Joe Buck and Greg Norman will be Fox Sports' top on-air voices when the network debuts its golf coverage next year, according to several sources. The two will be set up in the 18th green tower at the '15 U.S. Open, when the event will be held at Chambers Bay outside Seattle. The decision to tap Buck and Norman comes as somewhat of a surprise, as neither has announced golf on television before. Norman, a two-time British Open winner, is a member of the Golf HOF. Buck is said to be a scratch golfer who is knowledgeable about the sport. Buck already is Fox' top voice, anchoring the network's "A" announce teams for the NFL and MLB. The network has not finalized other announcer positions yet, and it is not clear when the network plans to formally announce Buck and Norman. Fox declined comment. Fox picked up the rights to the U.S. Open from NBC last August as part of a 12-year deal with the USGA worth more than $1B. The package's rights include the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, U.S. Senior Open and the USGA's 10 amateur competitions. The decision on which announcers would take the lead is one that has been closely watched. In addition to having the highest bid, Fox sold the USGA on its image as an innovative broadcaster that will change the way networks carry golf. NBC has broadcast the U.S. Open since '95.
