In November 2022, Golfweek reported NBC would not bring Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch, two names synonymous with golf broadcasts, back for the 2023 season. This move was an effort to “refresh” its team.
Since their departure, the network has given former PGA Tour pro Smylie Kaufman more duties, including his “Happy Hour” segments on Friday afternoons, and has added a rotation of voices including Kevin Kisner and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.
Well, Maltbie and Koch picked up the mics once again this week for the first two rounds of the 2024 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and golf fans shared countless kind words on social media about their return.
They sure seem to miss the two legends.
Here’s what they had to say on X (formerly known as Twitter) this week.
When NBC didn’t renew Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch for 2023 they said they wanted to “refresh” the broadcast. What a colossal mistake that’s turned out to be.
This week’s Players broadcast has been refreshingly good.
— Adam Woodard (@AdamWoodard) March 15, 2024
Golf is better with Roger Maltbie narrating.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) March 15, 2024
Something I have absolutely missed in my life – hearing Roger Maltbie call a sand wedge a “sand iron.” Just love that.
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) March 15, 2024
Because some executive suit or smart ass ‘new’ media type @NBCSports believes Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch no longer appeal to a new generation of viewer.
How about an older generation that love & respect those guys work ? https://t.co/7ALog0AKs4
— Rick Young (@YoungerGolf) March 15, 2024
Great to see Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie back on NBC where they belong!
— Ron Mintz (@MintzGolf) March 15, 2024
Watching The Players Championship on @GolfChannel and for the life of me can’t understand how NBC Sports thought it was improving its golf telecasts by REmoving Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie.
— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) March 14, 2024
Emotional watching them say thx to “Rog Daddy” aka Roger Maltbie just now on @GolfChannel Shd never have been let go- shd have let him retire whenever he wished. Just simply great on course. Love ya Rog!!
— Jane Crafter (@craftymate) March 15, 2024
NBC needs to bring back Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie for the US Open and Open Championship. Golf coverage is better with both. #ThePlayers
— Eddie (@eddiec118) March 15, 2024
I’ve enjoyed Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie today.
— Travis Fulton (@travisfulton) March 14, 2024
