Johnny Miller’s blunt commentary changed the way golf is broadcast through his 29 years as NBC’s lead analyst.
Johnny Miller was never afraid to tell it like it is.
For 29 years as NBC’s lead golf analyst, Miller became known for his no-nonsense approach in the broadcast booth, never hesitating to say a player was choking under pressure. That run ends on Saturday when Miller will walk away from the game following the third round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Miller’s opinions were often controversial. He once said Phil Mickelson should be working at a San Diego car dealership, and that Rocco Mediate looked like Tiger Woods’ pool boy. At the same time, he brought his expert opinion, honed from 21 years on the PGA Tour, knowing what kind of shot a player had to hit and when.
He didn’t try to appeal to everyone. Some loved him, others loathed him. But that dichotomy was what made him so popular. “You want to be the most popular announcer in your sport, but you also want to be one of the least popular,” he said this week. “There’s no fence-riding. Elicit a response. That’s what they’re looking for.”
Miller’s keen eye for the game was developed long before he stepped into the broadcast booth. He first joined the PGA Tour in 1969, going on to win 25 times in his Hall of Fame career. He won two major championships, the first coming in the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 1973 when he shot 63 in the final round to win. He was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998.
Retiring from the tour in 1990 to join NBC, Miller quickly developed his reputation for touching topics other golf commentators didn’t dare to go. That included the dreaded label of “choker.” But Miller was familiar with what nerves can do to even the best golfer under pressure from his own playing days.
“I did that when I talked about my own game. I would almost brag when I was doing great, and I’d say I choked when I didn’t,” he said. “So it was just an extension of how I viewed golf. It wasn’t something I made up.”
“I think that’s why the public liked me. They knew I wasn’t faking it.”
Tour players, many of whom were the target of Miller’s barbs over the years, reacted to his departure by recognizing what he meant as the voice of the game. Even Jack Nicklaus, with whom Miller had many memorable duels in the 1970s, thanked Miller for his contributions to the game on Saturday.
Want to take a moment to wish Johnny Miller a great last weekend in the booth.. Changed the way golf was announced. Might not have always liked what he said, but always respected his honesty.. One of the best.. Have a great weekend and don’t CHOKE!!😂😂😂
— Brandt Snedeker (@BrandtSnedeker) February 2, 2019
Today my friend of 53 years, Johnny Miller, signs off for the last time in the @NBCSports @GolfChannel booth.
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) February 2, 2019
Johnny, be it inside the ropes or inside the broadcast booth, Barbara & I want to let you know how grateful we are for the great things you’ve done for the game of golf!
Paul Azinger, another analyst who follows Miller’s tell-it-like-it-is mantra, will replace him in the NBC booth.
Miller will spend his retirement at home in California and Utah surrounded by his six children and 25 grandchildren. It’s an old adage from home that convinced Miller it was time to step away. “My favorite saying at home is, ‘Ok, that’s enough of that. Well, that’s where I am right now. That’s enough of this.”
Miller may have had enough of broadcasting, but for 29 years golf fans couldn’t get enough of him. That’s why he will be missed.