Jim Nantz Opens Up About Masters Moment That Makes Him Emotional Every Year
When it comes to the Masters, there is no one more synonymous with the tournament than Jim Nantz. The veteran CBS broadcaster has been the voice of the Masters for over three decades, and his passion for the event is evident every time he speaks about it.
In a recent interview, Nantz opened up about his first trip to Augusta National Golf Club and the impact it had on him. As he reminisced about that experience, it was clear that the memories were still fresh in his mind.
Nantz recalled how he quickly learned a few important things while covering his first Masters for CBS. One of those lessons came from the legendary Frank Chirkinian, who was known as the “father of televised golf.”
During one of his early broadcasts, Nantz asked Chirkinian how to call a hole-in-one. It may seem like a simple question, but for a young broadcaster, it was a crucial one. Chirkinian’s response was both unexpected and memorable.
He called Nantz’s question “silly” and told him to figure it out for himself. While it may have seemed harsh at the time, Nantz now understands the lesson behind Chirkinian’s words.
“He was teaching me a lesson that I’ve never forgotten,” Nantz said. “He was saying, ‘You’re on your own. You have to figure it out. You have to be creative. You have to be original. You have to be yourself.'”
And that’s exactly what Nantz did. Over the years, he has become known for his iconic calls during the Masters, including “A tradition unlike any other” and “The Masters, a tradition like no other.”
But there is one moment at the Masters that stands out for Nantz and brings him to tears every year. It’s a moment that captures the essence of the tournament and what it means to him.
It was during the 1986 Masters when Jack Nicklaus, at the age of 46, won his sixth green jacket. Nantz was just 26 years old at the time, and he remembers being in awe of Nicklaus’ performance.
“I was just a kid, and I was watching a legend,” Nantz said. “I was watching a man who had already won five green jackets, and he was doing something that was just unthinkable.”
As Nicklaus made his way to the 17th hole, Nantz’s emotions got the best of him. He couldn’t hold back the tears as he watched the crowd erupt in cheers for the Golden Bear.
“It’s the only time I’ve ever cried on the air,” Nantz admitted. “I was so moved by what I was seeing. It was such a special moment, and I felt so privileged to be there.”
That moment has stayed with Nantz throughout his career, and it’s one of the reasons why the Masters holds a special place in his heart. Every year, as he prepares to call the tournament, he can’t help but feel emotional.
“I get emotional every year when I go back to Augusta,” Nantz said. “It’s like going back to a place that’s so special to you. It’s like going back to your hometown.”
For Nantz, the Masters is more than just a golf tournament. It’s a tradition, a family, and a feeling that he looks forward to every year. And as he prepares to call his 35th Masters, he knows that the memories and emotions will continue to flow.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Masters,” Nantz said. “It’s a privilege and an honor to be able to share this event with the world.”
As Nantz reflects on his first trip to Augusta National, it’s clear that it was a defining moment in his career. It was a moment that taught him valuable lessons and sparked a love for the Masters that has only grown stronger over the years.
And as long as Nantz is behind the mic, we can be sure that the Masters will continue to be a tradition unlike any other.
