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{{update|date=June 2018}}
{{use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| name = Fox USGA
| image = FOX USGA 2015.jpg
| image = FOX USGA 2015.jpg
| runtime = 6 hours or until tournament ends
| runtime = 6 hours or until tournament ends
| creator = [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]]
| creator = [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]]
| starring = [[Joe Buck]]<br>[[Paul Azinger]]
| opentheme = "USGA" by Brian Tyler
| starring = [[Joe Buck]]<br>[[Paul Azinger]]
| opentheme = "USGA" by Brian Tyler
| country = United States
| country = United States
| company = [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]]
| company = [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]]
| network = [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]<br>[[Fox Sports 1]]
⚫
| first_aired = {{Plainlist|
| network = [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]<br>[[Fox Sports 1]]
* {{Start date|2011}}
| picture_format = [[480i]] ([[SDTV]])<br>[[720p]] ([[HDTV]])
* {{Start date|2014}} - {{End date|2019}}
⚫
| first_aired = 2011, 2014
}}
| last_aired = 2019
| num_episodes = 3
| last_aired =
| num_episodes = 3
| website = http://www.foxsports.com/golf
}}
}}


'''Golf coverage on [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]] properties''' have occurred occasionally since 1999. From [[1999 PGA Tour|1999]] through [[2002 PGA Tour|2002]], its [[regional sports network]] group [[Fox Sports Networks]] (FSN) sub-licensed early-round coverage of [[PGA Tour]] events from [[Golf Channel]] (a network in which Fox was an early investor).
'''''Fox USGA''''' is the branding for [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]]' [[television broadcast]]s of the professional (open) and amateur championships of the [[United States Golf Association]].<ref name=bc>{{cite web |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/494969-Fox_Sports_Reaches_Rights_Deal_for_Golf_s_U_S_Open.php |title=Fox Sports Reaches Rights Deal for Golf's U.S. Open |last=Baysinger |first=Tim |date=August 7, 2013 |website=Broadcasting & Cable |accessdate=August 7, 2013}}</ref><ref name=usfxsch16>{{cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com/golf/usga/story/2016-usga-on-fox-schedule-dates-times-tv-info-for-every-event-041316 |work=Fox Sports |title=2016 USGA on FOX schedule: Dates, times, TV info for every event |date=April 13, 2016 |accessdate=June 20, 2016}}</ref>

From 2015 to June 2020, Fox served as the broadcaster of the national open tournaments and amateur championships of the [[United States Golf Association]] (USGA), including the [[U.S. Open (golf)|U.S. Open]] — one of the four [[Men's major golf championships]], under a 12-year deal. Coverage aired on the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox broadcast network]], [[Fox Sports 1]], [[Fox Sports 2]], and [[Fox Deportes]]. In late-June 2020, however, Fox announced that it would opt out of the contract, and sell the remainder to former USGA broadcast television rightsholder [[NBC Sports]].


==Background==
==Background==


===Early FOX Sports golf involvement===
===Early Fox Sports golf involvement===
Fox Sports partnered with [[Greg Norman]] in the early 1990s to create the World Golf Tour, which would have consisted of six events televised on Fox. However, the proposed events were met with legal issues (including a threat by [[PGA Tour]] commissioner [[Tim Finchem]] to suspend any golfer who participates).<ref>{{Cite web|date=1994-12-01|title=Fox Will Keep Eye on Golf Battle : Television: Network won't take part in legal conflicts between PGA Tour and World Tour.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-12-01-sp-3765-story.html|access-date=2020-11-30|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> In 1996, Fox acquired a minority stake in [[Golf Channel]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Dempsey |first=John |date=2001-05-23 |title=Fox Cable, Comcast race for channels |url=https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/fox-cable-comcast-race-for-channels-1117799894/ |access-date=2020-06-29 |website=Variety |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Farrell |first=Mike |title=Golf, Outdoor Stakes Sold In Fox's Speedvision Race |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/golf-outdoor-stakes-sold-foxs-speedvision-race-132039 |access-date=2020-06-29 |website=Multichannel |language=en-us}}</ref>
Fox Sports partnered with [[Greg Norman]] in the early 1990s to create a world golf tour, which would have consisted of six events televised on Fox. However, [[PGA Tour]] commissioner [[Tim Finchem]] threatened to suspend any player participating in the events, and as a result created the [[World Golf Championships]] events, which were televised by [[PGA Tour on CBS|CBS]] and [[PGA Tour on ABC|ABC]].

Fox Sports bid for a portion of the television rights starting in [[1999 PGA Tour|1999]], but the PGA Tour declined the offer.

[[Fox Sports Net]] served as a simulcast outlet for [[The Golf Channel]]'s early round telecasts from 1999–2002. The Golf Channel had limited carriage, and FSN expanded the viewing audience, however the telecasts were complete Golf Channel telecasts and made no reference to Fox.

===Recent involvement and USGA rights===
⚫
In 2011, Fox Sports gained the rights to the [[CVS Caremark Charity Classic]], which is an unofficial money event on the PGA Tour, and had been previously televised by [[Golf Channel]]. The coverage aired on [[Fox Sports Net]], with [[Kraig Kann]] hosting. Fox did not renew its rights for 2012.

On August 6, 2013, Fox Sports announced a 12-year deal<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usga.org/news/2013/August/USGA-and-Fox-Sports-Agree-to-Partnership/ |title=USGA And Fox Sports Tee Up Landmark Partnership |publisher=USGA |date=August 7, 2013}}</ref> to broadcast the three open championships of the USGA: the [[U.S. Open (golf)|U.S. Open]], [[United States Women's Open Championship (golf)|Women's Open]], and [[U.S. Senior Open|Senior Open]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/u-s-senior-open-on-fox-improves-upon-last-weeks-debut.html|title=U.S. Senior Open on Fox Improves Upon Last Week's Debut|last1=Kaufman|first1=Alex|date=June 30, 2015|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> beginning in 2015.<ref name=bc/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2013/august/fox-awarded-rights-for-golf-s-us-open.html |title=Fox awarded rights for golf's US Open |first=Joe |last=Lucia |date=August 7, 2013}}</ref> Fox succeeded the USGA's long-term relationships with [[NBC Golf|NBC Sports]] and [[Golf on ESPN|ESPN]]. Fox, which has televised just one PGA Tour sanctioned event in its history (the unofficial [[CVS Charity Classic]] in 2011), paid [[United States dollar|$]]1 billion for full rights to all USGA championships.

