If there is anybody who has spent more time on different golf courses than the pros, it surely would be Johnson Wagner. He has spent the majority of his life in golf, whether as a player, caddie, or analyst. He has been part of both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Here’s all you need to know about the golf commentator.

Montford Johnson Wagner was born on March 23, 1980, in Amarillo, Texas. However, the 44-year-old was raised in New York. Wagner is the son of Tommy Wagner and Betty Wagner. His father, Tommy, taught computer science at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He attended James I. O’Neill High School in West Point, New York.

Upon joining his school, Wagner captained the hockey team as a junior and senior. However, that was not all. The 44-year-old won the Orange County Junior Championship in his freshman and senior years at O’Neill. Additionally, he spent three summers caddying at the Hudson National Golf Club in Westchester County.

This was the first time he had come so close to golf and began learning about the sport. After graduating from school, Johnson Wagner attended Virginia Tech, where he chose golf over hockey for his collegiate sport. He was later selected twice for the All-Big East Conference. It was during his time at Virginia Tech that he met the love of his life, and his life took a new turn.

Johnson Wagner met his wife at Virginia Tech

Katie Wagner attended the same college as Johnson Wagner and was a member of the women’s soccer team. They became college sweethearts during their time at Virginia Tech. The couple married on July 1, 2006. They often share pictures on their social media platforms. It has been almost two decades since they tied the knot, but their love remains strong. On his 40th birthday, Katie even surprised Wagner with friends in a parking lot.

They have two children, Graham and Marianne, and are a small, happy family. Wagner also became an individual medalist at the 2002 Championship, which earned him a spot in the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. That same year, he turned professional.

Johnson Wagner’s journey into a professional golfer

Golf was already deeply rooted in Johnson Wagner’s family. His grandfather, MT Johnson, was a former treasurer of the USGA. After turning pro, Wagner graduated from college and started playing on the Korn Ferry Tour. He played there for four years (2003 to 2006). In 2007, he finally got closer to his dream, earning his PGA Tour card after finishing second on the money list in the 2006 Korn Ferry Tour standings.

Wagner’s first victory had to wait for almost a year. He claimed it at the Shell Houston Open, earning him an invitation to the first Major on the Men’s circuit, the Masters, along with a two-year exemption. However, in 2010 he finished 126th in the standings, losing his Tour privileges, which he later regained in 2013 at the Mayakoba Golf Classic. He won in a playoff against Spencer Levin, earning a spot in the top 100 on the OWGR list in 2014, ranked 92nd and fully exempt.

However,the following season became the worst in his career. Having dropped to the last position on the FedEx Cup standings, he was conditionally exempt and later lost his full playing privileges. On the PGA Tour, he was more than just a professional player. In 2016 and 2017, he was elected to the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council and later solidified his position as a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board from 2018 to 2020, representing player membership and safeguarding their interests.

Johnson Wagner’s current profession

Johnson Wagner is currently working as an analyst for NBC’s Golf Channel. A major milestone in his career was covering the on-site 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National. He has been seen commentating on major events like the Open Championship at Royal Troon, among others. Wagner is also a regular in Pro-Ams, engaging in discussions with several pros. He will also be a commentator at the Presidents Cup in Montreal this week. What are your thoughts on the journey of Johnson Wagner? Let us know in the comments section below!