Damon Hack – NBC Sports Analyst Celebrates 10 Years with Network

Damon Hack joined GOLF Channel in 2012 and has since become one of the most recognizable faces in golf broadcasting. He currently serves as host for both Golf Today and Golf Central, bringing a polished, informed presence to NBC Sports’ golf coverage. His on-air work extends beyond the studio as he regularly reports from major tournaments across the golf calendar.

What separates Hack from many television personalities is his thoughtful approach to both sports and society, demonstrated through his work beyond golf coverage. His TedX talk on reimagining race in America reveals the depth he brings to his role as a journalist. While primarily focused on golf today, Hack’s career path through sports journalism prepared him perfectly for his current television prominence.

Before joining NBC’s golf team, Hack built his reputation through print journalism at respected publications. His transition to television showcases the evolution of sports media, where strong reporting backgrounds often translate to broadcast success. Hack’s comfortable on-camera presence makes complex golf topics accessible to viewers while maintaining the analytical depth serious fans appreciate.

Early Life and Education

Damon Hack’s journey to becoming a prominent sports media figure began in his hometown of Los Angeles, where his early exposure to sports would shape his future career path. His academic pursuits at prestigious institutions laid the groundwork for his success in sports journalism.

Origins in California

Damon Hack was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, a city known for its rich sports culture. His California roots played a significant role in developing his passion for sports, particularly golf, which would later define his professional career.

Growing up in LA during the 1980s and 1990s, Hack was immersed in a vibrant sports landscape that included the Lakers, Dodgers, and the growing golf scene in Southern California. While specific details about his early family life remain private, his connection to the West Coast sports environment clearly influenced his career trajectory.

The Southern California upbringing gave Hack a unique perspective on sports culture that would eventually inform his reporting style and analytical approach.

Academic Journey at UCLA and UC Berkeley

Hack’s educational path reflects a strong foundation in both humanities and journalism. He graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in history, establishing a solid background in research and critical analysis.

Following his undergraduate studies, Hack continued his academic pursuits at UC Berkeley, where he earned a master’s degree in journalism. This combination of historical knowledge and journalistic training prepared him for a career analyzing and contextualizing sports events.

His time at these prestigious California universities connected him with influential mentors and peers in the journalism field. The competitive academic environments at both UCLA and Berkeley helped shape his analytical approach to sports coverage.

The rigorous training in journalism at Berkeley’s renowned program gave Hack the technical skills and ethical foundation that would serve him throughout his career in sports media.

Career Beginnings and Journalism

Damon Hack built an impressive foundation in print journalism before making his way to television. His education at UCLA and UC Berkeley provided the perfect launching pad for a career that would take him through prestigious publications before landing at NBC Sports.

New York Times and Sports Illustrated

Damon Hack’s journey in sports journalism began after earning his master’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley. The Los Angeles native leveraged his strong educational background—which included a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA—to secure positions at some of journalism’s most respected institutions.

His time at The New York Times established him as a thoughtful, detail-oriented reporter with a knack for storytelling. The prestigious newspaper provided the perfect training ground for developing his analytical approach.

At Sports Illustrated, Hack further refined his voice, becoming known for insightful profiles and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events. This period represented a critical juncture in his career development, allowing him to build relationships throughout the sports world.

Coverage of Major Sports Events

Hack distinguished himself through his coverage of premier sporting events across multiple beats. His reporting demonstrated versatility and depth, particularly in golf and football.

The majors became his specialty—from the hushed greens of Augusta to the boisterous galleries at the U.S. Open. His approach to tournament coverage balanced technical analysis with human interest, creating accessible narratives for casual and dedicated fans alike.

Throughout his print career, spanning approximately 16 years, Hack developed a reputation for thoroughness and integrity. He approached each assignment with the same level of commitment, whether covering a championship or a human interest story.

His writing style evolved to become both informative and engaging, a skill that would later translate effectively to broadcast media.

Transition to NBCUniversal

After establishing himself in print journalism, Hack made a pivotal career move to television with NBCUniversal. This transition marked the beginning of what would become a decade-long career in TV journalism.

At NBC Sports and Golf Channel, Hack found new ways to apply his journalistic foundation. He became a co-host of GOLF TODAY on Golf Channel and serves as an onsite reporter for NBC Sports Group, bringing his analytical mind and storytelling abilities to a visual medium.

