Roger Maltbie – PGA Tour Net Worth, Contract, Detailed Information: Complete Career Earnings and Broadcasting Success Analysis
Roger Maltbie? Now there’s a guy who really made his mark on pro golf, and not just with a club in his hands. The California native jumped into the pro ranks back in 1973 and snagged five PGA Tour wins between 1975 and 1985. But honestly, when you look at where the big bucks rolled in, it’s his broadcasting career with NBC Sports that really built his fortune.
Roger Maltbie’s net worth sits at about $12 million—pretty impressive, right? He stacked up that wealth through a mix of PGA Tour prize money and a long run as a television commentator. He earned roughly $1.9 million on the PGA Tour from 1975 to 1996, but it’s his work on TV that truly padded his bank account. For over twenty years, Maltbie roamed the fairways as NBC’s on-course reporter and analyst, picking up a steady paycheck until just recently when he parted ways with the network.
If you’re curious about how the money flows in modern golf, Maltbie’s story is a lesson. Players today can really build wealth, especially if they’re versatile enough to jump into media. He started with five official PGA Tour wins and then became one of the most familiar voices in golf broadcasting. That kind of adaptability? It’s golden in pro sports. Maltbie’s journey from player to broadcaster gives us a peek behind the curtain at contract talks, career pivots, and the business side of golf most fans never hear about.
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Contents
Roger Maltbie’s Net Worth Overview
Maltbie built up some serious wealth by juggling life as a pro golfer and a TV commentator. He pulled in money from tournament wins, broadcasting contracts, and a handful of endorsement deals over more than forty years in the game.
Current Net Worth Estimates
Roger Maltbie’s net worth clocks in at $12 million, according to the latest estimates. That figure combines his earnings from both his playing days and his lengthy stint on NBC.
He ranks among the more successful golfers of his generation, financially speaking. His net worth has stayed pretty stable, thanks to decades of steady broadcasting money.
Net Worth Breakdown:
- Primary Assets: Golf winnings, TV contracts
- Secondary Income: Endorsements, appearances, some golf instruction
- Estimated Range: $10-15 million, depending who you ask
Sources of Roger Maltbie’s Wealth
Maltbie’s bank account grew from a bunch of different income streams. He earned about $1.9 million on the PGA Tour just from tournament play.
His real bread and butter, though, came from broadcasting. Starting in 1991, Maltbie took on the role of on-course reporter and analyst for NBC Sports, quickly becoming a familiar voice in living rooms everywhere.
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution |
|---|---|
| NBC Broadcasting Contract | 60-70% |
| PGA Tour Winnings | 15-20% |
| Endorsements & Appearances | 10-15% |
| Other Golf-Related Income | 5-10% |
Net Worth Growth Over Time
Maltbie’s finances really took off after he set down his clubs and picked up a microphone. Those five PGA Tour wins gave him a solid start.
But the real turning point? Broadcasting. NBC Sports contracts brought him a reliable, solid income for over thirty years. That kind of stability doesn’t come around too often in sports.
His net worth probably peaked not long ago, thanks to all those years of TV work and smart financial moves. Tournament cash and media deals combined to give him a nice, diverse income that’s still working for him long after he stopped competing.
Earnings from PGA Tour Career
Roger Maltbie racked up career earnings of $1,940,143 while playing pro golf. He notched five tournament wins that anchored his PGA Tour income.
His biggest payday? That came from steady play in major championships, especially his memorable fourth-place finish at the 1987 Masters.
PGA Tour Winnings
Those tournament wins really set up Maltbie’s career earnings on the PGA Tour. His five victories included some big moments at well-known events.
The Pleasant Valley Classic stands out as one of his breakthrough wins. That victory showed he could hang with the best.
He also made a splash at the Memorial Tournament. Since Jack Nicklaus founded it, the event attracts the best players and offers a hefty purse.
| Career Statistics | Total |
|---|---|
| PGA Tour Wins | 5 |
| Career Earnings | $1,940,143 |
| Years Active | 1970s-2000s |
Major Tournament Performances
Maltbie’s top finish in a major was T4 at the 1987 Masters, and he’s called it the biggest disappointment of his career. That result at Augusta National was as close as he got to a major title.
He also cashed in at the PGA Championship and other majors. While he never won one, his steady play in those big events added up.
