Well, the Arnold Palmer Invitational had a disappointing performance. Not from the golfers or the caddies or the organizers. But from the National Broadcasting Company, aka NBC. The broadcast partner for the PGA Tour was heavily criticized during the latter stages of the 4th round after a mishap in production caused several eager golf fans to miss out on a game-deciding moment.

Yes, we are talking about Russel Henley’s eagle on Hole 16. The same eagle during which the NBC was showing a minute-long ad of Rolex. The eagle gave Henley the lead, and from there, he never looked back. Hey, you can play your ads all you want, NBC. But pick and choose the moments. At least, that was what the fans had to say. Now, a week later, a more crucial assignment is in front of them: The PLAYERS Championship taking place at the TPC Sawgrass.

Dubbed as the fifth major for its stature and aura, fans will demand the best from everyone, including the broadcast. Keeping that in mind, NBC has ensured that the best in the business are behind the mike as well as in front of the camera.

Who will elevate the fan experience at the PLAYERS Championship?

Golf Channel will cover the weekday’s broadcast, which starts at 1 PM ET on Thursday and Friday. NBC and Peacock will air the live coverage on Saturday (beginning at 2 PM ET) and Sunday (beginning at 1 PM ET). Producer Tommy Roy and lead announcer Dan Hicks are the headliners for the NBC coverage. The former is covering the tournament for the 33rd time in his career, while Hicks is not far behind, as this would be his 25th PLAYERS, having been lead announcer since 2000.

“The course is the star. I can’t wait to get there every year. I think Nos. 16, 17, and 18 are the best three finishing holes in golf, and the entire course is gorgeous and captivating, as big a star as any player,” said Hicks, who will be joined in the studio by esteemed golfer Kevin Kisner as an analyst. Kisner’s experience will be a key factor in providing in-depth knowledge and getting in the mind of a golfer competing on the stage.

Fan favorites Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch are back at the TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Who among us can forget the iconic ‘Better than Most’ call made by Gary Koch at the 2001 PLAYERS Championship as Tiger Woods sank a 60-foot putt that led to his eventual victory? Koch and Maltbie were changed after the 2022 PLAYERS Championship, but an outcry from the fans led to their return at select events.

Maltbie, a four-time PGA Tour winner, will be charming viewers again with his on-course duties for NBC. Another former PGA Tour player, Smylie Kaufman, is also returning with his “Happy Hour with Smylie” during the Golf Channel broadcasts on Friday. In this show, Kaufman will be at the 17th hole, where he will be talking with the stars and picking their brains for their thoughts and opinions regarding the rounds. A great chance to see the personalities of the on-court stars.

The remaining NBC team for the fifth major

Joining Dan Hicks in giving play-by-play coverage will be Terry Gannon and Steve Sands. Kevin Kisner is not the only experienced analyst around, as the likes of Brad Faxon, Curt Byrum, and Notah Begay III will provide their expertise along with Smylie Kaufman and Gary Koch.

Cara Banks will be taking the reins on interviews and comprehensive reports for the event. John Wood is also part of the broadcast team, and he will be involved with on-course reporting, similar to Roger Maltbie. To aid the reporters, NBC has gone all in with 60 cameras in action at the PLAYERS Championship. These include live-tracing drones to capture tee shots as well as drone camera coverages for the iconic 16th and 17th holes. There are Bunker Cams at the 16th and 17th holes as well. The NBC also has a fixed-wing airplane coverage from high atop the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

NBC is determined to leave no stone unturned and give the best experience possible for the PLAYERS Championship. Now, it is up to the players to deliver performances worthy of the coveted title. Who do you have winning the PLAYERS Championship 2025?