Tour pro takes aim at ‘old timers’ on Masters commentary

What more could the Masters need last week?

The 88th edition crowned a multiple champion, had a European phenomenon chase a debut win and saw history as Tiger Woods made the cut.

Well, according to one DP World Tour pro, the tournament needed some fresh legs in the commentary booth.

Ewen Murray led the live analysis on Sky Sports, while Butch Harmon and Paul McGinley made frequent appearances on air.

Meanwhile, the trio were aided by Dame Laura Davies and Nick Faldo offering insight into the Augusta National showpiece.

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But it made for ‘nauseating stuff’ says Eddie Pepperell, who admits the ‘old timers’ need to move over.

“I’ve been quite critical of the TV commentary over time in golf, but Dougherty, Coltart, Howeller and Beem are a terrific fourball tonight on Sky,” he posted on X.

“This is what we needed last week at Augusta, not the nauseating stuff from the old timers.”

And there are few things in golf that divide fans like the commentators do, as highlighted by those replying to the 33-year-old.

One user wrote: “You must be joking Nothing more nauseating than listening to some of the fanboying they do.”

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Others defended Harmon and McGinley, posting: “Butch Harmon wipes the floor with all of them”, and “Paul McGinley is the best on the planet. Shame on you Eddie”.

Some fans agreed with Pepperell, though. “With the exception of Butch, I would agree the 4 ball this week is streets ahead,” said one user. Another wrote: “The 4 of them are absolutely superb.”

The quartet of Nick Dougherty, Andrew Coltart, David Howell and Rich Beem were in the ears of UK-based golf fans this week at the RBC Heritage.

American JT Poston strolled to an early two-shot lead over Irishman Seamus Power. Masters champion Scheffler trails by six after the opener at Harbour Town.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.