Just that 1987 Masters finish likely brought in a six-figure check. Majors always have the biggest prize pools, so a good week there really pays off.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
There’s not a ton of info about Maltbie’s endorsement deals during his playing days. Back then, golfers usually didn’t pull in as much from sponsorships as today’s stars.
He probably picked up some extra cash from equipment deals. Companies love signing tour players for a little extra visibility.
Once he moved into broadcasting with NBC Sports, new revenue streams opened up. That career shift ended up paying more than his tournament checks ever did.
Broadcasting and Media Contracts
Roger Maltbie walked away from the pro circuit in 1996 and headed straight for the broadcast booth. NBC Sports picked him up, and he spent over two decades there as an on-course reporter and analyst.
NBC Sports Roles and Compensation
NBC Sports brought Maltbie on as a golf commentator and on-course reporter right after he hung up his spikes. He became a regular voice during big tournaments and PGA Tour broadcasts.
NBC’s golf coverage leaned on Maltbie for more than 20 years. Fans got used to his insights—he just knows the game from every angle.
NBC decided not to renew Maltbie’s contract at the end of 2022. That move also affected Gary Koch, ending both of their long runs with the network.
Maltbie did get a reduced one-year deal for 2023, but it was a step back. He covered smaller tour events instead of the majors.
He’s been pretty vocal about his disappointment with how NBC handled the whole thing. In interviews, he called the process messy and poorly managed.
Additional Broadcasting Engagements
Outside NBC, Maltbie has dipped his toes into other broadcasting gigs in the golf world. With his experience, he’s always in demand for golf media platforms.
He might pop up with Champions Tour coverage or even LIV Golf events. Even with the NBC shake-up, people still want Maltbie’s take on the game.
PGA Tour Radio has featured him now and then, too. He brings authenticity and a player’s perspective to the mic.
Maltbie keeps weighing his options in the media world. With his decades of experience, he’s still got a lot to offer any network looking for real golf knowledge.
Professional Golf Career Achievements
Roger Maltbie enjoyed a solid two-decade run on the PGA Tour, picking up five wins from 1975 to 1985. His best shot at a major came with a fourth-place finish at the 1987 Masters—he says that one still stings.
Tournament Victories and Awards
Maltbie turned pro in 1973 after college at San Jose State. He snagged his PGA Tour card in 1974 and wasted no time making a name for himself.
His breakout season came in 1975. Maltbie won two tournaments back-to-back, an impressive feat for a rookie.
In 1976, he added another big win by taking the inaugural Memorial Tournament. That’s Jack Nicklaus’s event, and it’s a pretty big deal in the golf world.
Over a decade, he collected five PGA Tour wins. His career highlights and victories put him in rare company.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Two victories | Winner |
| 1976 | Memorial Tournament | Winner |
| 1977-1985 | Two additional wins | Winner |
| 1987 | Masters Tournament | T4 |
Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup Appearances
Maltbie never made it onto a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup team. Even with five PGA Tour wins, he missed out on those prestigious events.
The Ryder Cup usually goes to the top-ranked players, and Maltbie played during a packed era for American golf talent.
The Presidents Cup didn’t start until 1994, by which time Maltbie was winding down his playing days and focusing on broadcasting.
His absence from those teams just shows how deep the American golf field was during his prime. Plenty of talented players faced the same challenge.
Business Ventures and Other Income
Maltbie didn’t just rely on his PGA Tour money and NBC contract. He’s made some smart business moves in golf, too.
Golf Course Design Business
He’s put his pro golf experience to work in course design consulting. Maltbie’s got a sharp eye for what makes a golf course fun and challenging.
He usually works with established design teams rather than leading projects himself. This way, he can share his expertise without taking on too much risk.
He focuses on things like strategy, player experience, and hazard placement. Maltbie’s input helps shape courses that both pros and weekend golfers can enjoy.
Key Design Contributions:
- Course strategy advice
- Making the player experience better
- Suggestions for hazard placement
- Input on green design
Other Business Interests
Let’s talk business—Roger Maltbie’s got a portfolio that really leans into his golf expertise and that familiar face from TV. He’s landed endorsements and appearances that play off his reputation.
Corporate golf events? Those are a big money-maker for him.
When Maltbie speaks at events, he usually focuses on golf instruction and sharing career stories. People pay a premium for those appearances, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to hear from a guy who’s been both a player and a broadcaster?