The Fox network airs the final two days of the U.S. Open, Women's Open, Senior Open, and [[United States Amateur Championship (golf)|Amateur]], as well as late coverage of the first two days of the U.S. Open. The rest of the coverage airs on [[Fox Sports 1]]. Also, the final two days of the U.S. Open air on Spanish-language channel [[Fox Deportes]].<ref>[http://www.usga.org/articles/2015/02/fox-sports-announces-2015-usga-championship-broadcast-schedule-21474878643.html http://www.usga.org/articles/2015/02/fox-sports-announces-2015-usga-championship-broadcast-schedule-21474878643.html] - 4 February 2015</ref>

NBC's lead analyst [[Johnny Miller]] expressed disappointment at the loss, saying that he "had a feeling" NBC would not retain rights, and that Fox would not be able to "fall out of a tree and do the U.S. Open."<ref name=gc-usgaannounce>{{cite web|title=Timing of USGA-Fox announcement rankles many|url=http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golftalkcentral/timing-usga-fox-announcement-rankles-many/|website=GolfChannel.com|accessdate=January 11, 2015}}</ref> NBC held the USGA rights for the previous two decades, from [[1995 U.S. Open (golf)|1995]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2016/fox-fs1-u-s-open-coverage-provides-lowest-four-day-average-on-record-since-95.html|title=FOX-FS1 U.S. OPEN COVERAGE PROVIDES LOWEST FOUR-DAY AVERAGE ON RECORD (SINCE '95)|last1=Bucholtz|first1=Andrew|date=June 25, 2016|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> through [[2014 U.S. Open (golf)|2014]].


Fox Sports bid for a portion of the PGA Tour's television rights starting in [[1999 PGA Tour|1999]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=1997-05-12|title=Fox Gets Left Out as PGA Signs Four-Year TV Deal|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-12-sp-58044-story.html|access-date=2020-06-29|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> Although it did not gain the broadcast package (which was divided among the [[Big Three networks]]), Golf Channel would [[simulcast]] its early-round coverage on Fox's [[regional sports network]]s group [[Fox Sports Networks]], as they had wider carriage. These simulcasts ended after 2002, when the PGA Tour's cable rights were acquired by [[ESPN]] and [[USA Network]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ferguson|first=Doug|date=2000-08-12|title=The Golf Channel becomes Tiger TV|url=https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/The-Golf-Channel-becomes-Tiger-TV-12137179.php|access-date=2020-06-29|website=The Register Citizen}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Barron|first=David|date=2001-07-16|title=PGA Tour signs lucrative TV rights deals|url=https://www.chron.com/news/article/PGA-Tour-signs-lucrative-TV-rights-deals-2029651.php|access-date=2020-06-29|website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref> Fox had also sold its minority stakes in Golf Channel and [[NBCSN|Outdoor Life Network]] to [[Comcast]], as part of a transaction that saw Fox acquire Comcast's stakes in [[Speed (TV network)|Speedvision]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
On June 28, 2020, ''[[Associated Press]]'' golf writer Doug Ferguson wrote<ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson|first=Doug|date=June 28, 2020|title=AP sources: NBC gets US Open as Fox gets out of contract|url=https://apnews.com/c4c4d51a37303dc93a5f51e0c662c446|work=Associated Press|location= |access-date= }}</ref> that Fox has reportedly<ref>{{cite news |last=Rigdon|first=Jay|date=June 28, 2020|title=Fox reportedly asks out of USGA deal; U.S. Open will return to NBC|url=https://awfulannouncing.com/golf/fox-reportedly-asks-out-of-usga-deal-u-s-open-will-return-to-nbc.html|work=Awful Announcing|location= |access-date= }}</ref> asked out of the remainder of their 12 year long deal<ref>{{cite web|url= https://nypost.com/2020/06/28/fox-ending-1-2-billion-deal-with-golf-nbc-could-produce-us-open/|title=Fox Sports ending $1.2 billion deal with golf|website=New York Post|date=June 28, 2020|accessdate=June 28, 2020}}</ref> with the USGA, with NBC set to air the rescheduled [[2020 U.S. Open (golf)|2020 U.S. Open]] in September. The 2020 U.S. Open was originally scheduled for June 18–21 before being postponed to September 17–20 because of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Golf organizations new schedule |url=https://www.pgatour.com/news/2020/04/06/golf-organizations-new-schedule-changes-fedexcup-playoffs-tour-championship-masters-pga-championship-ryder-cup-us-open-the-open-championship-coronavirus.html |publisher=PGA Tour |accessdate=April 6, 2020}}</ref>


⚫
In 2011, Fox Sports gained the rights to the [[CVS Caremark Charity Classic]], which is an unofficial money event on the PGA Tour, and had been previously televised by Golf Channel. The coverage aired on [[Fox Sports Net]], with [[Kraig Kann]] hosting. Fox did not renew its rights for 2012.
====Lead-up to Fox's first U.S. Open====
Fox used several telecasts to prepare for airing its first U.S. Open in 2015. These broadcasts familiarized Fox's talent and production staff with broadcasting golf.


