Johnny Miller is arguably one of the most controversial pundits in the golf business. But that time is coming to an end, with Miller, the colour commentator for NBC Sports, stepping aside, and former PGA Championship and Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger taking on one of the sport’s most high-profile jobs. His final broadcast will be the Waste Management Phoenix Open the first weekend of February.
“I was always groomed by my dad to win the U.S. Open,” Miller said on a conference call. “When I won at Oakmont, that was my best moment there, the best round I ever played. And then announcing, to be able to work with an amazing team … everybody behind the scenes, I learned how to be a team player. Or tried to be, anyway.”
Miller, 71, has been the voice of golf for nearly 30 years. He became an announcer after a successful career as a pro, which included a dramatic win at the U.S. Open at Oakmont and a British Open title. As a player, Miller was known for being an incredible ball striker, but one who often struggled with his putting. His issues with the flatstick drove him out of the professional ranks.
In the broadcast booth one thing is clear: Miller’s remarks have upset many golfers over the years.
Here’s some of his most memorable outbursts:
1990: Miller raised a lot of eyebrows when he was the first TV announcer to talk of a golfer “choking” over a high-pressure shot. “The easiest shot to choke on,” Miller said, referring to a shot facing Peter Jacobson.
1999: At the Ryder Cup, which the Americans would win in dramatic fashion, Miller says American Justin Leonard should have stayed at the hotel instead of playing. Jim Furyk ripped back at Miller: “The flip side is he’s very popular with the viewers. People love hearing stuff like that, but people love going to NASCAR to watch wrecks, too. I don’t know what that says about us.”
2004: “If Ben Hogan saw that, he’d puke.” Miller on the swing of Australian golfer Craig Parry.
2008: Tiger Woods battles Rocco Mediate in a playoff at the U.S. Open. Miller remarks: “Guys with the name of Rocco don’t get the trophy, do they? He looks more like the guy who cleans Tiger’s swimming pool.”
2010: At the Ryder Cup, Miller takes a shot at Phil Mickelson, a regular punching bag for the commentator: “If he couldn’t chip, he’d be selling cars in San Diego.”
2010: At the U.S. Open, Miller compares the questionable play of golfers in the field to a notorious oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. “After looking at the field right now, I don’t know who’s leaking more oil — the field or British Petroleum.”
2012: Talking about Tiger Woods at the Masters, Miller says the golfer buckled under the attention. “He goes to the Masters and really fell apart from pressure. The first time in his whole career I can say that Tiger actually gagged just a little bit because he wanted it so bad.”
2013: After Miller takes a shot at Ian Poulter for slow play in Hawaii, claiming the golfer was being “dramatic,” the Englishman shot back, tweeting: “Johnny miller why don’t you come interview me live and say that stuff straight to my face…… Was you watching a different channel.”
Johnny miller why don't you come interview me live and say that stuff straight to my face…… Was you watching a different channel.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) January 6, 2013
Johnny Miller was not necessarily a gentle person with his comments in a sport that doesn’t tolerate trash-talking. He added humor and perspective that pushed some boundries. That’s OK; it’s one of the roles of a commentator. Let’s hope that Paul Azinger has the courage to do the same.
Admired his skills however, when he was young I disliked him because he was so cocky. Still remember an interview he did for a golf magazine where he was quoted as saying “There’s a new gun in town”. As I recall Jack won the tournament.
As an announcer he has been my favourite since he started. His honsty will be greatly missed.
Bye, Johnny; I was always a fan of your career.
I’m 70 and a leftie who plays golf with right-handed clubs.