He’s probably got investments in golf-related ventures, plus a pretty standard diversified portfolio. That long career of his? It’s given him a steady income and a solid base for building wealth.
Active business gigs and smart investments keep his financial picture looking strong. Let’s face it—being a pro golfer opens doors the rest of us just don’t get.
Early Life, Education, and Path to Professional Golf
Roger Maltbie’s story starts in Northern California, right in Modesto, and really takes off during his college years at San Jose City College and San Jose State. His amateur career set the stage for everything that came next, even if those early wins from college aren’t as well-documented as his pro highlights.
Childhood and Family Background
Roger Maltbie was born in Modesto, California, smack dab in the Central Valley. The place is famous for agriculture, but Maltbie’s family moved to San Jose, and that’s where he really started to sharpen his golf game.
He went to James Lick High School in San Jose. There, he played with Forrest Fezler, who also made it to the PGA Tour.
That early exposure to high-level competition shaped how Maltbie saw the game.
Growing up in the Bay Area, Maltbie had access to great golf courses and, let’s be honest, some pretty sweet weather. He could practice all year long, which gave him a leg up over golfers from colder climates.
College Golf at San Jose State University and San Jose City College
Maltbie kicked off his college golf run at San Jose City College from 1970 to 1971. He played on the golf team there and kept pushing his skills forward.
After that, he moved on to San Jose State University. He joined the Spartans golf squad and kept hitting the books, too.
College Golf Timeline:
- 1970-1971: San Jose City College golf team member
- 1971-1973: San Jose State University golf team member
- 1973: Turned professional
That jump from community college to a four-year university really prepped him for the pros. San Jose State’s golf program gave him the kind of competition he’d face on tour.
Amateur Golf Highlights
We don’t have a lot of details on Maltbie’s amateur wins, but his college golf background clearly gave him the confidence to go pro in 1973.
Northern California’s amateur golf scene in the early ‘70s was no joke. Playing there taught Maltbie about course management and how to handle pressure.
He wrapped up his amateur days by turning professional in 1973. Right after college, Maltbie went pro and hit the PGA Tour in 1974.
He picked the perfect time to make his move. In 1975, his first full year, he won twice. That early success proved his California roots and hard work paid off.
Personal Life and Influence on Golf
Roger Maltbie’s journey—from NorCal golfer to respected broadcaster—has shaped his legacy and personal identity. His family ties and broadcasting chops changed the way fans experience golf on TV.
Personal Interests and Family
Roger Maltbie was born in Modesto, California and really honed his game in San Jose. His time at James Lick High School, playing with Forrest Fezler, was a big deal in his early years.
Those Northern California roots? They run deep. He’s kept that connection strong, even showing up at local events like the Fortinet Championship in Napa.
Maltbie doesn’t share much about his family life, keeping it pretty private compared to his on-camera persona. When he transitioned from competing to broadcasting in 1991, he also shifted his focus more toward family.
Off the course, Maltbie’s interests go beyond golf. That jovial, good-natured personality? It’s become his signature on NBC broadcasts, and you can just feel his genuine love for the game every time he’s on air.
Impact on Golf Broadcasting
Maltbie kicked off his broadcasting career in 1991 with NBC Sports. He quickly made a name for himself as an on-course reporter and analyst.
You could always tell he brought something special—his experience as a former tour player gave his commentary a real, lived-in feel. That authenticity? You just can’t fake it.
Lately, NBC has cut back the veteran broadcaster‘s workload, and, honestly, golf fans aren’t thrilled. Folks who loved his distinctive style have felt the loss.
People in golf media have even called him a “national treasure”—and, hey, it’s hard to argue with that. He really changed the way we watch tournament coverage.
Maltbie shaped golf broadcasting by bridging the gap between playing and reporting. With five PGA Tour victories, he could break down pro golf situations with the kind of authority that only comes from being there.
His roving reporter role? That became a staple of NBC’s golf coverage. He mixed technical know-how with down-to-earth explanations, and suddenly, those tricky golf scenarios made sense—even if you barely knew your birdie from your bogey.
He spent over three decades on TV, mentoring younger golf media folks along the way. Maltbie set a high bar for on-course reporting, and it’s safe to say, plenty of people are still trying to reach it.