⚫
===USGA coverage===
First, Fox was given credentials for studio wraparound programming live from the [[2014 U.S. Open (golf)|2014 U.S. Open]]. This was allowed to compete with ESPN and NBC's studio programming. Newly named Fox golf hosts [[Joe Buck]] and [[Greg Norman]] hosted the programming.
On August 6, 2013, Fox Sports announced a 12-year, $1.1 billion deal to broadcast the open tournaments and amateur championships of the [[USGA]], including the [[U.S. Open (golf)|U.S. Open]], [[U.S. Senior Open]], and [[U.S. Women's Open]], beginning in 2015. Fox would replace [[Golf Channel on NBC|NBC]] and [[Golf on ESPN|ESPN]] as the rightsholders of the events.<ref name="bc">{{cite web|last=Baysinger|first=Tim|date=August 7, 2013|title=Fox Sports Reaches Rights Deal for Golf's U.S. Open|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/494969-Fox_Sports_Reaches_Rights_Deal_for_Golf_s_U_S_Open.php|access-date=August 7, 2013|website=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lucia|first=Joe|date=August 7, 2013|title=Fox awarded rights for golf's US Open|url=http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2013/august/fox-awarded-rights-for-golf-s-us-open.html|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref> NBC's lead analyst [[Johnny Miller]] expressed disappointment at the loss, saying that he "had a feeling" NBC would not retain rights, and that Fox would not be able to "fall out of a tree and do the U.S. Open."<ref name="gc-usgaannounce">{{cite web|title=Timing of USGA-Fox announcement rankles many|url=http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golftalkcentral/timing-usga-fox-announcement-rankles-many/|access-date=January 11, 2015|website=GolfChannel.com|archive-date=July 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714010335/http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golftalkcentral/timing-usga-fox-announcement-rankles-many/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


⚫
As a prelude to the new package, Fox televised the 2014 [[Franklin Templeton Shootout]], debuting its lead commentary team of [[Joe Buck]] and [[Greg Norman]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fang|first1=Ken|date=15 December 2014|title=Fox Sports' golf debut was better than expected|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/fox-sports-golf-debut-better-expected.html|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref> Fox's [[2015 U.S. Open (golf)|first U.S. Open]] had a total of 38.5 hours of coverage,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fang|first1=Ken|date=June 22, 2015|title=The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Fox's U.S. Open coverage|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-foxs-u-s-open-coverage.html|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Levy|first1=Dan|date=June 22, 2015|title=There Are 9 Easy Ways Fox Can Fix U.S. Open Golf Coverage for 2016|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/there-are-9-easy-ways-fox-can-fix-u-s-open-golf-coverage-for-2016.html|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Chase|first1=Chris|date=June 22, 2015|title=The 19 worst things about Fox's U.S. Open coverage|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/06/fox-us-open-coverage-review-horrible-mistakes-joe-buck-greg-norman-golf|website=For The Win}}</ref> with 22 on Thursday and Friday, and 16.5 hours on Saturday and Sunday;<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hagger|first1=Jeff|date=June 22, 1985|title=Shot chart from Fox Sunday US Open telecast - 2015|url=http://www.classictvsports.com/2015/06/shot-chart-from-fox-sunday-us-open.html|website=Classic TV Sports}}</ref> the Fox Sports 1 cable network had a total of 16 hours of coverage on Thursday and Friday. The Fox broadcast network had a total of 22.5 hours of coverage Thursday through Sunday, with six hours Thursday and Friday, and 16.5 hours Saturday and Sunday. Fox utilized a number of new technologies<ref>{{cite web|last=Fang|first=Ken|date=June 6, 2017|title=Fox Sports plans to tech out at the U.S. Open|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/golf/fox-sports-plans-tech-u-s-open.html|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref> during its production, including [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drone]] flyovers, a camera-equipped [[RC car]] for ground perspectives, and new graphics—including a live shot tracer, an [[augmented reality]] display of green contours, and a persistent top-5 leaderboard displayed in the bottom-right of the screen.<ref name="nypost-usopen">{{cite news|title=The ups and huge graphic down to FOX's US Open coverage|work=New York Post|url=https://nypost.com/2015/06/19/the-ups-and-huge-graphic-down-to-foxs-us-open-coverage/|access-date=12 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="fox-drones">{{cite news|title=The U.S. Open on television: Ready for drones, rail cams and robotics?|work=Golf Digest|url=http://www.golfdigest.com/story/the-us-open-on-television-read|access-date=October 12, 2015}}</ref>
Fox worked an unofficial PGA Tour event in the fall of 2014 at the [[Franklin Templeton Shootout]] in Florida,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/fox-sports-golf-debut-better-expected.html |title=Fox Sports' golf debut was better than expected|last1=Fang |first1=Ken |date=15 December 2014 |website=Awful Announcing |publisher= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.golfwrx.com/266665/grading-fox-sports-golf-debut/ |title=Grading Fox Sports' golf debut |last1=Iaciofano |first1=John |date=15 December 2014 |website=GolfWRX |publisher= |accessdate=}}</ref> with Buck and Norman hosting. This was the first time that the full Fox golf team did a telecast together.


Fox's coverage received mixed reviews by critics and viewers, noting technical issues with on-air graphics during early coverage of the first round, on-air personnel (including the chemistry between Buck and Norman, and use of NFL reporters such as [[Curt Menefee]]), and missed shots due to poor camera angles or other on-air segments, although Buck did receive positive reviews by some, as well as Fox's technical innovations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Geoff|date=June 18, 2015|title=Fox Sports' coverage of first golf major draws some criticism|newspaper=Seattle Times|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/golf/fox-sports-coverage-of-first-golf-major-draws-some-criticism/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Yoder|first1=Matt|date=June 19, 2015|title=First impressions from Fox's US Open golf coverage|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/first-impressions-from-foxs-us-open-golf-coverage.html|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Erskine|first=Chris|date=June 20, 2015|title=U.S. Open coverage on Fox is wild, but not too wild|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-us-open-fox-tv-erskine-20150621-column.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Imbert|first1=Fred|date=June 19, 2015|title=Fox Sports brings edge to US Open, upsetting traditional fans|url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/102772760|website=CNBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Chase|first1=Chris|date=June 19, 2015|title=Fox's U.S. Open coverage is completely lost in the weeds|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/06/fox-us-open-coverage-2015-nbc-joe-buck-greg-norman-nbc-review|website=For The Win}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Payne|first=Marissa|date=June 18, 2015|title=U.S. Open coverage on Fox Sports is not getting rave reviews|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/06/18/u-s-open-coverage-on-fox-sports-is-not-getting-rave-reviews/}}</ref>
The final preparation for the Fox team came in May 2015 at the [[U.S. Amateur Four-Ball]] at [[Olympic Club]] in [[San Francisco]]. Buck and Norman again hosted alongside the full Fox golf team.


