League: PGA Tour Sport: Golf Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Smylie Kaufman transitions from PGA Tour player to Golf Channel commentator

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 12:30 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Smylie Kaufman transitions from PGA Tour player to Golf Channel commentator

Summary

Smylie Kaufman is now a commentator for the Golf Channel after a decline in his playing career. Once a promising player, he secured a PGA Tour win in 2015, but struggled significantly after 2018, ultimately losing his tour card. He attempted a comeback on the Korn Ferry Tour and participated in only a few PGA events from 2020 to 2022. Kaufman declined an invitation to play in the Zurich Classic this year, showing no intention to return to professional golf.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Smylie Kaufman won his first PGA Tour event in 2015.
•His performance deteriorated in 2018, leading to a loss of his tour card.
•He played sporadically on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour from 2019 to 2022.
•Kaufman turned down an invitation to the Zurich Classic this year.
•He is now serving as a commentator for the Golf Channel.

Latest Updates

12:30 PMYahoo Sports — What happened to Smylie Kaufman and why he no longer plays golf on the PGA Tour

What they're saying

"
Smylie Kaufman appears to have been anointed as the Golf Channel’s next on-course prodigy. He was given the role vacated by Johnson Wagner when he left for CBS last year.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

PGA Tour Golf