Kevin Kisner’s different worlds as a golf analyst, a player go hand in hand

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Kevin Kisner’s reputation as golf’s “everyman” has defined much of his career.

He is a fan favorite whose adventurous appeal bridges the gap between the average golfer and the successful PGA Tour professional.

After 14 years as a PGA Tour card holder with four wins and an Official World Golf Ranking of No. 14 in 2016, Kisner, 42, has transitioned to playing in select events.

Now that he’s prioritizing a media career, Kisner is at peace leaving his best days on Tour behind him — he’s just doing it without sacrificing his commitment to golf, or the relationships he’s formed.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get to that point,” Kisner told The Post. “I want to keep playing to be around the boys. Understand, you know, it will help my broadcast and my brand by playing more. But I don’t want to play 25 times a year, 30 times a year at 42 years old with three kids.”

Kisner’s time is now largely split between serving as NBC’s lead golf analyst, competing at Jupiter Links Golf Club in the TGL indoor simulation league and most recently, joining Barstool Sports’ “Fore Play” golf podcast.

The combination of his off-the-cuff commentary, veteran experience and ties to current players make him an asset to the NBC broadcast scene alongside Dan Hicks. Last year, Kisner called major events such as the US Open, the Open Championship, the Players Championship, the FedExCup Playoffs and the Ryder Cup.

Adding opinionated commentary without compromising his standing within the clubhouse is Kisner’s balancing act, so criticism should come with tact.

“I’ve always wanted to be this guy [players] I felt like, whatever I said, was right, and I wouldn’t do anything so they wouldn’t trust me or say anything that would upset them,” she said.

In TGL, Kisner competes under a three-on-three shot format where relationships with teammates serve as assets. The par is 15 holes and is played within a 1,500 course specially designed for an immersive, yet dynamic golfing experience.

It’s theater made for actors like Kisner: Players wear Bluetooth headsets not just to communicate with teammates and adjust what they’re hearing, but to chat freely with ESPN broadcast staff during games.

“I would say that the relationship with the players is why I continue [compete in TGL] as well as broadcasting,” said Kisner. “I never want to be seen as a broadcaster who just sits on the podium and talks about players he doesn’t know or work with.”

While the long times between shots made individual consistency a challenge for Kisner at TGL, the desire to contribute to the team effort is making up for those changes.

“I’ve been a rhythm golfer throughout my career, and the way I work here doesn’t allow me to continue, but I love the team spirit,” Kisner said. “The three-man shot is so cool when you hit the roll, you get the momentum. You can feel the energy and the juice, and you want to sing, and that’s what I like to do.”