In the lead-up to the 2016 U.S. Open, Norman was dismissed by Fox,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Greg Norman on Fox Firing: I Was Prepared; I Did My Homework|url=https://golf.com/news/tournaments/greg-norman-on-fox-firing-i-was-prepared-i-did-my-homework/|access-date=2020-11-30|website=Golf|language=en-US}}</ref> and replaced by [[Paul Azinger]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Paul Azinger Replaces Greg Norman at Fox Sports|url=https://golf.com/travel/paul-azinger-hired-as-fox-sports-analyst/|access-date=2020-11-30|website=Golf|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
====U.S. Open coverage====
In June 2015, the Fox family covered the U.S. Open for the first time, from [[Chambers Bay]] in [[University Place, Washington]], southwest of [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]]. Fox Sports 1 aired preview programming hosted by Holly Sonders on the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/first-impressions-from-foxs-us-open-golf-coverage.html|title=First impressions from Fox's US Open golf coverage|last1=Yoder|first1=Matt|date=June 19, 2015|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.golfdigest.com/blogs/the-loop/2015/06/hows-fox-doing-with-us-open-as.html|title=How's Fox doing with U.S. Open? As Tiger might say, it needs more reps|last1=Strege|first1=John|date=June 18, 2015|website=Golf Digest|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/06/fox-us-open-coverage-2015-nbc-joe-buck-greg-norman-nbc-review|title=Fox's U.S. Open coverage is completely lost in the weeds|last1=Chase|first1=Chris|date=June 19, 2015|website=For The Win|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Baker|first=Geoff|date=June 18, 2015|title=Fox Sports' coverage of first golf major draws some criticism|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/golf/fox-sports-coverage-of-first-golf-major-draws-some-criticism/|newspaper=Seattle Times|location= |access-date= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/102772760|title=Fox Sports brings edge to US Open, upsetting traditional fans|last1=Imbert|first1=Fred|date=June 19, 2015|website=CNBC|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Payne|first=Marissa|date=June 18, 2015 |title=U.S. Open coverage on Fox Sports is not getting rave reviews|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/06/18/u-s-open-coverage-on-fox-sports-is-not-getting-rave-reviews/|newspaper=The Washington Post|location= |access-date= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Erskine |first=Chris|date=June 20, 2015|title=U.S. Open coverage on Fox is wild, but not too wild|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-us-open-fox-tv-erskine-20150621-column.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|location= |access-date= }}</ref>


==== End of coverage ====
⚫
The 2015 edition of the U.S. Open had a total of 38.5 hours of coverage<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-foxs-u-s-open-coverage.html|title=The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Fox's U.S. Open coverage|last1=Fang|first1=Ken|date=June 22, 2015|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/there-are-9-easy-ways-fox-can-fix-u-s-open-golf-coverage-for-2016.html|title=There Are 9 Easy Ways Fox Can Fix U.S. Open Golf Coverage for 2016|last1=Levy|first1=Dan|date=June 22, 2015|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/06/fox-us-open-coverage-review-horrible-mistakes-joe-buck-greg-norman-golf|title=The 19 worst things about Fox's U.S. Open coverage|last1=Chase|first1=Chris|date=June 22, 2015|website=For The Win|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> in the United States, with 22 hours being on Thursday and Friday, and 16.5 hours being on Saturday and Sunday;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.classictvsports.com/2015/06/shot-chart-from-fox-sunday-us-open.html|title=Shot chart from Fox Sunday US Open telecast - 2015|last1=Hagger|first1=Jeff|date=June 22, 1985|website=Classic TV Sports|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> the Fox Sports 1 cable network had a total of 16 hours of coverage on Thursday and Friday. The Fox broadcast network had a total of 22.5 hours of coverage Thursday through Sunday, with six hours Thursday and Friday, and 16.5 hours Saturday and Sunday. Fox utilized a number of new technologies<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/golf/fox-sports-plans-tech-u-s-open.html|title=Fox Sports plans to tech out at the U.S. Open|last=Fang|first=Ken|date=June 6, 2017|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> during its production, including [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drone]] flyovers, a camera-equipped [[RC car]] for ground perspectives, and new graphics—including a live shot<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.classictvsports.com/2017/06/shot-chart-from-fox-sunday-us-open.html|title=Shot chart from Fox Sunday US Open telecast - 2017|last=Hagger|first=Jeff|date=June 18, 2017 |website=Classic TV Sports|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> tracer, an [[augmented reality]] display of green contours, and a persistent top-5 leaderboard displayed in the bottom-right of the screen.<ref name=nypost-usopen>{{cite news|title=The ups and huge graphic down to FOX's US Open coverage|url=https://nypost.com/2015/06/19/the-ups-and-huge-graphic-down-to-foxs-us-open-coverage/|accessdate=12 October 2015|work=New York Post}}</ref><ref name=fox-drones>{{cite news|title=The U.S. Open on television: Ready for drones, rail cams and robotics?|url=http://www.golfdigest.com/story/the-us-open-on-television-read|accessdate=October 12, 2015|work=Golf Digest}}</ref>
On June 29, 2020, it was announced that Fox Sports had opted out of the remaining seven years of its contract to cover USGA events, and had sold the remainder of the contract to [[NBC Sports]]. The re-scheduling of the [[2020 U.S. Open (golf)|2020 U.S. Open]] to September due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] had caused conflicts with Fox's football coverage, and the USGA forbade Fox from carrying the event exclusively on cable. While the network discussed the possibility of partnering with NBC on the 2020 tournament, this eventually "led to a broader conversation and eventual agreement for NBCUniversal to take over the USGA media rights".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goldsmith|first=Jill|date=June 29, 2020|title=Fox Sells Rights For United States Golf Association, Including U.S. Open, To NBC Sports|url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/fox-ssports-sells-rights-united-states-golf-association-u-s-open-nbc-sports-1202972535/|access-date=June 29, 2020|website=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Beall|first=Joel|date=June 29, 2020|title=USGA announces U.S. Open will move to NBC, ending relationship with FOX|url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/usga-announces-u-s--open-will-move-to-nbc--ending-relationship-w|magazine=Golf Digest|access-date=June 29, 2020}}</ref>


