The Masters hold a deep corner in Jim Nantz’s heart. So much that the CBS broadcaster visits the Amen Corner, a tough spot for golfers. He shared, “It’s a moment of prayer and introspection, and I just give thanks for the gift of being here,” as this was his childhood dream.
Last year, Nantz retired from his broadcasting duties associated with the NCAA basketball tournament. However, he has been actively involved in the scene as his college alma mater, the Houston Cougars, went on a magical run to the Championship game.
He was talking to Marty Smith ahead of the Masters, explaining his feelings. So, Houston had lost to the Florida Gators by two points in the final, disappointing Nantz and many other fans. This was the Cougars’ third appearance in the final, and they are yet to win the title. “I am a late arrivee having coming in from San Antonio, heartborken.” Nantz stated. The Masters commentator was following the team across the country for the matches, along with his family, and was understandably sad that his team fell short so close to the end.
He went on to explain how connected he feels with the basketball program, as it helped shape a lot of who he was, and also his famed broadcasting career. “I am not just a fan. My career was channeled through that basketball program.” He further recalled how his beginnings came into being with the basketball team, “When I was the guy on the end of the bench for the golf team Our golf coach, the legendary Dave Williams sent me over to Guy Lewis and said, ‘Guy take care of him, he wants to work for CBS one day.’”
Jim Nantz told everyone on @TheMasters @GolfonCBS media conference call that he would happily detour his arrival to Augusta to stay in San Antonio for the national championship game on Monday.
That will now happen. What a comeback for Houston to defeat Duke.
— Jeremy Schilling (@jschil) April 6, 2025
The basketball coach made the right moves with Nantz, embarking him on a career path that is legendary in all regards. “Guy made me, right on the spot, the public address announcer and the host of this television show,” he recalled. That move was the precursor to a lot of amazing calls in the world of sports, especially golf and college basketball. “That evolved into a lot of different ways of being involved with the basketball program, for almost 50 years.” Nantz explained.
Despite the tough loss, Nantz did not forget to give flowers to the opposition, who turned out to be better on the day. “Congrats to the Florida Gators. They did what they had to do to win it.” Nantz’s arrival in Augusta was anticipated by all golfing fans. He recently claimed that he would be part of the golf broadcast for several years to come, making the golfing world jubilant.
Jim Nantz wants to call the Masters for 10 more years
While talking with Bunkered, Nantz made his goal very clear. “First off, my health would have to hold up. Secondly, CBS and Augusta National would have to want me to come back. But if all the stars aligned, right now, it feels like a pretty good exit point. April 14, 2036,” the broadcaster explained his intentions candidly.
2036 will be the 100th Masters tournament, an iconic way to exit one of the biggest stages in the sport. To hear his calls for 10 more years on the iconic stage will be an incredible experience for current and future patrons of the sport. Maybe, after he stops making the calls, he will follow his favorite players around the country just like he does with his basketball team. Here’s to hearing more iconic calls from you, Jim Nantz!
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