Veteran broadcaster Jim Nantz has no plans to step away from the microphone at the Masters, which will be much to the delight of his CBS colleague Amanda Balionis. Balionis is a self-confessed admirer of Nantz, previously dubbing him the world’s premier sports broadcaster.
Nantz’s illustrious career spans NFL, PGA Tour and NBA coverage, earning him a reputation as one of the all-time greats in sports commentary. As he prepares for his 40th Masters this April, he has announced his ambition to continue commentating on the iconic golf tournament until at least 2036. Balionis, who shares broadcasting duties with Nantz across various sports, praised the 65-year-old in an interview last year. “Jim Nantz is number one,” she said before dispensing with 12 kind words that sum up her respect. “I don’t think he could ever get enough credit for his talent.”
Balionis, 39, added: “His memory knows no bounds; he recalls things in the moment in the most accurate way from 20 years ago that will put your jaw on the floor. But it’s not just what he does on camera; it’s the way he carries himself as a person.
“He takes so much time to support and be an advocate for the people around him, and that’s what I want to be remembered for, too.” Nantz, who began his broadcasting journey in the early ’80s, has become synonymous with CBS’ NFL coverage as their leading play-by-play voice, while also being the go-to commentator for PGA Tour events.
His heart seems set on continuing to bring the magic of golf’s most prestigious event to viewers for many more years. “A lot of things have to happen for that [to stay on until 2036] to occur,” Nantz told Bunkered’s Michael McEwan.
“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.
“That is my scheduled retirement date. It would be a perfect place to walk out.” Should he reach the benchmark, it would not only mark his 51st Masters but also the 100th edition of the event.
However, he also suggested that should he reach that milestone, he may even feel compelled to carry on. “I know what’s going to happen,” he added. “I’m going to get to that year, and I’m going to say, ‘You know, maybe I could do this for a while longer’.
“We have broadcasters over here that have gone on well into their 80s, so that’s one of those ‘wait and sees’, I guess.” For Nantz, the Masters isn’t just another golf tournament; it holds a unique place in his heart.
He described the profound experience he cherishes each year at Augusta National, taking personal moments on the course before the tournament commences. “It’s a spiritual thing, more than anything,” he explained.
“It’s a moment of prayer and introspection, and I just give thanks for the gift of being here. I’ve never taken it for granted that I have a chance to do exactly what I wanted to do as a young boy. So it’s a moment of thanks and gratitude and prayer.”
