Phil Blackmar – Golf Channel Analyst Shares Insights on Masters Tournament 2025
Phil Blackmar, a familiar voice for golf fans, serves as a holes announcer and on-course reporter for GOLF Channel’s PGA TOUR Champions coverage. The former PGA Tour player brings a wealth of experience to his broadcasting role. He competed professionally for 16 years from 1985 to 2000 before moving to the Champions Tour. Blackmar’s insights as a television analyst are particularly valuable given his firsthand experience competing against the legends he now covers.
The former PGA Tour player, who stands at an impressive height, has successfully transitioned from competitor to commentator. Born on September 22, 1957, the American golfer has developed diverse interests beyond the course, including agate collecting, jewelry making, and saltwater fishing. While continuing his active participation on the Champions Tour, Blackmar balances his playing career with his analytical duties for the Golf Channel, where he’s established himself as a thoughtful voice in golf broadcasting.
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Phil Blackmar’s Early Life and Education
Phil Blackmar’s roots run deep in Texas, where his early experiences shaped his path in golf. Growing up in Corpus Christi, he developed strong connections to both golf and fishing before eventually making his mark at the University of Texas.
College Golf at University of Texas
Blackmar graduated from the University of Texas in 1979, where he honed his skills as a collegiate golfer. His time with the Longhorns proved instrumental in developing the fundamentals that would later serve him on the professional tour.
The tall Texan (standing at 6’7″) showed promise during his college years, competing against some of the best amateur talents in the country. While not always in the spotlight, Blackmar’s dedication to improving his game never wavered.
His college career coincided with a strong period for Texas golf, providing him with valuable competitive experience against quality opposition. These formative years helped build the mental toughness required for the professional ranks.
Growth in Corpus Christi, Texas
Before his college days, Blackmar’s childhood in Corpus Christi laid the foundation for his future. Growing up in this coastal Texas city, he was introduced to both fishing and golf by his father, creating dual passions that would follow him throughout his life.
The coastal influence shaped more than just his recreational pursuits. Corpus Christi’s windy conditions likely contributed to Blackmar developing the shot-making skills necessary for challenging golf conditions.
Years later, Blackmar would return to his roots, serving as assistant women’s golf coach at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi beginning in May 2012. Prior to this official role, he volunteered as an assistant coach with the program, giving back to golf in the community where his journey began.
Phil Blackmar’s Professional Career
Phil Blackmar carved out a respectable career spanning multiple decades in professional golf, standing out not just for his towering 6’7″ height but for his consistent play and broadcasting contributions later in his career.
Achievements on the PGA Tour
Blackmar’s PGA Tour journey lasted an impressive 16 full seasons, yielding three tournament victories. His wins came at the 1985 Canon Sammy Davis Jr.-Greater Hartford Open, the 1988 Provident Classic, and the 1997 Shell Houston Open.
Despite being what many would consider a “journeyman” professional, Blackmar’s longevity on tour demonstrates remarkable skill and perseverance. He recorded one top-10 finish in major championships throughout his career.
Blackmar’s playing style emphasized consistency rather than flashy play. His height gave him natural distance advantages, though he was better known for steady course management than power hitting.
Career PGA Tour Statistics:
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Wins | 3 |
| Top-10 Finishes | 42 |
| Cuts Made | 287 |
| Career Earnings | $3.3 million |
Transition to the PGA Tour Champions
After his regular tour career, Blackmar made a smooth transition to the PGA Tour Champions (formerly known as the Champions Tour). He competed against fellow golf veterans in the over-50 circuit while developing his broadcasting career.
One notable achievement came at the 2008 AT&T Championship, where Blackmar secured a victory against a competitive field of golf legends. This win validated his continuing relevance in professional golf even in his senior years.
Beyond competition, Blackmar began focusing on a different approach to the game. He has spoken about playing more like an artist than a mechanic, embracing the creative aspects of golf rather than the technical precision that dominated his earlier career.
Commentary and Broadcast Contributions
Phil Blackmar transitioned from professional golfer to respected broadcaster, bringing his deep knowledge of the game to television audiences. His analytical style and technical insights have made him a valuable voice in golf commentary.
Role as a Golf Analyst
After concluding his active PGA TOUR career in 2000, Phil Blackmar seamlessly moved into broadcasting. He now serves as a holes announcer and on-course reporter for the PGA TOUR Champions coverage on Golf Channel.
Blackmar’s experience as a professional golfer for 16 years gives him unique credibility when analyzing player techniques and course strategies. He doesn’t just tell viewers what happened – he explains why it happened.
While continuing his work as a broadcaster, Blackmar has maintained his connection to competitive golf. He joined the Champions Tour after turning 50 in September 2007, balancing his playing and commentary responsibilities.
Insights on Golf Channel Broadcasts
Blackmar’s commentary style focuses on technical aspects of the game while remaining accessible to casual viewers. He frequently references golf legends such as Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods to provide historical context for modern play.
As an instructor with experience at the highest levels, Blackmar brings educational value to broadcasts. His explanations of swing mechanics, course management decisions, and tournament strategy help viewers better understand the challenges players face.
Golf Channel utilizes Blackmar’s expertise primarily during PGA TOUR Champions events. His in-depth knowledge of the senior circuit’s players – many of whom were his contemporaries during his PGA TOUR career – creates natural chemistry and insightful conversations during broadcasts.
