On the Air: PGA Members Broadcast the 2022 PGA Championship Far and Wide

From Tulsa to your TV, radio, website and even your app, PGA Championship fans can spend the entire day listening to the friendly voice and expertise of a PGA Professional.  

Several PGA Members and other golf personalities who have close ties to the PGA of America are in the spotlight as they broadcast live from the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club.

The main CBS broadcast on-air crew includes Rules Officials Brad Gregory, PGA and Tom Carpus, PGA, and Dottie Pepper, a former Independent Director on the PGA of America Board of Directors. Meanwhile, the CBS Sports Network Team prominently features PGA Members Brian Crowell, PGA and Michael Breed, PGA. 

PGA Honorary President Suzy Whaley is once again an integral part of the ESPN and ESPN+ broadcast team. She realizes this is an opportunity to both inspire the next generation to play the game and work in the industry. 

“It’s exciting to be a part of the broadcast to speak about the amazing ability of those in the field, but also of the many benefits the game provides to all who choose to play,” said Whaley.

“As a PGA Member, it’s always special to be a part of a major championship. Knowing that those playing are also PGA Members, it’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the game and the ability of PGA Professionals to play the game at the highest level.”

For Southern Hills PGA Director of Instruction Ryan Rody, it was virtually a last-minute call to go from doing Instagram Live instruction videos to analyzing the swings of Feature Group players–such as Will Zalatoris and Jordan Spieth–on ESPN+. 

A week prior, Southern Hills PGA Director of Golf Cary Cozby told him that ESPN was looking for someone with insight on both course- and player-specific shots, and asked Rody if he had any interest. 

He jumped at the opportunity by reaching out to Zalatoris’ and Spieth’s instructors, PGA Members Troy Denton and Cameron McCormick, respectively. He learned the players' pre-shot routines and insight to what transpires when a world-class player like Zalatoris misses to the right. Add in Rody’s expertise about the course, and the recipe for a broadcast that delivered incredible insights for viewers was complete.

“I am really thankful for what PGA relationships create,” said Rody. “That is what is so cool about the organization, the people we meet are lifelong connections. The short notice kept me free and focused on using peers around me.”

Joanna Coe, PGA played a similar role on ESPN+. For example, if there was a difficult bunker shot from Cam Smith, Coe used her expertise on the technique and strategy behind it, so viewers could learn from home. 

“I just pretend I am talking with a student,” said Coe, the PGA Director of Instruction at Merion G.C. in Ardmore, Penn. “To collaborate with ESPN, and integrate with players and give coaching tips, I am having a lot of fun.”

Whaley, Rody and Coe are joined by a parade of PGA Members on ESPN and ESPN+: Mark Brooks, PGA; Gary Christian; PGA; David Duval, PGA; Matt Every, PGA; Smylie Kaufman, PGA; Andy North, PGA; Steve Scott, PGA; 1988 PGA Champion Jeff Sluman, PGA; Paul Stankowski, PGA; Curtis Strange, PGA; Scott Verplank, PGA; and Mark Wilson, PGA.

Meanwhile, SiriusXM is airing the talents of John Cook, PGA; Mark Carnevale, PGA and Whaley, while Sky Sports presents to an audience overseas the work of Brad Faxon, PGA and 2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem, PGA.

Dave Marr III, whose namesake father was both the 1981 Ryder Cup Captain and 1965 PGA Champion, is working the world feed. Marr serves as the regular host of PGA of America Radio on SiriusXM.

“As broadcasters, we can encourage everyone to pick up a club,” said Whaley “And as PGA Members, there are multiple career choices in the industry, and communications, broadcasting and media are wonderful options.”