NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller has "agreed to a one-year extension" with the net, according to Geoff Shackelford of GOLFWEEK. Miller has been with NBC for 28 years, and his current deal was set to expire after this year. NBC still has "no clear favorite to replace him in the 18th hole booth." Miller said, "I was ready to retire at the end of the year, to be real honest with you. And I'm not sure exactly why, but NBC basically said we need you to do some tournaments next year." Miller does not know how many tournaments he will call next year, but believes "eight or nine" will be the number. Miller: "Most likely I will do next year and then that should ... probably be it, but hey, who knows." Shackelford noted the move gives NBC and Golf Channel more time to find a replacement to work with Dan Hicks. The networks need to "find a comparable talent who has won majors and can offer pointed analysis." David Feherty, David Duval and Justin Leonard are some "potential replacements" (GOLFWEEK.com, 7/10).
I FEEL IT IN MY BONES: NBC signing Jim Mackay to work as an on-course analyst was a subject for the weekly GOLF.com roundtable, with Golf.com's Sean Zak calling the move "as obvious a hire as I think we've seen in the golf space." Mackay was Phil Mickelson's caddie for 25 years, and Zak wrote, "I'm stoked to hear him break down the importance of elements, yardages, club choice, etc." Golf magazine's Josh Sens noted while some broadcast hires are "head-scratchers," this is among the "no-brainers." SI's Jeff Ritter: "Love the hire and look forward to his commentary. If he enjoys it, why go back to carrying tour bags? I think there's a strong chance his looping days are done." Golf.com's Josh Berhow: "I can't wait to see what he has to offer." Golf.com's Michael Bamberger: "He'll be a breath of fresh air" (GOLF.com, 7/10).
THE LATEST TREND? GOLF DIGEST's Tim Rosaforte reported John Wood would like to follow Mackay and "transition from caddieing to broadcasting." Wood was part of the '15 PGA Tour RSM Classic broadcast team along with Mackay, and he "passed the audition." NBC/Golf Channel lead golf producer Tommy Roy said, "Both are very similar in that they're very savvy guys on the course. They were very successful at RSM in their first time out." Rosaforte noted Wood currently caddies for Matt Kuchar and is "in no hurry to make the move" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 7/10).