Due to being the only one of the four major networks that does not have any ties to the PGA Tour's media rights, Fox was anticipated as a potential US broadcaster for [[LIV Golf]]—a Saudi-backed golf competition also led by Norman; in September 2022, ''Golfweek'' reported that LIV was reaching a [[time-buy]] agreement to carry its events on Fox Sports 1.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2022-09-28 |title=Sources: LIV Golf nearing deal to buy time on Fox Sports to air its tournaments |url=https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/09/27/liv-golf-fox-sports-buy-time-to-air-tournaments/ |access-date=2023-03-30 |magazine=Golfweek |first=Eamon |last=Lynch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-09-28 |title=LIV Golf will reportedly pay Fox Sports to broadcast its tournaments |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/sep/28/liv-golf-fox-sports-television-deal |access-date=2023-03-30}}</ref> However, LIV denied the reports,<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Saudi-funded LIV Golf denies it is buying its own TV time on Rupert Murdoch's Fox |url=https://fortune.com/2022/09/29/liv-golf-denies-buying-tv-time-on-rupert-murdoch-fox-sports/ |access-date=2023-03-30 |magazine=Fortune |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> and ultimately signed with [[Nexstar Media Group]] and [[The CW]] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rice |first=Lynette |date=February 14, 2023 |title=LIV Golf Tour Clears 100 Percent Of US Markets (But Not All CW Stations) |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/liv-golf-tour-clears-100-percent-of-cw-stations-1235259435/ |access-date=February 15, 2023 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rice |first1=Lynette |last2=Hayes |first2=Dade |date=February 24, 2023 |title=LIV On CW: Behind Nexstar's Drive To Secure TV Stations For Controversial Golf League |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/liv-cw-nexstar-mexico-tourney-ad-buys-stations-expectations-1235268778/ |access-date=February 24, 2023 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref>
Fox again covered the Franklin Templeton Shootout in 2015. Norman's performance continued to come under criticism, and he was fired afterward. [[Paul Azinger]], out of a job after 11 years working with [[Mike Tirico]] at ESPN/ABC, replaced Norman in [[2016 U.S. Open (golf)|2016]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.classictvsports.com/2016/06/shot-chart-from-fox-sunday-us-open.html|title=Shot chart from Fox Sunday US Open telecast - 2016|last1=Haggar|first1=Jeff|date=June 19, 2016|website=Classic TV Sports|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref>


== Theme music ==
== Theme music ==
Fox did not carry over "In Celebration of Man", the [[Yanni]]-composed music that had been used by NBC for its U.S. Open coverage, choosing to commission film composer [[Brian Tyler (composer)|Brian Tyler]] to compose new music (after acquiring rights to [[The Open Championship]] beginning in [[2016 Open Championship|2016]], NBC instated an updated version of "In Celebration of Man" as its theme music for the tournament).<ref name="sbd-yanniopen">{{cite web|title=Names In The News|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2016/06/28/People-and-Pop-Culture/Names.aspx|website=Sports Business Daily|accessdate=29 June 2016}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/first-impressions-from-foxs-us-open-golf-coverage.html|title=What to expect on Fox's U.S. Open coverage|last1=Fang|first1=Ken|date=June 14, 2015|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> Tyler explained that his composition was intended to "capture the epic struggle, the challenge, the history, the heartbreak, and the elation of competitive golf," and acknowledged that "Sports and music have always had an important connection for me. I love the way iconic sports themes evoke the spirit of sporting events and can provide dramatic impact and nostalgic memory."<ref name=bww-briantyler>{{cite web|title=Brian Tyler Composes Theme Music for U.S. Open Championship on FOX|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Brian-Tyler-Composes-Theme-Music-for-US-Open-Championship-on-FOX-20150615#|website=Broadway World|accessdate=18 June 2015}}</ref>
Fox did not carry over "In Celebration of Man", the [[Yanni]]-composed music that had been used by NBC for its U.S. Open coverage, choosing to commission film composer [[Brian Tyler]] to compose new music (after acquiring rights to [[The Open Championship]] beginning in [[2016 Open Championship|2016]], NBC instated an updated version of "In Celebration of Man" as its theme music for the tournament).<ref name="sbd-yanniopen">{{cite web|title=Names In The News|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2016/06/28/People-and-Pop-Culture/Names.aspx|website=Sports Business Daily|access-date=29 June 2016}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/first-impressions-from-foxs-us-open-golf-coverage.html|title=What to expect on Fox's U.S. Open coverage|last1=Fang|first1=Ken|date=June 14, 2015|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref> Tyler explained that his composition was intended to "capture the epic struggle, the challenge, the history, the heartbreak, and the elation of competitive golf," and acknowledged that "Sports and music have always had an important connection for me. I love the way iconic sports themes evoke the spirit of sporting events and can provide dramatic impact and nostalgic memory."<ref name=bww-briantyler>{{cite web|title=Brian Tyler Composes Theme Music for U.S. Open Championship on FOX|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Brian-Tyler-Composes-Theme-Music-for-US-Open-Championship-on-FOX-20150615#|website=Broadway World|access-date=18 June 2015}}</ref>


