While what happens on the golf course is the biggest source of entertainment in the sport, commentary plays a huge role, too. From Jim Nantz to Amanda Balionis, many commentators make golf events more enjoyable. And when it comes to a major like the Masters, fans expect a known name to cover the event. But when they heard that Marty Smith would play a prominent role in the 2026 Masters coverage, they were disappointed.

“Sports media news this morning: Marty Smith has signed a long-term extension with @espn. He’ll be onsite at Augusta National next week and will have an in-depth Rory piece airing on “SportsCenter” this Sunday. Was in Holywood recently to report that out,” Josh Carpenter wrote in an X post.

This year, Augusta National Golf Club has decided that the Masters coverage will be split among four broadcasters. This includes Amazon Prime and ESPN, covering the afternoon and evening shifts, respectively, on Thursday and Friday. Then on Saturday and Sunday, Paramount+ will cover from 12 to 2 pm before CBS takes over until 7 pm.

Marty Smith will be the commentator for ESPN’s coverage. As Carpenter noted, Smith will be at Augusta National for the event, which will run from April 9 to April 12, 2026. His contributions will likely include pre-tournament programming, player interviews, and feature storytelling segments.

The announcement also arrives at a time when ESPN is making notable adjustments to its on-ground presence at Augusta. A couple of days ago, on March 31, 2026, ESPN announced that Jason Kelce, the post-retirement Eagles star, will interview players and families during the Masters Par 3 Contest.

ESPN faced backlash for the decision. Fans decry it as overexposure and forcing non-golf celebs into traditions. Now, the company’s Marty Smith decision is also facing similar scrutiny.

Fans call it “unwatchable” as backlash quickly builds

As the news came out, the reaction from golf fans was immediate and harsh.

One fan summed up the entire emotion using a single word. “Unwatchable,” he wrote. Echoing similar feelings, another user said, “Nooooooo get him away from the Masters!” The Masters Tournament is all about traditions, and fans want to see someone who has been associated with the sport for a long time. Neither Kelce nor Marty Smith has such a connection with golf or golf fans.

While some fans were subtle, others went even further, calling the move “The absolute worst.” Although Smith has been a sports commentator for a long time, he doesn’t have a history of covering golf events.

However, Smith did cover the TGL as a sideline reporter. Speaking about his experience, he said,

“Personally in that arena, it was a very challenging assignment at first and remains so in certain ways. It moves really fast,” Smith said. “I’m spending all this time with the players and I can ask these guys not just about the match they’re about to play, but I can ask them about what’s going on on the PGA Tour. I can ask them about their processes. I mean, I sit there and nerd out with them and it’s this completely uninhibited time and I’ve tried very hard to take advantage of that.”

Also, the decision comes after ESPN re-signed Smith to a multi-year extension, as a part of which he will continue to cover golf, the NFL draft, and much more. Smith will also be having an “in-depth interview” with reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy, which will air on ‘SportsCenter’ on Sunday.

Yet, several fans labeled him out of place at Augusta National. One frustrated comment read, “Roll eyes. Let’s send the nascar guy to Augusta. F——- morons.” Reflecting on the same, another post mocked the contrast in personalities who will be covering for ESPN. “Nascar hype guy at the Masters with a Kelce brother in a tank top. Jesus Fuck…. And they make John Daly sit in his RV at Top Golf,” the user wrote.

He hinted at John Daly’s tradition of taking his RV to Augusta and interacting with fans outside the course. Until recently, Daly used to park his RV at Hooters in Augusta. However, the spot was demolished last year after the company filed for bankruptcy. This year, he will be parked at Topgolf.

That last remark also reflects a broader frustration tied to Jason Kelce’s inclusion in coverage.

The reactions suggest that for many fans, this isn’t just about one reporter or one decision. Instead, it highlights growing dissatisfaction with how the Masters 2026 coverage is being shaped.