My Favourite Golf Commentators is a short golf blog post that takes a look at some of my favourite voices in the world of golf commentary.
As a PGA Fellow Professional, I’ve always believed that golf is as much about the stories we tell as it is about the scores we post. Whether I’m coaching on the range or sharing insights on graemefish.com, I’m often reminded that the “Voices of the Game” are what truly bring the drama of the fairways into our living rooms.
From the whispers of the past to the high-energy analysis of today, let’s take a look at the commentators who have shaped our love for the game.
The Golden Era: The Masters of the Mic
When I first started my journey as a PGA Pro, the standard for commentary was built on timing and tone.
These legends knew that in golf, sometimes the best thing a commentator can do is say nothing at all.
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Henry Longhurst: The pioneer. He understood the “theatre of the mind.”
He could describe a missed three-footer with two words and a long silence, letting the viewer feel the agony of the player. -
Peter Alliss: To me, Peter was the ultimate. As a former Ryder Cup player and a peer in the professional ranks.
He brought a unique blend of technical authority and eccentric charm. He didn’t just call the golf; he narrated the human comedy of the game.
The Modern Booth: Strategy & Storytelling
The modern era has brought us closer to the action than ever before.
We now get a “deep dive” into the physics of the swing and the psychology of the “Sunday Back Nine.”
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Sir Nick Faldo & Trevor Immelman: Having Green Jackets in the booth is invaluable. They can articulate that specific “knot in the stomach” feeling when standing on the 12th tee at Augusta.
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Jim Nantz: The ultimate storyteller. His “Hello, Friends” isn’t just a greeting; it’s the official start of the golf season for many of us.
The Rise of the “On-Course” Analyst
This is perhaps my favourite part of modern broadcasting.
These analysts are the “boots on the ground,” giving us the perspective that the high-angle cameras miss.
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Wayne “Radar” Riley: You can’t talk about on-course reporting without mentioning Radar.
A former tour winner himself, Wayne brings a brilliant mix of Aussie wit and genuine tactical insight.
Whether he’s whispering from the edge of a bunker or jokingly “sparring” with the commentators in the booth, he has a way of making the viewer feel like they are walking right alongside the players.
He spots the “rub of the green” before the player even reaches the ball. -
Ken Brown: “Ken on the Course” was a masterclass in course architecture.
His use of a simple plumb line or a golf ball to show the “breaks and borrows” of a green was visual coaching at its finest. -
Dottie Pepper: Dottie is incredibly sharp.
Her ability to read a player’s body language and predict a club selection before the caddie even pulls the headcover off is second to none. - David Feherty: If Radar provides the wit and Dottie provides the steel, David Feherty provides the soul.
Before Feherty, golf commentary was often hushed or formal. He broke the mould with a “caustic” and self-deprecating style that treated players like humans rather than statues.
Why Commentary Matters to Your Game
As a coach, I often tell my students to listen to how these experts describe a “balanced finish” or “swing rhythm.”
The terminology they use isn’t just for TV; it’s the same language we use during a lesson to help you find more consistency.
When Radar points out a player’s alignment or Nick Faldo mentions a “quiet lower body,” they are giving you a free masterclass in the fundamentals.
Who is your favourite commentator?
Do you prefer the traditional style of Alliss or the on-course energy of Radar?
Come find me on Twitter @fishypro or Instagram fishypro_golf and let’s talk about it!
And if you want to make sure your swing looks as good as the ones they’re analysing on TV, then head over to graemefish.com to check out my latest tips.
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