==Commentators==
==Commentators==
{{see also|List of sports announcers#Golf|List of U.S. Open (golf) broadcasters}}
{{see also|List of sports announcers#Golf|List of U.S. Open (golf) broadcasters}}


On April 23, 2014, [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]] announced that [[Greg Norman]] would join [[Joe Buck]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/fox/can-fox-ever-get-love-golf-fans.html|title=Can Fox ever get some love from golf fans?|last=Fang|first=Ken|date=June 14, 2017|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/fox/joe-buck-misidentified-brooks-koepka-girlfriend-jena-sims-ex-becky-edwards.html|title=Joe Buck misidentified Brooks Koepka's girlfriend Jena Sims as his ex, Becky Edwards|last=Bucholtz|first=Andrew|date=June 18, 2017|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> as its lead golf commentary team.<ref name=thr-bucknorman>{{cite web |title=Joe Buck, Greg Norman to Co-Anchor Fox Sports 2015 Golf Coverage: 'We're Coming Right Out of the Gate' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joe-buck-greg-norman-anchor-698581 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 23, 2014 |first=Debbie |last=Emery |accessdate=April 24, 2014}}</ref> Buck and Norman worked together for the first time at the 2014 U.S. Open, where Fox produced studio programming that aired against ESPN and NBC's studio shows.
On April 23, 2014, [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]] announced that [[Greg Norman]] would join [[Joe Buck]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/fox/can-fox-ever-get-love-golf-fans.html|title=Can Fox ever get some love from golf fans?|last=Fang|first=Ken|date=June 14, 2017|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/fox/joe-buck-misidentified-brooks-koepka-girlfriend-jena-sims-ex-becky-edwards.html|title=Joe Buck misidentified Brooks Koepka's girlfriend Jena Sims as his ex, Becky Edwards|last=Bucholtz|first=Andrew|date=June 18, 2017|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref> as its lead golf commentary team.<ref name=thr-bucknorman>{{cite web |title=Joe Buck, Greg Norman to Co-Anchor Fox Sports 2015 Golf Coverage: 'We're Coming Right Out of the Gate' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/joe-buck-greg-norman-anchor-698581 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 23, 2014 |first=Debbie |last=Emery |access-date=April 24, 2014}}</ref> Buck and Norman worked together for the first time at the 2014 U.S. Open, where Fox produced studio programming that aired against ESPN and NBC's studio shows.


===2015 U.S. Open===
===2015 U.S. Open===
<ref>http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2015/06/11/fox-sports-tees-up-complete-broadcast-schedule-for-115th-u-s-open</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2015/06/11/fox-sports-tees-up-complete-broadcast-schedule-for-115th-u-s-open|title=FOX Sports Tees up Complete Broadcast Schedule for 115th U.S. Open|date=11 June 2015}}</ref>


On November 18, 2014, in advance of its coverage of the [[Franklin Templeton Shootout]], Fox announced the full layout of its golf team.<ref>http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2015/04/21/fox-sports-completes-usga-on-air-roster</ref>
On November 18, 2014, in advance of its coverage of the [[Franklin Templeton Shootout]], Fox announced the full layout of its golf team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2015/04/21/fox-sports-completes-usga-on-air-roster|title = FOX Sports Completes USGA On-Air Roster|date = 21 April 2015}}</ref>


*'''Booth announcers:''' [[Joe Buck]], [[Greg Norman]]
*'''Booth announcers:''' [[Joe Buck]], [[Greg Norman]]
Line 80: Line 69:


===2016 U.S. Open===
===2016 U.S. Open===
<ref>http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2016/06/08/fox-sports-tees-up-complete-broadcast-schedule-for-116th-u-s-open-championship</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2016/06/08/fox-sports-tees-up-complete-broadcast-schedule-for-116th-u-s-open-championship|title = FOX Sports Tees up Complete Broadcast Schedule for 116th U.S. Open Championship|date = 8 June 2016}}</ref>


In January 2016, Greg Norman was let go by Fox in response to poor reception towards his performance during the U.S. Open, and was replaced by former ESPN analyst [[Paul Azinger]].<ref name=trib-azinger>{{cite news|title=Paul Azinger replaces Greg Norman as lead golf announcer for Fox Sports|work=Chicago Tribune|url=}}</ref> The network's 2016 U.S. Open team:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latestnews/2016/04/25/veteran-announcers-bolster-fox-sports--2016-usga-championship-br|title=Veteran Announcers Bolster FOX Sports' 2016 USGA Championship Broadcast Team|publisher=foxsports.com|date=April 25, 2016|accessdate=June 19, 2016}}</ref>
In January 2016, Greg Norman was let go by Fox in response to poor reception towards his performance during the U.S. Open, and was replaced by former ESPN analyst [[Paul Azinger]].<ref name=trib-azinger>{{cite news|title=Paul Azinger replaces Greg Norman as lead golf announcer for Fox Sports|work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The network's 2016 U.S. Open team:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latestnews/2016/04/25/veteran-announcers-bolster-fox-sports--2016-usga-championship-br|title=Veteran Announcers Bolster FOX Sports' 2016 USGA Championship Broadcast Team|work=foxsports.com|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref>


*'''Booth announcers:''' [[Joe Buck]], [[Paul Azinger]], [[Brad Faxon]]
*'''Booth announcers:''' [[Joe Buck]], [[Paul Azinger]], [[Brad Faxon]]
Line 96: Line 85:


