Paul Azinger to replace Greg Norman as Fox Sports’ lead golf analyst

Paul Azinger is going to fit in nicely at the U.S. Open.

Fox Sports made it official on Wednesday, announcing Azinger would become their lead golf analyst, replacing Greg Norman, who parted ways with the network after just one year on the job.

“I am honored to partner with Fox Sports and the USGA to provide analysis for the compelling slate of USGA championships,” Azinger said. “It will especially be an honor to call our nations national championship, the U.S. Open, beginning in June at storied Oakmont Country Club.”

Azinger will join Joe Buck in the 18th tower for the network’s coverage of USGA events, part of a 12-year contract the network and governing body started in 2015. Specifically, he’ll cover the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Amateur for the network.

Previously, Azinger had been an analyst for ABC and ESPN golf coverage. However, with the Disney-owned network’s golf coverage dwindling to the Masters and Masters-run events, Azinger had little opportunity to be on the air.

The 56-year-old Azinger won 12 times on the PGA Tour, including the 1993 PGA Championship. He was also the last man to captain a winning American Ryder Cup team, using an innovative pod system to group players that resulted in a 2008 victory at Valhalla.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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