On yesterday's "Live From..." broadcast, TGC introduced a new announcer from Comcast Philly named Michael Barkann. Not sure if the segment with Lerner was just for this event or if he will be a permanent fixture, but he actually had some personality and made some informative, professional and insightful comments. It was a breath of fresh air to see someone new of quality. The jury may still be out whether he is here to stay or not but the guy seems polished and interesting. Maybe, just maybe, the TGC is reading this stuff for a change. Now all they need to do is hire an program manager that can play and that knows the game well enough to be able to introduce some new, interesting and original programming.

We'll see.

did not like him. thought that he made is segments into bad stand up. Rich Lerner should refuse to appear with him. Laurel and Hardy comment made me flinch. can him

The "Laurel and Hardy" comment was made by Kraig Kahn and the jabs (Navarro comments) may have been a bit quirky but at least he had some personality, unlike most of the new blood introduced that come on way too stiff. Also, I think if I were him I'd be the one refusing to appear with Lerner. But that's my opinion.

Looked like he elbowed Lerner out of the way in one segment.

Oh boy another thread that starts out talking good about an announcer and then the bashing begins. Announcers have tough jobs at times, give them a break!

I didn't care for him at all...and I'm not going to get into why. From what I gathered of his pieces, they were using him this week only as a "special correspondent". That usually means on-air audition.

Michael Barkan is awesome! He's on Comcast Sportsnet locally and does just about every show there, he works his a** off! I've had the pleasure of meeting him once and he's just a great great (insert fword here) guy! The guys just a fun loving guy, he loves sports and not just the big 4. HIs wife is an ex-competitive ice skater, he plays a tennis and golf and well from what I understand.

Don't let these little segments fool you, he's awesome! I love watching him, because he brings more than knowledge to table, he brings a fleet of semi's full of personality.

Don't hate him, he IS very cool and very good!

Peter

Yep, I agree! He has the 'Michael Barkin Show' up in Philadelphia and it`s great! I`ve always liked him esp when there`s a good 'Philly Sports Story' like Allen Iverson`s 'It`s Only Practice...', Terrell Owens controversies, and the fun when Larry Bowa was the Phillies mgr, etc. I`m sure he`s alittle nervous and somewhat 'out of his element' working on TGC. He`s more of a 'studio guy'!

From all these bashing posts of basically every commentator on TV, I am wondering if all of you with negative comments would just rather not have any commentating at all. I mean come on, these guys got tough jobs and constantly get bashed on here all the time. Overall, I think they ALL do a pretty good job. Of course we all have some things we don't like to hear them say or whatever, but that is going to happen no matter who is on there!

It was funny seeing him, since I see him every day on Comcast here.

I thought he was kind of cool. Different isn't always bad.

I wasn't a fan -- too glib and too much like ESPN Sportscenter guys. The more the Golf Channel tries to become ESPN (the way ESPN is now) the less I like it.

He used to be on Channel 56 in Boston years ago. Then did a lot of US Open Tennis coverage for USA. I could take or leave him.