While the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs takes a short breather with the Deutsche Bank starting on Friday rather than Thursday the internet is abuzz with the news that CBS has parted ways with David Feherty.
Feherty had been with CBS for nineteen years and had fashioned a cult following among golf fans. His unorthodox perspective and sarcastic wit has made him one of the most popular and recognizable announcers covering golf.
The scuttlebutt making the rounds is that CBS and the five time European Tour winner couldn’t agree on his “role at CBS” in the coming years. He’s been a mainstay each week following the leaders home and we usually see him interviewing the winner most weeks.
Maybe he wanted more money or an expanded role or maybe his own show. CBS will probably miss him more than he misses them.
Feherty has made the most of his popularity with his own show on The Golf Channel not to mention he’s published a handful of books all taking a cockeyed view of the sport he covers.
I can’t imagine that he won’t be courted by a few networks as he is extremely popular and is one of the few golf announcers that could crossover to the mainstream.
Fox Sports is probably pounding down his agent’s door right now. Fox’s coverage of the U.S. Open and other USGA events was spotty at best this year and sometimes down right unwatchable. But their schedule is so limited.
If Feherty wants more week to week action NBC could be a viable option as they carry plenty of events throughout the year.
Feherty still has his Golf Channel contract and I am sure he’ll have his pick of new options. But CBS will definitely take a hit with him gone. He and Gary McCord were always good for some on the edge banter and Feherty has as quick a wit as anyone in sports.
I don’t know where he’ll end up but I know he’ll be in front of a microphone somewhere next season.
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