Every year, millions of golf fans tune in to the Masters tournament, eagerly watching to see who will come out on top at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club. And for those lucky enough to attend the tournament in person, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will never forget. For Jim Nantz, the lead announcer for CBS Sports’ coverage of the Masters, his first trip to Augusta National holds a special place in his heart.
Nantz has been the voice of the Masters for over 30 years, but he still vividly remembers his first time at the iconic golf course. In an interview, he opened up about the details of that memorable trip and how it has shaped his experience at the Masters ever since.
As Nantz recalls, he was just 26 years old when he covered his first Masters for CBS Sports. He was still relatively new to the world of broadcasting and was eager to learn from the experienced producers and directors around him. One of those mentors was the legendary Frank Chirkinian, who was known as the “father of televised golf” for his innovative techniques and contributions to the sport.
During his first Masters, Nantz approached Chirkinian with a question that he thought might seem silly to the seasoned veteran. He wanted to know how to call a hole-in-one, a rare and exciting moment in golf that every announcer hopes to capture perfectly. But instead of brushing off Nantz’s question, Chirkinian gave him a valuable piece of advice that has stuck with him ever since.
Chirkinian told Nantz to “let the moment breathe” and to not try to overdo it with his commentary. He reminded Nantz that the viewers would be just as excited as he was and that his job was to simply enhance the experience for them. This lesson from Chirkinian has become a guiding principle for Nantz’s commentary at the Masters, and it has helped him capture some of the most iconic moments in golf history.
But it wasn’t just Chirkinian’s advice that made Nantz’s first Masters so memorable. He also recalls the stunning beauty of Augusta National, with its perfectly manicured greens and vibrant azaleas. He was in awe of the course’s history and tradition, and he felt honored to be a part of such a prestigious event.
Nantz also remembers the camaraderie among the CBS Sports team during that first Masters. He was welcomed with open arms and was able to learn from some of the best in the business. This sense of teamwork and mutual respect has continued throughout his career at the Masters, and it’s one of the reasons why he looks forward to the tournament every year.
But there is one particular moment at the Masters that still brings Nantz to tears every time he thinks about it. It was in 1986, when Jack Nicklaus, at the age of 46, won his sixth Masters title, a feat that many thought was impossible. Nantz was just a few feet away from Nicklaus as he sunk his final putt, and he describes the scene as “an eruption of emotion.”
For Nantz, that moment encapsulates everything that makes the Masters so special. It’s not just about the golf, but it’s about the stories and the emotions that unfold on the course. And for him, being able to witness and share those moments with millions of viewers is a privilege that he never takes for granted.
As Nantz prepares for yet another Masters tournament, he reflects on his first trip to Augusta National with fondness and gratitude. It was a defining moment in his career, and it set the tone for the many unforgettable moments that he has been a part of at the Masters since then.
So when you tune in to the Masters this year, remember that behind every iconic moment and every emotional commentary, there is a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about bringing the magic of Augusta National to your living room. And for Jim Nantz, it’s a dream come true to be a part of that team year after year.
