The tension between Padraig Harrington and NBC analyst Roger Maltbie at the 2025 U.S. Senior Open has spilled beyond the fairways, and Maltbie isn’t holding back. The drama began on the 15th hole on Thursday, when Harrington’s tee shot disappeared into a thicket. As Harrington, his caddie, and officials scrambled to locate the ball within the 3-minute window allowed by the rules, Maltbie stayed back, sparking visible frustration from the three-time major winner. Maltbie later told GOLF.com he had been instructed by his producer to stay positioned for an on-air report: “I can’t do it from inside the thick of the trees.”
Harrington wasn’t buying it. When Maltbie later tried to explain himself, Harrington insisted it was “poor etiquette” not to help a player search. The tension escalated when Harrington’s caddie told a spotter to “piss off” on the next hole. Maltbie, typically reserved, pushed back: “I was very close to saying, ‘All these checks I’ve gotten from NB — your name isn’t on any of them.’”
I spoke to Roger Maltbie about his clash with Harrington. RM said he couldn’t help in PH’s ball search bc he needed to be situated to call the action.
“I can’t do it from inside the thick of the trees.”
Harrington wasn’t buying it.
Details here https://t.co/pRKrhNSflS
— Alan Bastable (@alan_bastable) June 28, 2025
While calling Harrington “charming” for his strong opinions, Maltbie added, “I really expected him to understand.” As fate has it, Maltbie will be walking with Harrington’s final group again Saturday, with more than just the leaderboard in focus.
This is a developing story…
The post Told to ‘Piss Off,’ NBC Analyst Makes Blunt Remarks on Padraig Harrington’s Character After Heated Exchange appeared first on EssentiallySports.
