Roger Maltbie is reemerging on the golf broadcasting scene in 2026 as CBS welcomes him back as a lead on-course reporter starting this week. After his departure from NBC in 2022 and several years working intermittently as a guest analyst, Maltbie is set to collaborate with longtime CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz, marking a first-time broadcast partnership between the two seasoned commentators. This unexpected reunion revives Maltbie’s presence in golf media, underscoring CBS’s intent to bolster its golf coverage amid recent criticism for its broadcast performance.
Long-Standing Careers Lead to a New Partnership
Both Roger Maltbie and Jim Nantz hold extensive legacies in golf broadcasting, having spent decades at rival networks without crossing paths on air. Nantz has been a staple for CBS for over 40 years, while Maltbie devoted 31 years to NBC before his contract ended in 2022. With their combined experience, their on-course insights promise to enhance CBS’s golf telecasts. Maltbie expressed enthusiasm about teaming up with Nantz for the first time, describing the collaboration as a unique opportunity that arises after years of parallel but separate careers.
“That’s something I am really looking forward to, working with Jim Nantz and the CBS team, because it’s something I’ve never done before. We’ve been on opposite deals, so that’s going to be interesting,”
Maltbie told Golf Digest.
“You know, this is what I like to do. And I do what I’m told to do. Maybe that’s why they still use me some.”
Maltbie added.
Maltbie’s New Contract and Upcoming Event Coverage
As detailed by Golf Digest, Maltbie has signed a one-year deal to serve as the lead on-course reporter for select Golf Channel and CBS events. His first assignment under this contract is the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which begins this week. In addition to Pebble Beach, his schedule includes covering the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the PLAYERS Championship, the Cadillac Championship, and the Memorial Tournament this season, reflecting CBS’s confidence in his expertise and appeal to golf fans.
Roger Maltbie’s return arrives at a critical moment for CBS, which recently faced backlash from viewers over the broadcast coverage of Chris Gotterup’s final round at TPC Scottsdale, fueling pressure to improve its golf telecasts. Maltbie’s presence may help the network regain favor with golf audiences seeking knowledgeable and engaging commentary.
Roger Maltbie has signed a one-year contract to serve as lead on-course reporter for select events on Golf Channel starting with this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
— Golf Digest
Final Assignments Before Joining CBS
Although Maltbie’s full-time tenure at NBC concluded in 2022, he remained active in golf broadcasting as a guest analyst. In 2025, he contributed to NBC’s coverage of The PLAYERS Championship alongside Gary Kooch, illustrating his continued relevance despite no longer holding a permanent position with the network. Later in 2025, Maltbie was also on course reporting for the U.S. Senior Open, a major event on the PGA Tour Champions, working alongside respected analysts such as Brad Faxon, Peter Jacobsen, and Mark Rolfing. These assignments highlight Maltbie’s ongoing commitment and industry respect prior to his move to CBS.
This consistent activity underlines Maltbie’s desire and ability to remain a prominent voice in golf broadcasting, making his CBS comeback both anticipated and welcomed by fans.
Significance of Maltbie’s Return to Broadcast Golf
Roger Maltbie rejoining CBS signalizes a notable reshuffling in golf media, possibly enhancing broadcast quality that had drawn recent criticism. His vast experience across major golf events and collaboration with Jim Nantz creates the potential to elevate viewer experience significantly. Maltbie’s participation in major tournaments this season could restore confidence among golf fans and help CBS compete more effectively in the golf broadcasting landscape.
As Maltbie embarks on this new chapter in 2026, golf followers will be watching closely to see whether his seasoned perspective and calm on-course presence can steer CBS out of its recent challenges and deliver insightful coverage throughout the PGA Tour season.
Roger Maltbie has signed a one-year contract to serve as lead on-course reporter for select events on Golf Channel starting with this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
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— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) February 9, 2026
