By Tom Comi
Follow @ChannelGuide
Every once in a while a personality emerges on television who transcends the limited audience he or she reaches. And with that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to one David Feherty. 
For those who don’t watch professional golf, this is most likely the first time you have heard of this outspoken and hilarious Irishman. For golf enthusiasts, you are already aware of why Golf Channel gave him his own weekly talk show that bears his last name on Tuesday nights (9pm ET). In tonight’s episode, Feherty chats with legendary American golfer Tom Watson.
Feherty won 10 golf tournaments and was a member of the 1991 European Ryder Cup team before retiring and becoming a golf analyst on CBS in 1997. His strong accent, sharp wit and funny anecdotes have made him popular with links fans on both CBS and Golf Channel, and his sense of humor can be also be found in the five books he has penned and even in a recent online chat on Golf Channel’s website.
When asked how many personalities are trapped inside his head, he replied: “Well there are at least eight, and each of those has multiple personalities … so probably between 60-80, then there are all the little squirrels.” His retort when a fan inquired about his new show? “I think someone at Golf Channel has clearly lost their mind …. but I’m very happy also.”
My favorite response came when a chatter thought they were going to get a straight answer to the query about Feherty’s dream golf foursome. Instead of countering with something like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer, he came up with Jessica Biel, Pamela Anderson and Alyssa Milano.
Humor aside, there is also a personal side to Feherty that may be unknown to his fans. He has battled depression and alcohol in the past and takes great pride in being five years sober. He is also a huge supporter of U.S. troops, having traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan three times to visit soldiers.
“Losing a limb, or the ability to use a limb, is one thing,” he said in his bio. “But the dignity they lose with it is perhaps even more important. And to be able to give them some of that dignity back is my mission. It’s not a charity. It’s just us trying to pay back a very small part of the check that we owe them.”
In this day and age when it seems like everybody has their own talk show regardless of their talent, it’s refreshing to see somebody like David Feherty finally get his shot. Golf Channel deserves credit for giving him this overdue platform, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s a household name outside of the the golfing bubble.
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Credit: William B. Plowman/Golf Channel
Just started reading Mr. Feherty’s “Somewhere in Ireland….” JeeeeZZ!!! Don’t read it in public – YOU WILL LAUGH ALOUD!!!
The endorphins’ kick was overwhelming, beating any previous high… (did I say it aloud?) ;P
My jaws and head aches from laughter.
thank you, sir.
Rich