The move represented not just a change in format but an expansion of his skillset. Hack adapted quickly to the demands of broadcast journalism, developing a camera presence that maintained the credibility he had built in print.

His work at NBC has included Olympic coverage, further demonstrating his range as a sports journalist and cementing his position in sports broadcasting.

Role at NBC Sports and Golf Channel

Damon Hack has established himself as a versatile and respected presence across NBC Sports and Golf Channel platforms since joining the network in 2012. His broadcasting responsibilities span multiple programs and tournaments while bringing insightful commentary and reporting to golf audiences nationwide.

From Golf Today to Golf Central

Hack serves as a co-host of Golf Today on Golf Channel, where he delivers daily news, analysis, and interviews with top players. His broadcasting style combines analytical depth with conversational ease, making complex golf topics accessible to casual viewers.

Based at NBC’s Stamford, Connecticut studios, Hack transitions seamlessly between Golf Today and appearances on Golf Central, the network’s flagship news program. His on-air chemistry with fellow hosts has made him a fan favorite.

Hack joined the network after an accomplished career in print journalism, having written for prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, and Newsday. This background provides him with unique perspective when interviewing players or analyzing tournament strategies.

PGA Tour and LPGA Tour Involvements

Hack’s coverage extends across both PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events, where he provides comprehensive reporting throughout the golf season. He frequently covers major championships including The Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.

As an on-air host and reporter for NBC’s tournament broadcasts, Hack conducts player interviews, provides course insights, and contributes to pre and post-round coverage. His work has earned industry recognition, including the APGA Media Award for his contributions to golf coverage.

Hack’s involvement with both tours includes:

• Tournament preview segments
• Player interview sessions
• Post-round analysis
• Major championship special coverage
• Featured group commentary

Prominence as an On-Site Reporter

Hack has distinguished himself as one of NBC Sports’ premier on-site reporters, traveling to tournaments across the globe. His reporting style combines thorough research with an ability to capture the atmosphere and significance of golf’s biggest moments.

During broadcasts, Hack provides viewers with crucial context about course conditions, player mindsets, and tournament developments. His experience covering multiple Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups has made him particularly valuable during team competitions.

Beyond traditional tournaments, Hack has expanded his role to include Olympic golf coverage for NBC Sports, bringing the international competition to American audiences. His versatility allows him to move between formal studio settings and on-course reporting with equal effectiveness.

His social media presence extends his reach, where he shares additional insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives from tournaments.

Olympics Coverage

Damon Hack has established himself as a versatile presence in NBC’s Olympic coverage, expanding his expertise beyond the golf world. His Olympic assignments have taken him from Athens to Tokyo, with specialized focus on winter sports like biathlon during the Pyeongchang games.

Biathlon Reporting at Pyeongchang

Hack’s coverage of the biathlon during the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics showcased his ability to explain complex winter sports to American audiences. He navigated the intricacies of this challenging sport that combines cross-country skiing and precision rifle shooting with remarkable clarity.

At Pyeongchang, he conducted insightful interviews with athletes including Lowell Bailey and Susan Dunklee, bringing their stories to life for viewers unfamiliar with biathlon. His reporting highlighted the mental discipline required to transition from heart-pounding skiing to steady marksmanship.

Hack’s ability to translate the scoring system and strategy of biathlon proved particularly valuable for NBC, as he broke down the sport’s nuances for casual Olympic viewers who tune in every four years.

The Olympic Journey: Athens to Tokyo

Hack’s Olympic broadcasting career spans multiple games, beginning with contributions to coverage of Athens and extending to the postponed Tokyo Olympics. His reporting has evolved from supporting roles to featured segments across these prestigious competitions.

In Athens, he cut his teeth on Olympic broadcasting, primarily working behind the scenes while learning the unique rhythms of the games. By the time Tokyo rolled around in 2021, Hack had become one of the recognized faces of NBC’s Olympic coverage.

During Tokyo’s pandemic-affected games, Hack adjusted to the unique broadcasting challenges, delivering reports from NBC’s Stamford studios rather than on location—a testament to his adaptability in unprecedented circumstances.

Roles Beyond Golf: NBC Olympics Team

Hack’s expanding role within the NBC Olympics team demonstrates the network’s confidence in his broadcasting versatility. He has been tapped as a daytime host for the Paris 2024 Olympics, his third Olympic assignment with NBCUniversal.

