For Jim Nantz, the Masters Tournament is something akin to a holy place. And why wouldn’t it be? The veteran broadcaster has anchored the tournament since 1989 and has, without a doubt, created a special bond with it. So, what does he do every time he walks on the Augusta National? He gives the iconic tournament his thanks. Talking about it, Nantz said he finds quiet moments of reflection by walking along the creek fronting the greens.
“It’s a spiritual thing, more than anything. It’s a moment of prayer and introspection, and I just give thanks for the gift of being here.” And honestly, if we had this relationship with the Masters Tournament in the way Jim Nantz does, we would be doing the same. Additionally, Nantz said this is something he has wanted to do even as a young boy. In his piece for Bunkered, he added, “So it’s a moment of thanks and gratitude and prayer. And then, you know, when the time is right and I’ve said everything in my head that I want to say, I walk across the Nelson Bridge and head on back. I’ve done that every year.”
The Masters Tournament is 15 days ahead of us, and when Jim Nantz has to say something about it, you listen. Even if it’s a retirement announcement 11 years in advance! In this Front Office Sports post, Nantz announced his retirement in, well, 2036! “Jim Nantz says he will retire from calling the Masters in 2036. It would be Nantz’s 51st time calling the tournament and the 100th anniversary of the Masters. ‘It would be a perfect place to walk out.’”
Jim Nantz says he will retire from calling the Masters in 2036.
It would be Nantz’s 51st time calling the tournament and the 100th anniversary of the Masters.
“It would be a perfect place to walk out.” pic.twitter.com/VrV52gTjv7
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 26, 2025
It is funny! And iconic. And we will tell you why Jim Nantz chose this particular year. The 2036 Masters Tournament will be iconic, given the fact that it would mark the prestigious green jacket event’s 100-year anniversary. It will also become Nantz’s 51st year calling for the Masters! Makes sense? Additionally, this isn’t the first time he stepped back from similar responsibility. He also stepped away from CBS’s March Madness coverage. However, his master’s retirement news seems to have left his fans in a fit of laughter. And on this occasion, let’s take a look at a few!
Golf fans have promised to put Jim Nantz’s retirement date in their calendars
“In solidarity with Jim Nantz I too will be retiring from my job in 11 years,” said one fan. Of course, Jim Nantz knew what he was doing when he made that announcement. However, this isn’t his first retirement news. Back in 2023, Nantz retired from calling college basketball’s Final Four. He is still CBS’s most popular voice for NFL No. 1 play-by-play, including the PGA Championship and the PGA Tour.
Another fan said, “I’ll put it in my calendar.” Honestly, we all should mark our calendars for this one date! As one of the other fans pointed out, this Jim Nantz retirement promise is the “most boomer thing ever!” However, Nantz is just as aware of this one thing: he will be 77 by the time 2036 rolls around. Talking about it, he said, “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.” Honestly, we don’t think Augusta National would say no to this one thing.
Another fan gave Nantz an idea. “Hot take: Take a one year hiatus somewhere in there. Call the 50th and final Masters at the 100th Masters. I love Jim Nantz, but the smoothness and evenness of 50th Masters called at the 100th Masters, that speaks to me.” Ok, this one makes sense. When 2036 comes, Jim Nantz will be spending his 51st year with the Masters Tournament. And honestly, his 50 years will look better against the Masters’ 100 years!
Lastly, a fan said, “Thanks for the heads up Jim.” Well, what to say about this one! However, 2036 is still far away, so let’s have good moments with Nantz until time runs out!
The post The Masters: Golf Fans Crack Same Joke as Jim Nantz Drops Retirement Update 15 Days Before Major appeared first on EssentiallySports.