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League: PGA TourSport: GolfCountry: United StatesCategory: 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.

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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
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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.

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