For the Paris games, Hack will be one of the few NBC personalities physically in Paris, handling afternoon coverage while many colleagues broadcast from Stamford, Connecticut.

His progression from Golf Channel analyst to Olympic broadcaster showcases his range beyond a single sport. Working alongside veterans like Mike Tirico and Rebecca Lowe has cemented Hack’s status as a core member of NBC’s international sports coverage team.

Working with NBC Sports Group Colleagues

Damon Hack has built strong professional relationships within NBC Sports Group, collaborating with top talent across golf and Olympic coverage. His interactions with colleagues showcase his versatility and teamwork capabilities in sports broadcasting.

Broadcast Teams and Co-Hosts

Hack’s primary role as co-host of Golf Today on Golf Channel places him in regular collaboration with several NBC Sports personalities. He works closely with Cara Banks, creating a dynamic on-air chemistry that viewers have come to appreciate. Their contrasting styles complement each other effectively during tournament coverage.

When covering PGA Tour events, Hack frequently partners with analyst Brad Faxon and on-course reporter John Wood. This trio has developed an efficient rhythm in their broadcasts, with Hack often teeing up analysis for Faxon while Wood provides ground-level insights.

During major championships, Hack joins the expanded NBC team featuring Dan Hicks as lead play-by-play announcer. Their seamless transitions between studio and on-course coverage have become a hallmark of NBC’s golf broadcasts.

Collaborations with Renowned Personalities

Hack’s versatility has led to notable partnerships with NBC Sports’ premier talent. During Olympic coverage in 2018, he demonstrated his adaptability. He served as an on-site reporter for the biathlon competitions, working with Mike Tirico.

Ahmed Fareed and Hack have paired effectively during pre-tournament coverage. Their conversational style creates engaging segments. Craig Melvin has also featured Hack as a guest analyst during special NBC Sports broadcasts. In these broadcasts, Hack’s journalism background adds depth to discussions.

Rebecca Lowe and Hack crossed paths during Olympic coverage, with both bringing their distinct interview techniques to profile athletes. Their contrasting approaches – Lowe’s more formal British style versus Hack’s conversational American approach – provided viewers with multidimensional coverage.

The collaboration with this diverse talent pool has expanded Hack’s broadcasting range beyond just golf expertise, establishing him as a versatile NBC Sports personality.

Behind the Scenes

Damon Hack’s work at NBC Sports and Golf Channel involves extensive preparation, skillful live broadcasting techniques, and maintaining energy throughout long broadcast days. His behind-the-scenes process reveals the dedication required for successful sports journalism.

Preparation for On-Air Segments

Damon Hack’s preparation routine is meticulous and data-driven. Before appearing on shows like Golf Today, he spends hours researching player statistics, course conditions, and recent tournament developments.

“I’m constantly reading, watching and learning,” Hack explains. His preparation begins early, often 3-4 hours before cameras roll.

Hack maintains detailed digital notes on players and tournaments, allowing him to recall specific moments during broadcasts. This thorough approach has become his trademark at NBC.

His preparation includes:

• Morning review of overnight tournament results
• Player interview note compilation
• Statistical trend analysis
• Course condition updates
• Regular communication with producers

Hack believes the invisible work separates good broadcasters from great ones. His preparation intensity increases for major tournaments, where he’ll spend additional hours researching historical context.

The Art of Live Broadcasting

As an on-site reporter for NBC Sports Group, Hack has mastered the complexities of live broadcasting. His ability to pivot between scripted segments and unexpected developments demonstrates his journalistic agility.

During tournaments, Hack positions himself strategically to capture player reactions and course dynamics. He communicates constantly with the production team through his earpiece.

“Live broadcasting requires you to think three steps ahead while staying present in the moment,” Hack notes.

His broadcasting schedule varies by tournament significance:

Broadcast Type	Start Time	Duration	Coverage Focus
Morning Drive	7:00 AM	2 hours	Tournament preview, player interviews
Golf Today	12:00 PM	1 hour	Breaking news, analysis
Tournament Coverage	Varies	4-6 hours	On-course reporting

Hack’s behind-the-scenes work includes regular coordination with camera operators and producers to ensure seamless transitions between segments.

Health and Enthusiasm Maintenance

Maintaining energy and enthusiasm throughout long broadcast days requires discipline. Hack follows a consistent wellness routine to sustain his performance quality across morning, afternoon, and evening segments.

