Meet the Commentator Who Called Tiger Woods’ Iconic ‘Better Than Most’ Putt at the 2001 Players

There’s probably a memorable Tiger Woods moment related to every PGA Tour tournament he has played. If he’s won, it only adds to how special the event can be. The upcoming Players Championship is no exception, where Woods is an esteemed two-time winner.

Though Woods’ 2013 win is special in its own right, his 2001 victory is often revisited. To golf fans, Woods’ famous putt at 17th while at TPC Sawgrass remains iconic. Furthermore, the words “better than most”, which are forever attached to the putt, are also carried forward with the memory.

That being said, let’s take a look at NBC’s Gary Koch, who was the commentator behind those words.

Who was behind naming Tiger Woods’ “better than most” putt?

As Tiger Woods shot the putt at 17th during the Players Championship’s third round, Koch ended up describing it. Woods was facing a 60-footer with a downward slope, looking for a left curve. To be honest, not many would seemed to have faith in that shot.

Woods, in his own style, proved everyone wrong. The ball did go to the right, but then slowly made its way towards the hole and eventually made it in.

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When Koch started commenting, he was simply making an observation based on other players’ performance on the hole. After all, while no one thought it would go in, Woods’ shot was better than most.

“He hits the putt and initially Johnny (Miller) says, ‘how’s that look?’. The first, ‘better than most,’ came out,” Koch said. “Then as it got going down the hill, it was clear to me the ball was far enough to the left, way more so than any other ball had been all day long. That was when the next, ‘better than most,’ came out.” Of course, the ball made it in and Koch later referred to it as a classic Woods moment.

What does Gary Koch do?

Gary Koch, now a commentator, is also a six-time PGA Tour winner. He has had over 40 top-10 finishes in his career, along with Champions Tour and Korn Ferry Tour appearances.

His journey started with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in 1974, following which he turned professional a year later. He was the first four-time All-American selection for the Gators, and also a part of the NCAA championship team in 1973.

After playing, Koch ended up covering the PGA Tour full-time from 1997 with NBC Sports. Ironically, he debuted as a reporter on course during the 1996 Players Championship and US Open. Later, he became a tower announcer and analyst with Golf Channel on NBC.

Additionally, Koch has worked with ESPN while covering the Champions Tour early on. Back then, it was named the Senior Tour.

That being said, commenting on Woods’ 2001 putt is probably Koch’s most iconic moment while on Golf Channel/NBC. Even today, almost 21 years after the putt, people continue to remain Koch’s words and the putt. Because, while Woods’ putt was spectacular, Koch’s words seemed to elevate it to another level.

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