NBC Sports' Johnny Miller Announces Retirement as Lead Golf Analyst

2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open in February Will be Miller’s Final 18th Tower Call

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – On the eve of 30 years as NBC Sports’ lead golf analyst, Johnny Miller has chosen to make his final 18th tower call at the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open, which will be staged from Thursday, January 31 – Sunday, February 3.

“When NBC Sports approached me 30 years ago about a move to TV, I never could have imagined how it would lead to so many lasting relationships and countless memories made alongside a team of talented friends, both in front of and behind the camera,” Miller said. “I’m forever grateful to my family for their support during this fulfilling chapter of my life. As I say farewell to the 18th tower, I look forward to spending more time alongside my wife Linda, our children, and our 24 grandchildren. Soon it will officially be Miller time.”

Miller was named lead analyst of NBC Sports’ golf broadcast team in 1990 and quickly made his mark as the game’s most candid commentator, calling some of golf’s most memorable shots for the past three decades. Garnering eight Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Sports Personality – Sports Event Analyst,” Miller’s insight and frank approach have earned him both critical praise and viewer appreciation, as well as the respect and occasional raised eyebrow from those competing inside the ropes.

“When it comes to serving golf fans with sharp insight on what is happening inside the ropes, Johnny Miller is simply the gold standard,” said Tommy Roy, NBC Sports’ lead golf producer. “It has been an honor working with him, and while it might not be Johnny’s personal style, it will be fun to send him off at one of the PGA TOUR’s best parties at TPC Scottsdale.”

“Johnny Miller is the best golf analyst ever and he will be missed by millions of fans. Early in his career, he made a commitment to serve the fans by telling it like it is and for three decades he’s served those fans incredibly well,” said Mike McCarley, president, Golf, NBC Sports. “Whether they agree or disagree with Johnny, everyone wants to hear what he has to say. His unfiltered approach has not only been refreshing, but it’s what makes him great. He is a part of the fabric of NBC Sports, and as one of the most influential voices in golf, he will forever have a home here.”

“This truly marks the end of a broadcast era,” said Dan Hicks, NBC Sports’ play-by-play host, who – with Miller – owns the record for longest-tenured 18th tower tandem in broadcast golf (2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open marks 20 years). “Johnny changed the landscape of golf commentary and analysis with his unique, unfiltered and honest manner, which made for a deep connection with viewers at home. Johnny was always unpredictable, so there was never a dull moment with Johnny in the booth. To sit next to him will always remain one of the greatest honors I could ever have in this business.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF MILLER’S GOLF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Golf Career:
o World Golf Hall of Fame, inducted 1998
o 1973 U.S. Open: Miller shot a 63 in the final round at Oakmont Country Club to win. This was the lowest round to win a major championship until it was tied by Henrik Stenson at The Open in 2016.
o 1976 Open Championship: Miller beat Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus at Royal Birkdale en route to being named “Champion Golfer of the Year”
o 25-time PGA TOUR winner
o 1974 Player of the Year
o U.S. Ryder Cup wins in 1975, 1981
o Three-time World Cup participant, winning in 1973, ‘75
o Two-time All-American at Brigham Young University (1967-’68)
o Gold Tee Award from the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association (1996)
o Jack Nicklaus Golf Family of the Year Award, National Golf Foundation (1997)
o Northern California Golf Association Hall of Fame inductee (2013)
o Ambassador of Golf Award, Northern Ohio Golf Charities (2014)
o Memorial Tournament Honoree (2016)
Golf Broadcast Career:
o 29 PLAYERS Championships
o 20 U.S. Opens
o 14 Ryder Cups
o 9 Presidents Cups
o 3 Open Championships
o 2016 Rio Olympics
o First event: Bob Hope Desert Classic (January 18-21, 1990)
o Farewell event: Waste Management Phoenix Open, Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2019. Miller won the Phoenix Open in back-to-back years in 1974-‘75.
o 8-time Emmy Award nominee for “Outstanding Sports Personality – Sports Event Analyst”
o In 2019, 20 consecutive years Miller has sat next to Dan Hicks, NBC Sports play-by-play host, together sharing the record for the longest-tenured 18th tower tandem in broadcast golf.
o Prior to Hicks, Miller’s previous broadcast partners included Bryant Gumbel, Charlie Jones, Jim Lampley and Dick Enberg.
Biographical Information:
o Born and raised in San Francisco, resides in Utah
o Turned professional in 1969 after graduating from Brigham Young University
o Married to Linda Miller on Sept. 17, 1969.
o 6 children, 24 grandchildren
o Has contributed to the design of more than 30 golf courses, including Silverado Country Club in Napa, Calif., host of the PGA TOUR’s Safeway Open. Miller also serves as the event’s tournament host.