Golf Technique and Mental Strategies
Phil Blackmar brings decades of professional experience to his technical instruction, combining physical fundamentals with powerful mental approaches. His teachings emphasize the connection between technique and mindset, helping golfers at all levels improve their performance under pressure.
Putting Technique and Tips
Blackmar’s putting philosophy centers on simplicity and consistency. He advocates for a stable setup with eyes directly over the ball and hands positioned slightly ahead of the clubface.
“The stroke should be like a pendulum,” Blackmar often demonstrates on Golf Channel segments. He recommends a 60/40 weight distribution favoring the lead foot to promote better control.
For distance control, Blackmar teaches a counter-intuitive method: focus on the backswing length rather than the follow-through. His data shows this approach leads to more consistent results.
| Putting Error | Typical Cause | Blackmar’s Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pushed putts | Open face at impact | Focus on path, not face angle |
| Distance control | Inconsistent tempo | Consistent backswing length |
| Deceleration | Fear of missing | Practice with opposite hand only |
Blackmar suggests practicing with alignment sticks to ensure proper setup and stroke path, making these fundamentals second nature during competition.
Bunker Play and Sand Shots
In videos with Mike Malaska, Blackmar reveals his unconventional approach to bunker play. Rather than opening the stance dramatically, he recommends a slightly open setup with more focus on acceleration through impact.
The key to consistent sand shots, according to Blackmar, is understanding bounce. “Most amateurs fight against the club’s design,” he explains. His technique involves letting the bounce work by keeping the clubface slightly open and striking the sand about two inches behind the ball.
For different sand conditions, Blackmar adjusts his ball position rather than stance:
- Fluffy sand: Ball forward, more loft
- Packed sand: Ball middle, less loft
- Wet sand: Ball back, more club speed
His most emphasized tip involves maintaining steady lower body movement while allowing the arms to release fully through impact. This prevents the common mistake of digging too deep or blading the shot.
Mental Game and Focus Strategies
Blackmar’s mental approach draws from his observations of Tiger Woods and other elite players, emphasizing target-focused thinking over mechanical thoughts. “There are no style points in golf,” Blackmar frequently reminds students, stressing that scoring matters more than how the swing looks.
His competition strategy involves three phases:
- Pre-shot routine: Clear visualization of the target and desired ball flight
- Execution phase: Complete commitment to the chosen shot
- Acceptance phase: Immediate acceptance of results, good or bad
Blackmar teaches what he calls “productive practice” – training that simulates on-course pressure. He recommends drills that include consequences, like requiring three successful putts in a row before ending a practice session.
For managing tournament nerves, Blackmar suggests controlled breathing techniques and focusing on process rather than outcomes. His approach has helped numerous tour professionals overcome performance anxiety under pressure.
Influences and Relationships
Phil Blackmar’s journey in golf has been shaped by meaningful connections with legendary players and ongoing relationships with contemporaries in the sport. His thoughtful approach to the game reflects both traditional influences and modern perspectives.
Influence of Veteran Golfers
Phil Blackmar’s analytical approach to golf commentary has been deeply influenced by veteran players from his touring days. As a cerebral golfer and thinker, Blackmar absorbed wisdom from legends like Bernhard Langer, whose methodical course management mirrors Blackmar’s own strategic mindset.
Tom Kite served as another significant influence during Blackmar’s playing career. Kite’s meticulous attention to detail and technical precision resonated with Blackmar’s thoughtful approach to the game.
Jay Haas and Andy Bean also shaped Blackmar’s perspective on longevity in golf. Their transitions from regular tour play to successful PGA Tour Champions careers provided a blueprint that Blackmar has followed in his broadcasting work.
Contemporary Golf Relationships
Blackmar’s current role as holes announcer and on-course reporter for GOLF Channel’s PGA TOUR Champions has fostered relationships with today’s players. His connection with Bernhard Langer continues as he frequently covers the German legend’s remarkable PGA Tour Champions career.
His analytical eye appreciates rising stars like Scottie Scheffler, often highlighting technical aspects that casual viewers might miss. This perspective comes naturally to Blackmar, who also serves as assistant women’s golf coach at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Beyond broadcasting, Blackmar maintains a diverse set of interests that inform his golf relationships. His X (formerly Twitter) profile notes his passion for agates, jewelry making, and saltwater fishing, providing common ground with players who share these hobbies.
Off-Course Ventures and Contributions
Phil Blackmar has leveraged his extensive PGA Tour experience into several meaningful ventures beyond competitive play. His analytical approach and deep knowledge of golf mechanics have made him a respected voice in golf education and media.
Golf Blogging and Public Speaking
After his 16-year career on the PGA Tour, Blackmar transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. He became a valued holes announcer and on-course reporter for GOLF Channel’s PGA TOUR Champions coverage. His expertise brings technical aspects of the game to life for viewers.
Blackmar has maintained an insightful golf blog where he shares course management strategies and mental approach tips. Drawing from his experience as a three-time PGA Tour winner, his content resonates with both amateur and professional players.
In 2012, Blackmar expanded his teaching role by joining Texas A&M-Corpus Christi as an assistant women’s golf coach. He previously served as a volunteer assistant, demonstrating his commitment to developing young talent.
His “Be The Right Club Today” podcast has become a popular platform where he discusses golf strategy and interviews industry figures. Episode 26 highlighted his approach to the mental game, an area where he’s considered among the sport’s elite thinkers.