===2017 U.S. Open===
===2017 U.S. Open===
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/schedules/2017-us-open-announcing-schedule.html|title=Your 2017 US Open Announcers|publisher=Awfulannouncing.com|date=June 15, 2017|accessdate=December 4, 2017}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/schedules/2017-us-open-announcing-schedule.html|title=Your 2017 US Open Announcers|publisher=Awfulannouncing.com|date=June 15, 2017|access-date=December 4, 2017}}</ref>


In 2017, Fox made several changes to the commentator team:
In 2017, Fox made several changes to the commentator team:
Line 109: Line 98:


===2018 U.S. Open===
===2018 U.S. Open===
<ref>http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2018/06/11/fox-sports-tees-complete-broadcast-schedule-118th-u-s-open-championship</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2018/06/11/fox-sports-tees-complete-broadcast-schedule-118th-u-s-open-championship|title=FOX Sports Tees up Complete Broadcast Schedule for 118th U.S. Open Championship|date=11 June 2018}}</ref>


For the [[2018 U.S. Open (golf)|2018 U.S. Open]], Fox announced that they would be splitting their lead commentary booths into two teams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/fox/fox-us-open-booth.html|title=Fox is moving away from a three-person booth at the U.S. Open|last=Rigdon|first=Jay|date=May 3, 2018|website=Awful Announcing|publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> This was done in an effort to avoid the occasional logjam caused by a three-man booth, which had been Joe Buck with analysts Paul Azinger and Brad Faxon. Therefore, Azinger would now be paired with Buck, and Faxon would be paired alongside Shane Bacon.
For the [[2018 U.S. Open (golf)|2018 U.S. Open]], Fox announced that they would be splitting their lead commentary booths into two teams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/fox/fox-us-open-booth.html|title=Fox is moving away from a three-person booth at the U.S. Open|last=Rigdon|first=Jay|date=May 3, 2018|website=Awful Announcing}}</ref> This was done in an effort to avoid the occasional logjam caused by a three-man booth, which had been Joe Buck with analysts Paul Azinger and Brad Faxon. Therefore, Azinger would now be paired with Buck, and Faxon would be paired alongside Shane Bacon.


*'''Lead announcers:''' [[Joe Buck]], [[Paul Azinger]]
*'''Lead announcers:''' [[Joe Buck]], [[Paul Azinger]]
Line 130: Line 119:
{{Golf on television}}
{{Golf on television}}
{{Golf on Fox}}
{{Golf on Fox}}
{{FOXNetwork Shows (current and upcoming)}}


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{succession box|before=[[Golf Channel on NBC|NBC]]| title=[[U.S. Open (golf)]] network television broadcaster| years=[[2015 U.S. Open (golf)|2015]] – | after=Incumbent}}
{{succession box|before=[[Golf Channel on NBC|NBC]]| title=[[U.S. Open (golf)]] network television broadcaster| years=[[2015 U.S. Open (golf)|2015]] – [[2019 U.S. Open (golf)|2019]]| after=[[Golf Channel on NBC|NBC]] }}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


<!-- [[Category:2010s American television series]]
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[[Category:2015 American television series debuts]]-->
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[[Category:Fox Sports 1 programs]]
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[[Category:Fox Sports original programming]]
[[Category:Fox Sports original programming]]
[[Category:Golf on television]]
[[Category:Golf on television]]

Latest revision as of 08:24, 18 April 2024

Golf on Fox
Created byFox Sports
StarringJoe Buck
Paul Azinger
Opening theme"USGA" by Brian Tyler
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes3
Production
Running time6 hours or until tournament ends
Production companyFox Sports
Original release
NetworkFox
Fox Sports 1
Release
  • 2011 (2011)
  • 2014 (2014) - 2019 (2019)

Golf coverage on Fox Sports properties have occurred occasionally since 1999. From 1999 through 2002, its regional sports network group Fox Sports Networks (FSN) sub-licensed early-round coverage of PGA Tour events from Golf Channel (a network in which Fox was an early investor).

From 2015 to June 2020, Fox served as the broadcaster of the national open tournaments and amateur championships of the United States Golf Association (USGA), including the U.S. Open — one of the four Men's major golf championships, under a 12-year deal. Coverage aired on the Fox broadcast network, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, and Fox Deportes. In late-June 2020, however, Fox announced that it would opt out of the contract, and sell the remainder to former USGA broadcast television rightsholder NBC Sports.

Background

[edit]

Early Fox Sports golf involvement

[edit]

Fox Sports partnered with Greg Norman in the early 1990s to create the World Golf Tour, which would have consisted of six events televised on Fox. However, the proposed events were met with legal issues (including a threat by PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem to suspend any golfer who participates).[1] In 1996, Fox acquired a minority stake in Golf Channel.[2][3]

Fox Sports bid for a portion of the PGA Tour's television rights starting in 1999.[4] Although it did not gain the broadcast package (which was divided among the Big Three networks), Golf Channel would simulcast its early-round coverage on Fox's regional sports networks group Fox Sports Networks, as they had wider carriage. These simulcasts ended after 2002, when the PGA Tour's cable rights were acquired by ESPN and USA Network.[5][6] Fox had also sold its minority stakes in Golf Channel and Outdoor Life Network to Comcast, as part of a transaction that saw Fox acquire Comcast's stakes in Speedvision.[2][3]

In 2011, Fox Sports gained the rights to the CVS Caremark Charity Classic, which is an unofficial money event on the PGA Tour, and had been previously televised by Golf Channel. The coverage aired on Fox Sports Net, with Kraig Kann hosting. Fox did not renew its rights for 2012.

