Rich Lerner, Golf Channel broadcaster and NBC Sports anchor, delivering live commentary at a major PGA Tour event in 2025

Rich Lerner is a name synonymous with poetic sports broadcasting. Best known as the lead golf anchor and writer for the Golf Channel, his smooth delivery and narrative finesse have shaped how millions experience the PGA Tour and golf’s most iconic moments. This Rich Lerner Golf Channel biography explores the life behind the voice. In 2025, Lerner is trending once again, not due to scandal or spectacle, but because of the quiet brilliance he continues to bring to the sport he loves.

After nearly three decades in the industry, Lerner remains a central figure in golf media. Earlier this year, he made headlines for his heartfelt Rich Lerner Tiger Woods tribute at the Masters, a segment titled “Echoes on Magnolia Lane” that quickly went viral. Golf fans on Reddit called it “one of the most emotional pieces of sports writing put to air,” with many speculating it might become his signature work.

With his continued presence on NBC Sports and Golf Channel’s major coverage and growing podcast appearances, golf fans and new audiences alike are asking: Who is the man behind golf’s most unforgettable words?

Early Life, Family Background & Education of Rich Lerner

Rich Lerner was born on November 10, 1960, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. As of 2025, he is 64 years old. A proud Scorpio with a sharp mind and deeply intuitive nature, Lerner was raised in a close-knit Jewish family that valued storytelling, sports, and community ties.

His father, Les Lerner, ran a driving range and miniature golf course known as Lerner’s Golf Land in Allentown. This early exposure to the rhythms of golf shaped his lifelong love for the game. Rich once recalled in an interview with Golf Digest, “I didn’t grow up playing country clubs. I grew up sweeping up after folks who came out for a bucket of balls.”

He attended Parkland High School before enrolling at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he studied Communications. There, he honed his skills as a sports writer and radio host. According to former classmates, Lerner had an early talent for blending sports facts with human emotion, often choosing storytelling over stats.

Rich Lerner stands approximately 6 feet tall, with a calm presence and a resonant voice that lends natural gravitas to his on-air segments. His roots in Pennsylvania have remained a touchstone, as he often references hometown values in his commentary.

Is Rich Lerner Married? Inside His Personal Life in 2025

Rich Lerner has long been known for keeping his personal life out of the spotlight. He is married to Robin Lerner, and the couple has two sons. Though not much is publicly detailed about his family life, Lerner has occasionally spoken about his role as a father and husband in interviews.

In a 2022 feature with Golfweek, he shared,

“What I do on air is one part of me. But the quiet nights at home, walking the dog, helping my son with college essays — that’s the real life that keeps me grounded.”

His family is known to accompany him to select tournaments, especially the Masters and U.S. Open. He has also spoken publicly about the importance of balance in a career that demands extensive travel.

There is no record of previous relationships, and Lerner has remained scandal-free throughout his long tenure in sports media. His personal image reflects the same warmth and integrity that audiences have come to trust in his broadcasts.

Rich Lerner’s Golf Broadcasting Career: From ESPN to Golf Channel Fame

Rich Lerner’s journey into sports media was neither overnight nor glamorous. He began as a local sports reporter in Pennsylvania, covering high school football and minor league baseball. But golf was always calling.

His big break came in the early 1990s when he joined ESPN as a golf writer and correspondent. His signature blend of literary prose and visual pacing caught the attention of executives at The Golf Channel, which had only just launched in 1995. Lerner joined the network soon after, becoming one of its original voices.

By the 2000s, Lerner was anchoring coverage for the PGA Tour, The Masters, and The Open Championship. What made him different wasn’t just his understanding of the game — it was his ability to humanize players and elevate moments. He didn’t just call shots; he chronicled legacies.

One of his most celebrated moments came in 2019 when he narrated Tiger Woods’ victory at the Masters. His words, “He’s not just back. He’s transcendent,” became a defining soundbite of that historic tournament.

In 2025, Lerner remains one of the most trusted voices in golf. He hosts Live From coverage at all four majors and contributes written essays — an approach that has inspired emerging golf broadcasters like Devin Harjes, known for his on-air authenticity. Beyond television, he appears frequently on golf podcasts and sports panels, continuing to mentor younger broadcasters through NBC Sports.

Among the Golf Channel broadcasters in 2025, Lerner continues to stand out for his unique storytelling approach.

Rich Lerner’s Broadcasting Style: Why Golf Fans Trust His Voice

Rich Lerner’s broadcasting style is best described as lyrical, composed, and emotionally intelligent. Unlike traditional commentators who focus strictly on scores and statistics, Lerner weaves human moments into golf’s biggest stages.

His voice — calm, deep, and reflective — has become a defining sound of major championship coverage. Whether narrating Tiger Woods’ return or honoring legends of the game, Lerner’s tone evokes reverence and history. In 2025, many consider him the definitive voice of golf’s golden generation — a storyteller whose words continue to shape the sport, alongside other Wikipedia-style biographies.

Whether covering Tiger Woods or quiet Sunday rounds, Rich Lerner’s commentary style sets him apart — thoughtful, reverent, and deeply human.

Rich Lerner’s Net Worth in 2025: Salary, Income & Golf Media Success

As of 2025, Rich Lerner’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $5 million. His primary income stems from his role as a lead anchor and writer for NBC Sports and the Golf Channel, where top-tier broadcasters can earn annual salaries in the high six figures.

Lerner also earns from guest speaking, podcast appearances, and writing projects, including essays and contributions to golf anthologies. His voiceover and narration work have also led to brand partnerships and speaking gigs, much like trusted media figures such as Hank Brennan, who maintain credibility across public platforms.

Despite his success, Lerner lives modestly. He and his wife maintain a home in Florida, near the Golf Channel’s headquarters in Orlando. For those wondering where Rich Lerner lives now, he resides in Florida.

His lifestyle reflects a love for the sport rather than its extravagances: no flashy cars, no socialite appearances — just meaningful work, family dinners, and early tee times. 

In recent years, he has also supported youth-focused golf charities, including First Tee, and remains committed to expanding access to the sport.

Quick Summary: Who Is Rich Lerner in 2025?

Rich Lerner is the enduring voice of golf broadcasting, best known for his poetic narrations and deep love for the game. As of 2025, he continues to define the tone of major golf events through his work at the Golf Channel and NBC Sports, earning recognition as a trusted storyteller in sports media.

Rich Lerner Quick Facts (2025)

Full Name Rich Lerner
Birthdate November 10, 1960
Age in 2025 64 years old
Profession Sports Broadcaster, Golf Writer
Employer Golf Channel / NBC Sports
Known For Tiger Woods tribute, poetic narration
Net Worth (2025) $3–5 million
Wife Robin Lerner
Children Two sons
Residence Florida, USA

Frequently Asked Questions About Rich Lerner

What is Rich Lerner known for?

Rich Lerner is known as a lead anchor, writer, and narrator for the Golf Channel, famous for his storytelling during PGA Tour and Masters coverage.

Is Rich Lerner on Wikipedia?

Yes, Rich Lerner has a Wikipedia entry, though it remains brief compared to his expansive body of work. This article provides a more in-depth biography.

How old is Rich Lerner in 2025?

He is 64 years old, born on November 10, 1960.

What is Rich Lerner’s net worth in 2025?

His estimated net worth is between $3 million and $5 million, based on salary, writing, and media contributions.

Is Rich Lerner married?

Yes, he is married to Robin Lerner, and they have two sons.

Where is Rich Lerner from?

He was born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

What makes Rich Lerner’s broadcasting style unique?

Lerner combines literary storytelling with live sports coverage, making his golf commentary emotionally resonant and widely admired.