft since 1985, presenting the PGA TOUR on CBS since 1986 and covering the Masters since 1989. The legendary anchor is CBS Sports’ main guy for NBA, NFL, and PGA TOUR play-by-play commentary.
Jim boasts a diverse range of iconic golf moments, like the 2004 Masters when he made the “Is it his time?” comment on Phil Mickelson, and the 1986 Masters with the famous “the bear has come out of hibernation,” comment referring to Jack Nicklaus.
Peter Alliss
English commentator Peter Alliss earned the “Voice of Golf” nickname thanks to his prowess on the microphone and live coverage. Before the switch to media, Alliss was a pro golfer from 1947 to 1975, recording 31 professional wins and featuring in eight Ryder Cups.
As an announcer, he became famous for his overly blunt opinions, where he would not hesitate to criticize golfers when he felt they deserved a piece of his mind. Although his harsh words rubbed some people the wrong way, he remains one of the most gifted golf TV voices ever.
Dottie Pepper
Dottie Pepper was born in New York City and played professional golf between 1988 and 1995. After turning pro in 1988, Pepper recorded 25 professional wins, finished third in the U.S. Women’s Open three times, and won the ANA Inspiration award twice.
Pepper joined commentating in 2005, making headlines at the 2007 Solheim Cup with her interesting choice of words and then working with top media companies like ESPN and CBS.
Nick Faldo
Watching Jack Nicklaus in the 1971 Masters completely changed the future for Nick Faldo, who dedicated himself to golf from then on. Thankfully, the decision paid off massively, with Faldo turning pro in 1976, recording 43 professional wins, scooping six majors, and being world number one for 97 weeks in 1990.
As a commentator, the Englishman won the hearts of many fans with his insightful commentary, quick wit, and dry sense of humor while working for top media houses including CBS.
David Feherty
Northern Irish broadcaster David Feherty is one of the best in golf coverage, having gained immense experience as a professional golfer between 1976 and 1997. As a commentator, Feherty is famous for speaking his mind in an unfiltered way, working for CBS between 1997 and 2015 before switching to NBC Sports.