“You feel the weight of the history of this tournament. When you sit in the tower, you’re not just calling golf shots, you’re calling history,” said Jim Nantz in 2020. The Masters is one of the four major events every season, presenting a higher level of prestige than any other tournament in the PGA Tour calendar.
But its significance echoes beyond the greens to everyone else associated with the tournament. The grounds staff, the PGA Tour officials, and even the broadcast team aspire to be perfect when they are presenting this event. Broadcasters are open about the immense pressure experienced while being the voice of the Masters Tournament.
Famed CBS journalist, Amanda Balionis joined Kira K. Dixon on the latest episode of Under the Umbrellas on the Masters YouTube channel. During one of the segments, Nixon asked Amanda Balionis to compare her coverage of the Masters Tournament and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur to her work in 2018.She wanted to know how the CBS journalist’s approach has changed over the years. Balionis replied, “You always hope that you’re improving and evolving. I always say that it’s such a privilege and so few people have ever had the privilege of saying they’re a part of the Masters broadcast announce team.” What a responsible perspective!
Speaking about how she and her peers approach it, she said, “I don’t take that lightly. No one on our team takes that lightly. This is the one week in a year where; even though you know it’s impossible to be perfect on live television, you want to be so perfect this week to prove that you’re deserving of this honor,” to be the one to present the greatest tournament on earth to viewers at home that have been waiting for this since the previous April.” The 39-year-old seems quite grateful to get the opportunity to work with the likes of Jim Nantz & Co. for the Masters Tournament.
Speaking about the undeniable load that comes with the role, Balionis added, “It’s a lot of pressure but it’s great pressure. It’s pressure because we care so deeply. We just want to put our best foot forward so this tournament can shine in a way it deserves to.” It’s going to be a thrilling four days of her best performance.
PGA, Golf Herren Masters Tournament – Final Round, Apr 11, 2021 Augusta, Georgia, USA A view of The Masters trophy during the final round of The Masters golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports, 11.04.2021 19:13:20, 15882378, Final Round, PGA, The Masters PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMichaelxMadridx 15882378
But despite her previous statement, she had vital tips for how to present the Masters Tournament the best. She emphasized that while perfection isn’t the goal, preparation is key. She believes staying relaxed helps clear the mind, making it easier to perform at her best. Coming back full circle to answering the Dixon’s initial question, Balionis stated, “When I think back to where my brain was at in 2018, where my brain is now, in 2025; I think I have more confidence to be able to do my job at the highest level possible this week.” The famous CBS reporter seems prepared to take on the Masters Tournament and justify her inclusion in the broadcast team.
So, who else will she be partnering up with for the event? Let’s take a look at the entire broadcast team of the 2025 Masters Tournament.
Amanda Balionis’s co-announcers for the Masters Tournament
Recently returned from a month-long hiatus from reporting, Amanda Balionis is not the only star reporter in the Masters Tournament announcers team. She will also be joined by the woman who interviewed her on Under the Umbrellas, Kira Dixon. A former Miss America, Dixon turned to a golf journalism since 2021. She started off as a reporter for the Golf Channel and NBC Sports. Her role as co-host of the “Quiet Please!” podcast digs deep in to the golf professionals’ obstacles.
Other than them, Jim Nantz will also be returning to his role as a presenter for the Masters Tournament. The controversial reporter has held the position since 1989 and continues to be the face of the announcers’ team for the tournament. Alternatively, the team will also include Scott Van Pelt (ESPN anchor and sports personality), Curtis Strange (golf analyst for ESPN), and Michael Evans. The latter has significantly been associated with ESPN’s coverage of major golf tournaments, including providing commentary during events like the British Open.
Are you excited to watch the Masters Tournament with such an experienced team of presenters covering the action? Share your views in the comments section.
The post Raw Emotions from Amanda Balionis as Working With Jim Nantz & Co. Has Golf Reporter Feeling Indebted: ‘Don’t Take That Lightly’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.