Jim Nantz’s voice was sorely missed during March Madness, but rest assured, he has no intentions of retiring from calling the Masters anytime soon.
The 2024 tournament at Augusta National Golf Course will mark the 39th consecutive year that the esteemed announcer will be a part of CBS’ coverage. This impressive milestone will also be his 37th time hosting the broadcast.
Jim Nantz will be providing his expert commentary during the third and fourth rounds of the highly anticipated Masters tournament. Joining him in the broadcast booth will be Trevor Immelman, a former Masters champion who secured victory in 2008. Together, they will be delivering in-depth analysis and captivating insights throughout the weekend.
On Sunday afternoon, “Jim Nantz Remembers Augusta: The Spanish Inspiration” will be hosted by Nantz. The hour-long show will feature Nantz’s interview with José María Olazábal, a two-time Masters champion, and will take viewers on a tour of his homeland, the Basque Country in Spain. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Olazábal’s 1994 crown and the 25th anniversary of his 1999 title. The program will also explore the connection between Olazábal’s late mentor, Seve Ballesteros, and current Spanish stars Sergio García and Jon Rahm, both of whom won the Masters in previous years.
Jim Nantz, at the age of 26, embarked on his inaugural coverage of the Masters in 1986. It was during this time that he coined the iconic phrase, “A tradition unlike any other,” which has since been trademarked by Augusta. Throughout his career, Nantz has had the privilege of narrating unforgettable moments from golf legends such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and even his own college roommate, Fred Couples.
In 2021, CBS presented Nantz with a new contract. Nantz, a father of three, expressed in a 2020 story from Front Office Sports that he envisions himself commentating on the Masters for a longer period than his original aim of 50 tournaments.
During his speaking engagements, Jim Nantz used to make lighthearted remarks about his retirement plans, mentioning a specific date: April 8, 2035. However, Nantz now finds himself thinking differently about this milestone. As he reflects on his career and enjoys the joys of fatherhood with his young children, aged 4 and 6, he realizes that his retirement date is approaching faster than he anticipated. Feeling youthful and energized, Nantz expresses his desire to extend his career for several more years, pushing back the thought of retirement for now.
Nantz made the decision to step down from his coverage of the NCAA basketball tournament after last year’s competition in Houston. It was a significant moment for him, as he felt it marked a complete circle in his career. One of the reasons Nantz decided to let go of March Madness was his desire to prioritize his focus on NFL and golf.
“It has been an incredible journey filled with joy and excitement,” expressed Nantz. “However, sacrifices had to be made. Walking away from the NFL was not an option as it holds immense significance, but golf has always held a special place in my heart.”
Will Jim Nantz Call 2024 Masters? How Many Tournaments Does the Veteran Have Left?
Renowned sports commentator, Jim Nantz, is a household name when it comes to broadcasting major golf tournaments. Fans anxiously await his familiar voice as he graces the airwaves during prestigious events. However, as the years go by, the question arises: Will Jim Nantz be calling the 2024 Masters? And just how many tournaments does the veteran broadcaster have left in his illustrious career?
Nantz, who has been synonymous with golf coverage for decades, recently addressed these uncertainties. While he remains passionate about his craft, he acknowledges that the end of his broadcasting tenure is on the horizon. In an interview, he reflected on his career and contemplated the future.
“I’m not going to be here forever,” Nantz admitted. “I’ve been so blessed to have the opportunities and experiences that I’ve had. But I know that there will come a time when I need to step away.”
Despite acknowledging his eventual departure, Nantz’s love for the game of golf and his commitment to providing top-notch commentary remain unwavering. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming Masters tournaments, including the highly anticipated 2024 edition.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Masters tradition, and I’m looking forward to calling the action in 2024,” Nantz stated. “It’s always an honor to be behind the microphone at Augusta National.”
While Nantz’s future beyond the 2024 Masters is uncertain, fans can take solace in knowing that they will continue to enjoy his captivating commentary for a little while longer. The veteran broadcaster’s passion and expertise have made him a beloved figure in the world of golf, and his presence will undoubtedly be missed when the time eventually comes for him to bid farewell to the broadcast booth.
In the meantime, golf enthusiasts can savor every moment of Nantz’s eloquent storytelling and insightful analysis as he continues to grace our screens during major tournaments. So, let us appreciate and celebrate the legendary career of Jim Nantz as he carries on in the world of golf broadcasting.
