NBC will make further changes to its broadcast team for the coverage of the PGA Tour 2023.
Golfweek learned that Kathryn Tappen will be replacing Damon Hack and Cara Banks as the post-round interviewer. Tappen declined comment, and neither Hack nor Banks responded to messages.
A spokesperson for NBC stated that the network had no other comment than its earlier statement that it would announce any further changes to its lineup “early in the new year.”
A source informed Golfweek, that “it’s difficult times at NBC” and described the move as part of “significant cuts for the entire team for financial reasons” due to the sharp rise in PGA Tour rights fees. In 2020, Golf Channel saw widespread layoffs after it closed its Orlando headquarters and relocated staff to Stamford in Connecticut as a cost-saving measure.
Golf Channel talent will be on-site for weekly coverage, which will enable for greater cross promotion between news and tournament departments.
After being promoted to anchor, Tappen took over the role of Steve Sands’ lead interviewer. She was unable to cover the NHL for the network, as she had been covering it for 15 years. She was reunited with Dan Hicks, who she had worked with for six years as a sideline reporter for Notre Dame football telecasts and sometimes with Mike Tirico.
Tappen was last seen covering the PGA Tour at the Presidents Cup. She wasn’t expecting to be back on air for golf until NBC took over coverage of the Honda Classic. Tappen will be doing interviews for Saturday’s Match for TNT. According to a source, she is currently in talks with NBC for a larger role and is also interested by ESPN and TNT.
Golfweek reported first that Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch won’t be renewing their contracts. Golfweek broke the news that Smylie Kaufman, Brad Faxon would be joining NBC.
Geoff Shackelford reported first in his newsletter The Quadrilateral that Tappen would not be returning in 2023.