His day typically begins with a 5:30 AM workout focused on cardiovascular endurance. He prioritizes proper hydration and nutritional timing to maintain energy levels.

“Broadcasting requires physical stamina as much as mental sharpness,” Hack observes.

Between segments, Hack uses short meditation techniques to reset mentally. This practice helps him maintain his trademark enthusiastic delivery without appearing fatigued.

Hack’s energy maintenance strategies include:

• Strategic coffee consumption (morning only)
• High-protein, low-sugar meals
• Standing during preparation when possible
• Voice exercises between segments
• Brief outdoor breaks for fresh air

His Instagram posts occasionally reveal these behind-the-scenes moments, showing his commitment to maintaining peak performance throughout broadcasting days.

Impact on Sports Media

Damon Hack has established himself as a significant voice in sports media through his work at NBC Sports and Golf Channel, bringing a unique perspective and journalistic integrity to golf coverage.

Influence and Expertise in Golf Reporting

As a co-host of GOLF TODAY on Golf Channel, Damon Hack has transformed how audiences consume golf content. His analytical approach and interview style have elevated golf programming, making technical aspects of the sport accessible to casual viewers.

Hack has covered numerous major championships and Ryder Cups since joining NBC Sports Group in 2012. His field reporting brings viewers closer to the action with insightful player interviews and course analysis.

In 2018, Hack expanded his repertoire by serving as an on-site reporter for NBC Olympics, covering biathlon events. This diversification showcases his versatility beyond golf coverage.

The APGA Media Award recognized Hack’s contributions to golf journalism, highlighting his influence in promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport.

Contributions to Major Sports Publications

Before his television career, Hack built his reputation at prestigious print publications. His reporting for Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, and Golf Digest established him as a respected voice in golf journalism.

Hack’s written work consistently delivered nuanced analysis of player techniques, tournament strategies, and the business side of professional golf. His feature articles on players brought depth to PGA Tour coverage beyond mere statistics.

His interviewing skills transferred seamlessly from print to broadcast media. Hack’s background in traditional journalism gave him the foundation to ask probing questions that provide viewers with genuine insights rather than rehearsed responses.

This journalistic approach has influenced a generation of golf writers who aim to combine technical knowledge with compelling storytelling.

Expanding the Reach of Golf Coverage

Hack has played a crucial role in making golf more accessible to diverse audiences. His eight-year tenure at Golf Channel coincided with the network’s expanded coverage and technological innovations.

His work on Morning Drive and later GOLF TODAY helped transform daily golf programming from niche content to mainstream sports coverage. These shows blend technical analysis with entertainment elements that appeal to casual fans.

Hack’s Olympic assignments, including his upcoming role in Paris coverage, demonstrate NBC’s confidence in his ability to translate complex sports narratives to broad audiences.

Broadcast Innovations Led by Hack:

• In-depth player profiles
• On-course reporting with enhanced graphics
• Tournament preview segments with data visualization
• Post-round analysis integrating statistical trends

Personal Insights

Behind the professional persona of Damon Hack lies a thoughtful perspective on sports and their impact on society, shaped by his extensive experience covering major events and leagues across the country.

Damon’s Views on the Evolution of Sports

Damon Hack has consistently emphasized how sports can be a vehicle for social change. In his coverage, he often highlights the intersection of athletics and broader societal issues. Following the death of George Floyd, Hack supported the PGA Tour’s efforts to play a role in healing racial divides in America.

His background covering the San Francisco 49ers and New York Knicks gave him unique insights into how different sports address social justice matters. Hack’s perspective was further shaped by his time at Newsday, where he developed his analytical approach to sports journalism.

In his TEDx talk, Hack explored reimagining race in America. He demonstrated how he views sports as more than just games but as cultural touchstones.

Reflections on Major Sporting Events

As an NBC Sports and Golf Channel reporter, Hack has covered numerous significant tournaments across the USA and internationally. His Olympic hosting experience gave him a global perspective on competition that few American sports journalists possess.

Hack particularly values international events. His coverage in Paris and other global venues enhanced his appreciation for how sports transcend cultural boundaries. His golf coverage stands out for its cultural context rather than just technical analysis.

During major championships, Hack often shares personal reflections that connect present moments to sports history. As a recognizable face among golf fans, his tournament observations carry weight within the golfing community and beyond.