When Jim Nantz talks about his first trip to Augusta National Golf Club, the details come flooding back to him. The renowned sports commentator, known for his smooth and eloquent delivery, has been the voice of the Masters for CBS for over three decades. But it was his first experience at the prestigious tournament that left a lasting impression on him.
Nantz’s journey to Augusta National began in 1986, when he was just 26 years old. He had just joined CBS and was assigned to cover the Masters, a dream come true for any sports journalist. As he stepped onto the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, he quickly realized that this was no ordinary golf tournament.
In an interview with EssentiallySports, Nantz reminisced about his first Masters and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. One of the most memorable moments for him was when he asked legendary producer Frank Chirkinian how to call a hole-in-one. Chirkinian, known as the “father of televised golf,” was not one to mince words and gave Nantz a blunt response.
“I asked him, ‘Frank, how do you call a hole-in-one?’ And he looked at me and said, ‘That’s a silly question. You figure it out,'” Nantz recalled with a chuckle. “And that was it. That was my lesson from Frank Chirkinian on how to call a hole-in-one.”
But that simple yet powerful lesson stayed with Nantz throughout his career. It taught him to trust his instincts and find his own unique style of commentary. And over the years, Nantz has certainly made his mark as one of the most recognizable and respected voices in sports broadcasting.
But it wasn’t just Chirkinian’s advice that Nantz remembers fondly from his first Masters. He also spoke about the special bond he formed with the late golfing legend, Arnold Palmer. Nantz had the privilege of being paired with Palmer for the final round of the 1986 Masters, a day that will forever be etched in golf history.
“I was 26 years old, and I was walking with the king of golf,” Nantz said, his voice filled with emotion. “I remember every step of that day. It was a magical experience, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it.”
Nantz also shared his admiration for the way Palmer conducted himself on and off the course. He described him as a true gentleman and a role model for all aspiring golfers. And every year, as Nantz walks the grounds of Augusta National, he can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the memories he shared with Palmer.
But it’s not just Palmer’s legacy that makes Nantz emotional at the Masters. He also spoke about the iconic 16th hole, known as the “Redbud.” It was here that Tiger Woods hit his famous chip-in during the final round of the 2005 Masters, a shot that is etched in the minds of every golf fan.
“I get emotional every time I walk up to the 16th green,” Nantz admitted. “It’s a special place, and it brings back so many memories. That’s the beauty of the Masters. It’s not just about the golf; it’s about the stories and the moments that make it such a special event.”
And Nantz has been fortunate enough to witness some of the most unforgettable moments in Masters history. From Jack Nicklaus’ historic win in 1986 to Tiger Woods’ emotional comeback in 2019, Nantz has been there to capture it all. But for him, the Masters is not just about the big moments; it’s also about the little things that make it a unique and cherished experience.
“Every year, I look forward to the Masters because it’s like coming home,” Nantz said. “The smell of the azaleas, the sound of the birds chirping, the taste of the pimento cheese sandwiches – it’s all part of the Masters experience. And it’s something that I will always treasure.”
As Nantz prepares to call his 36th Masters this year, he reflects on how far he has come since that first trip to Augusta National. He has become an integral part of the tournament, and his voice has become synonymous with the Masters. But for Nantz, it’s not about the fame or recognition; it’s about the love and passion he has for the game