USGA coverage

[edit]

On August 6, 2013, Fox Sports announced a 12-year, $1.1 billion deal to broadcast the open tournaments and amateur championships of the USGA, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open, and U.S. Women's Open, beginning in 2015. Fox would replace NBC and ESPN as the rightsholders of the events.[7][8] NBC's lead analyst Johnny Miller expressed disappointment at the loss, saying that he "had a feeling" NBC would not retain rights, and that Fox would not be able to "fall out of a tree and do the U.S. Open."[9]

As a prelude to the new package, Fox televised the 2014 Franklin Templeton Shootout, debuting its lead commentary team of Joe Buck and Greg Norman.[10] Fox's first U.S. Open had a total of 38.5 hours of coverage,[11][12][13] with 22 on Thursday and Friday, and 16.5 hours on Saturday and Sunday;[14] the Fox Sports 1 cable network had a total of 16 hours of coverage on Thursday and Friday. The Fox broadcast network had a total of 22.5 hours of coverage Thursday through Sunday, with six hours Thursday and Friday, and 16.5 hours Saturday and Sunday. Fox utilized a number of new technologies[15] during its production, including drone flyovers, a camera-equipped RC car for ground perspectives, and new graphics—including a live shot tracer, an augmented reality display of green contours, and a persistent top-5 leaderboard displayed in the bottom-right of the screen.[16][17]

Fox's coverage received mixed reviews by critics and viewers, noting technical issues with on-air graphics during early coverage of the first round, on-air personnel (including the chemistry between Buck and Norman, and use of NFL reporters such as Curt Menefee), and missed shots due to poor camera angles or other on-air segments, although Buck did receive positive reviews by some, as well as Fox's technical innovations.[18][19][20][21][22][23]

In the lead-up to the 2016 U.S. Open, Norman was dismissed by Fox,[24] and replaced by Paul Azinger.[25]

End of coverage

[edit]

On June 29, 2020, it was announced that Fox Sports had opted out of the remaining seven years of its contract to cover USGA events, and had sold the remainder of the contract to NBC Sports. The re-scheduling of the 2020 U.S. Open to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic had caused conflicts with Fox's football coverage, and the USGA forbade Fox from carrying the event exclusively on cable. While the network discussed the possibility of partnering with NBC on the 2020 tournament, this eventually "led to a broader conversation and eventual agreement for NBCUniversal to take over the USGA media rights".[26][27]

Due to being the only one of the four major networks that does not have any ties to the PGA Tour's media rights, Fox was anticipated as a potential US broadcaster for LIV Golf—a Saudi-backed golf competition also led by Norman; in September 2022, Golfweek reported that LIV was reaching a time-buy agreement to carry its events on Fox Sports 1.[28][29] However, LIV denied the reports,[30] and ultimately signed with Nexstar Media Group and The CW in 2023.[31][32]

Theme music

[edit]

Fox did not carry over "In Celebration of Man", the Yanni-composed music that had been used by NBC for its U.S. Open coverage, choosing to commission film composer Brian Tyler to compose new music (after acquiring rights to The Open Championship beginning in 2016, NBC instated an updated version of "In Celebration of Man" as its theme music for the tournament).[33][34] Tyler explained that his composition was intended to "capture the epic struggle, the challenge, the history, the heartbreak, and the elation of competitive golf," and acknowledged that "Sports and music have always had an important connection for me. I love the way iconic sports themes evoke the spirit of sporting events and can provide dramatic impact and nostalgic memory."[35]

Commentators

[edit]
See also: List of sports announcers § Golf, and List of U.S. Open (golf) broadcasters

On April 23, 2014, Fox Sports announced that Greg Norman would join Joe Buck[36][37] as its lead golf commentary team.[38] Buck and Norman worked together for the first time at the 2014 U.S. Open, where Fox produced studio programming that aired against ESPN and NBC's studio shows.

2015 U.S. Open

[edit]

[39]

On November 18, 2014, in advance of its coverage of the Franklin Templeton Shootout, Fox announced the full layout of its golf team.[40]

2016 U.S. Open

[edit]

[41]

In January 2016, Greg Norman was let go by Fox in response to poor reception towards his performance during the U.S. Open, and was replaced by former ESPN analyst Paul Azinger.[42] The network's 2016 U.S. Open team:[43]

2017 U.S. Open

[edit]

[44]

In 2017, Fox made several changes to the commentator team:

2018 U.S. Open

[edit]

[45]

For the 2018 U.S. Open, Fox announced that they would be splitting their lead commentary booths into two teams.[46] This was done in an effort to avoid the occasional logjam caused by a three-man booth, which had been Joe Buck with analysts Paul Azinger and Brad Faxon. Therefore, Azinger would now be paired with Buck, and Faxon would be paired alongside Shane Bacon.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Fox Will Keep Eye on Golf Battle : Television: Network won't take part in legal conflicts between PGA Tour and World Tour". Los Angeles Times. December 1, 1994. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Dempsey, John (May 23, 2001). "Fox Cable, Comcast race for channels". Variety. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Farrell, Mike. "Golf, Outdoor Stakes Sold In Fox's Speedvision Race". Multichannel. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  4. ^ "Fox Gets Left Out as PGA Signs Four-Year TV Deal". Los Angeles Times. May 12, 1997. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  5. ^ Ferguson, Doug (August 12, 2000). "The Golf Channel becomes Tiger TV". The Register Citizen. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  6. ^ Barron, David (July 16, 2001). "PGA Tour signs lucrative TV rights deals". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  7. ^ Baysinger, Tim (August 7, 2013). "Fox Sports Reaches Rights Deal for Golf's U.S. Open". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  8. ^ Lucia, Joe (August 7, 2013). "Fox awarded rights for golf's US Open". Awful Announcing.
  9. ^ "Timing of USGA-Fox announcement rankles many". GolfChannel.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2015. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  10. ^ Fang, Ken (December 15, 2014). "Fox Sports' golf debut was better than expected". Awful Announcing.
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[edit]
Preceded by U.S. Open (golf) network television broadcaster
2015 – 2019 		Succeeded by
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