NBC Sports Golf Producer Tommy Roy yesterday said that two of his long-time commentators, Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie, have "signed new deals with reduced schedules," adding that the arrangement will create an opportunity for the newly signed David Feherty to "step in as a tower announcer or walking reporter," according to Martin Kaufmann of GOLFWEEK. Feherty was formally introduced as a member of NBC yesterday, and said that the "comfort level stemming from his existing relationship with Golf Channel influenced his decision to expand his relationship with the NBC Sports Group." Roy said, "Our entire team became members of the Feherty fan club after working with him at the 2011 Presidents Cup, where we saw his tremendous talents up close, and his personality and likeability meshed perfectly with our on-air and our behind-the-scenes group. So it goes without saying how much his wit spices up a telecast, but his ability to analyze, in my opinion, like he has at the Masters, is off-the-charts good" (GOLFWEEK.com, 9/15). Feherty, who officially begins with NBC on Jan. 1, typically worked only weekends with CBS, but with NBC/Golf Channel’s PGA Tour rights, he will now be working all four rounds on a regular basis. The added tower work is something he reportedly wanted more of at CBS. Feherty: “I really enjoy being in the tower and having a little more time to describe things" (Josh Carpenter, Staff Writer).
FAMILIAR FACE: In N.Y., Richard Sandomir notes Feherty "has been familiar to Golf Channel viewers through his interview program, 'Feherty,' which is in its fifth season as one of the network’s most popular prime-time shows." CBS had "no problem sharing him with Golf Channel but chose not to pay him what he wanted to stay on its golf schedule" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/16). Feherty will continue shooting episodes of his eponymous talk show, as well as a to-be-determined rollout of “Feherty 2.0,” show producer Keith Allo said. Allo was mum on details but said the new show “will add some wrinkles” while still playing to Feherty’s strengths as an interviewer. Feherty said he is most looking forward to calling upcoming Ryder Cup competitions as well as next year’s Rio Games, where his responsibilities could expand beyond golf. “I certainly wouldn’t rule that out," he said. "I’d love to be able to do it, but that’s not up to me” (Carpenter). Feherty also said that he "can’t wait to work the British Open." Feherty: “The Open Championship is the world's greatest golf tournament. It's the oldest, it's the biggest, and I had a couple of chances to win it. Fortunately I didn't because it would have screwed up this career completely" (USATODAY.com, 9/15).
