David Feherty and CBS will go their separate ways.
CBS will not renew Feherty’s contract as the two sides were unable to agree upon the former on-course reporter’s role on the network’s broadcast, as John Ourand reported for Sports Business Daily. Consequently, they were unable to agree on a new contract.
Feherty had been with CBS for 19 years providing updates and analysis as he walked the course with featured groups. He also conducted player interviews after rounds.
“When CBS came to me and asked me to do on-course commentary, I said, ‘You know, I’m only 37, I still have hopes of playing a little better.’ So they told me what they were going to pay me, and I said, ‘You want to buy a set of clubs?'”
-David Feherty
The 57 year old broadcaster from Northern Ireland, now a U.S. citizen, becomes a free agent with a legion of fans. Many of whom already consider him a modern legend of televised golf tournaments due to his instantly quotable wit.
One of his all-time classic quotes was a description of Jim Furyk’s golf swing:
“It looks like an octopus falling out of a tree.”
Where Will Feherty Land Next?
Speculating on where Feherty ends up will be interesting. Recently David has admitted a preference for working on his self-titled interview show over his on-course reporting gig. He has even expressed interest in possibly hosting a satirical news show similar to The Daily Show.
Feherty has an existing relationship with NBC. NBC manages the Golf Channel, which airs his show “Feherty”, now in its fifth season. Including the Presidents Cup, NBC will air 14 men’s events this season. The lighter schedule might be conducive to his side ventures.
Fox would jump significantly closer to justifying the billions they paid to provide putrid coverage of the U.S. Open if they decided to throw a pile of money at him. That move would leave Feherty fans wanting more since the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and U.S. Senior Open are the only mainstream professional tournaments aired on Fox.
Ratings indicate approximately 7 people across the country know the Fox Sports 1 channel exists, with even fewer watching the USGA amateur events aired on there, so his talents would be wasted covering the amateurs for Fox.
A job with Fox, however, would likely end his relationship with NBC, as the peacock isn’t keen on employees freelancing for dancing robots. Since Fox desperately needs to add talent to their broadcasting team, they may be willing to offer Feherty carte blanche (in addition to a truckload of money) to host a talk show.
While we wait to find out what’s in store for Feherty next, please feel free to comment with your favorite quote.
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