Ranking the 10 Best Golf Announcers and Commentators

What exactly makes an announcer "the best in golf"? While, the answer to this question may be highly subjective, here are a few thoughts.

The quality of a golf announcer's work comes down to:

• How well s/he plays given role 
• His/her knowledge
• How entertaining s/he is

With this in mind, let's take a look at the best in the game. 

Click through for the breakdown. 

10. Nick Faldo

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Role: Color commentary

Knowledge: B

Entertainment factor: B

Ah, Sir Nick. What do we do with ye?

In a piece for GolfWRX, Chris Hibler wrote of the knight: 

"

He possesses all of the attributes that make for the perfect announcer: he has a clear and soothing voice, he has the right balance of sense of humor combined with the appropriate level of seriousness when needed, he has the resume from his days on tour and he possesses the right balance to know when to criticize and/or praise and when to back off a bit. 

"

That's the argument for Faldo. We're buying about 10 percent of the above. 

9. Dottie Pepper

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Role: On-course reporter

Knowledge: B+

Entertainment factor: B

Dottie Pepper isn't a good female golf announcer—she's a good golf announcer, period. She has the perfect blend of knowledge and personality.

Further, Pepper doesn't pull any punches, as evidenced by her now legendary "chokin' freaking dogs" remarks at the 2007 Solheim Cup (although she uttered the phrase thinking she was off-air). 

8. Peter Kostis

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Role: On-course reporter, interviewer, swing analyst

Knowledge: A

Entertainment factor: B-

One of the top golf instructors in the world, Peter Kostis knows his stuff with respect to the golf swing and how the game is played at the highest level.

He's a decent interviewer with good rapport with the tour's best, but he truly shines in his instant analysis of players' swings. Kostis is second-to-none in that department. 

7. Verne Lundquist

Role: Tower commentary

Knowledge: B+

Entertainment factor: B

Two words: Yes sir!

With that utterance at the 1986 Masters (see the video above), Verne Lundquist assured his place in the pantheon of great golf calls. Lundquist mans a tower at the Masters every year, and his velvety voice is an essential part of Amen Corner and back-nine drama at the annual competition in Augusta.  

6. Roger Maltbie

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Role: On-course commentator

Knowledge: B+

Entertainment factor: B

Roger Maltbie seems like your entertaining uncle. He's been around the tour forever, and his on-course work is always pretty well-done. The players seem to like the good-natured Maltbie, and in an environment of player criticism and second-guessing, he is a positively jolly figure. 

5. Gary Koch

Role: Tower commentary 

Knowledge: A

Entertainment factor: B

Famous for his "better than most" call, which you can see above, Gary Koch is the best tower man in the game.

While he's not overflowing with personality, Koch is the consummate professional, and he always makes valuable additions to the telecast.  

4. Johnny Miller

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Role: Color commentary 

Knowledge: B+

Entertainment factor: B+

Johnny Miller is a divisive figure. The former U.S. Open champion doesn't hesitate to call it how he sees it, however, and that makes him quite entertaining...even if you don't always agree with his takes. 

3. Peter Alliss

David Cannon/Getty Images

Role: Color commentary 

Knowledge: B

Entertainment factor: A+

While the Hall of Famer may be slightly out of touch with professional golf at present (it's doubtful he's poring over media guides at age 83), he's still aware enough to add relevant information to a telecast.

Although we in the U.S. only get to steal him away from the BBC on rare occasions, Alliss is a maestro whose absence only makes us grow fonder for his singular eloquence and wit. 

2. Jim Nantz

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Role: Anchor

Knowledge: A+

Entertainment factor: A-

Jim Nantz is the ultimate anchor. He is versatile, teaming with Phil Simms for NFL games and announces other sports as well.

However, his dulcet tones are particularly well-suited for golf, and he's a vital part of the Masters telecast. Nantz always, always knows his stuff, and he is a master of his craft. 

1. David Feherty

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Role: On-course commentator

Knowledge: A

Entertainment factor: A+

David Feherty may not be everyone's cup of tea. Is he brilliant? Certainly. Is he deranged? Probably. Does he often try too hard? Yes.

However, nobody else in the golf-announcing game has the same tools in their toolbox as the Ulsterman with the colored past. He knows his stuff, has the quickest of wits and presents like a stand-up comedian.