CBS Sports’ golf coverage saw a slight shakeup for 2023, as longtime analyst Sir Nick Faldo retired. Trevor Immelman was tabbed to replace the Brit and knows there are large shoes to fill sitting next to Jim Nantz.
“I think it would be a mistake trying to be somebody else,” Immelman told Global Golf Post. “I think I have to be myself, and I have to be authentic. Because, you know, it’s my goal to do this job for a long time, and if you’re not being yourself, eventually you’re gonna get called out by the viewer at home. So I have to get on TV every weekend and be myself, be open, and be honest. Allow my love and passion and energy for the game to come out.”
Immelman is just the fifth lead analyst for CBS as the network features its 66th consecutive year of golf coverage. He added that working alongside longtime play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz — who reportedly vouched for Immelman as Faldo’s replacement behind the scenes — makes things much easier.
“That voice, it’s what I think of when I think of golf,” Immelman said of Nantz. “And now to be able to be sitting right next to him talking about the best players in the world is something that I absolutely don’t take for granted. And I’m thoroughly looking forward to it.”
Nantz will handle his work of the Farmers Open from Torrey Pines this weekend remotely, as he’ll be in Kansas City preparing to announce the AFC Championship Game between the Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals.
Immelman has said he had previously joined Nantz at some of his NFL assignments to build a rapport with the veteran broadcaster in preparation for his new expanded role with the network.
