Modern Era of Golf

NBC's modern golf era: from U.S. Open dominance to a new major championship lineup.

The modern era of golf on NBC began in 1995 when the network acquired rights to the USGA championships, including the U.S. Open, from ESPN/ABC. NBC and its lead analyst Johnny Miller became synonymous with the U.S. Open, televising it for the next 20 years through 2014.

Quick Facts

Key innovation: Introduction of graphite shafts and metal wood heads

Lore & Background

In 2006, the PGA Tour announced a new set of television deals covering 2007 to 2012, increasing the number of events covered by NBC Sports from five to ten. The deal also renewed broadcast deals for the Ryder Cup and the USGA Championships. NBC is the only network which provides four days of major tournament coverage.

Reader's Guide

Presently, NBC televises around 8 PGA Tour events per season, alternating with CBS on the FedEx Cup Playoffs since 2022. It also serves as the broadcast television outlet for two of the men's majors, the U.S. Open and The Open Championship. Since 2022, all golf telecasts across NBCUniversal properties are billed as NBC Sports telecasts.