Jack and Tiger lead tributes to departing NBC commentators: "You understood us"

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods led the tributes to departing NBC commentators Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie at the conclusion of the PNC Championship.

Ben Smith

19 Dec 2022

Jack and Tiger lead tributes to departing NBC commentators: "You understood us" — Jack and Tiger lead tributes to departing NBC commentators: "You…

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods led the tributes to departing NBC commentators Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie.

News filtered through in early December that Koch, 70, and Maltbie, 73, were not having their contracts renewed after decades of service.

The duo expressed their shock at the decision. Maltbie had been with the network for 31 years and Koch 26.

Koch previously told GolfDigest:

"I'm going to miss calling golf. I'm going to miss the people—my colleagues, the players, caddies and friends.

"Not getting to say goodbye to people at certain events is very disheartening. I would have liked to have had the opportunity to reminisce, not necessarily on air, but just to make those last rounds knowing they would be my last."

Speaking at the conclusion of the PNC Championship on Sunday, Maltbie said:

"It's been a thrill ride for 31 years. And I still get a kick out of watching them, I really do. As a golf nut, to watch the very best players in the world play their best is still exciting for me. And I’m going to miss it desperately. I'm going to miss it."

Jack and Tiger lead tributes to departing NBC commentators:

Both looked visibly moved as the network dedicated a 13-minute segment to the pair, with tributes pouring in from the aforementioned Nicklaus and Woods.

Woods, unsurprisingly, picked out that iconic call from Koch on the famed 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass from the 2001 Players.

Better than most!

Here's what Tiger said to the pair:

"Gary, probably the call of all calls, right, at 17? 'Better than most.' You've had an amazing career, not only as a player but as a commentator. You understood us players. You understand how hard certain shots were and couldn‘t have been more descriptive of shots. … We're going to miss that side of your commentating, your ability to understand us. You get it. Not too many commentators really, truly get it, but you do.

"Well, Rog. I'm going to miss you, especially those shortcuts you used to take in carts. … I do remember a call in 2000 [in the U.S Open at Pebble Beach]—it 'wasn't a fair fight'—with that little 6-iron up the hill at No. 6. … You've been awesome. The needling I used to get from you here and there on a shot I would hit. I'm going to miss you out there, big guy."

This is tough to watch. Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch and their final weekend of calling golf. They stoked my love of the game and broadcasting. pic.twitter.com/QAArQgIefx
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) December 17, 2022

And Nicklaus:

"You both have been at NBC Sports for over 25 years. You both have done a great job and called it like it is. If a guy did something wrong, both of you would tell them that. If they did things right, you praised them. You’ve contributed a tremendous amount to the game of golf. You’ve been good friends to the game, and more than that, you’ve been a good friend to me."

Elsewhere Justin Thomas, Davis Love III, Billy Horschel, Webb Simpson and Lee Trevino also offered kind words.

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