After almost two decades striding the fairways as a professional, James Morrison is this week doing so in a different capacity – calling the shots instead of hitting them.
Without full status on the DP World Tour for the first time since graduating from the HotelPlanner Tour in 2009, Morrison is embracing a new challenge this week as an on-course analyst as part of the global broadcast of the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship.
A two-time winner on golf’s global tour, the Englishman is a familiar face in the game and hinted a new phase in his career was approaching after losing his card at the end of last season.
At Royal Golf Club in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Morrison is the latest to explore a path that has long been open to players – both those who are active and retired.
“I was slightly apprehensive but after a while I got into it and absolutely loved it,” said Morrison after his first day forging part of the on-site commentary team.
“It is much easier calling their shots than my shots.”
Morrison has long been regarded as an effervescent character on Tour, only too keen to share a chat or engage in a laugh with others.
It is those characteristics that have seen him appear in many a content piece on DP World Tour channels over the years – but this was different.
“I have done a few bits in the box over the years, bits of social media for the tour so I feel like I have done a bit over the years but nothing as long [as this],” he added.
Morrison is part of a team this week that includes fellow former DP World Tour golfers Richard Boxall, Anthony Wall and John E Morgan, voices that have become regular to viewers at home, under the guidance of experienced lead commentator Dom Holyer.
“Until you get into the box and actually see how it all works, you don’t appreciate how much work goes on, how good they are at what they do," said Morrison
“Whether it is Dom (Holyer) leading it off, Boxy or Wally for the golf knowledge or John E on the course – they are all brilliant at what they do.
“I have got massive admiration for all of them. I have known them for a long, long time so they have made it a really easy transition.”
At 40, Morrison is by no means finished with a club in hand – having made three starts in the early weeks of the 2025 Race to Dubai season, with further opportunities on both the DP World Tour and HotelPlanner Tour to come through the rest of the year.
As such, he is commentating on players he has shared many a round with over the years and hopes bringing the perspective of an active player – something Nicolas Colsaerts has done in recent years – is appreciated by viewers.
“These guys are still friends of mine,” he said.
“I’m still playing with them on Tour so I can give an insight… obviously the boys in the box do an unbelievable job in how they speak and deliver the event for the viewers at home, so I am just going to try and learn from those guys because they are all officially pros at this.
“I am going to try and give my opinion, which is from the golfing side, but if it’s just a little that helps then I am winning.”
Advice has not been in short supply for this novice of the broadcast industry, including a well-regarded voice of cricket commentary in Sky Sports lead and ex-England Test player Ian Ward.
“He taught me how to play cricket when I was eight years old,” Morrison recalled.
“He is someone down the line who I would go to for any advice about this industry, for sure.”
For now, this is a one-time gig for Morrison this season.
Whether it becomes something more regular in the months and years ahead remains to be seen, but what is without doubt is the enjoyment he is taking from the opportunity.
“It is something that I have always wanted to get into, but this is the only week I am doing it so if more comes then great, if not then it has been a great experience," he said.
