Longtime NBC Sports announcer Dan Hicks died at the age of 64 on Wednesday following an acute illness, his family revealed in a statement.
Hicks, who began at the network in 1992, put together one of the most distinguished and perhaps under-appreciated play-by-play careers of his generation. From his incredible enthusiasm for so many indelible Olympic swimming events to steady mastery of calling Notre Dame football, he could always be trusted to be rock-solid and eminently professional.
MORE: Dan Hicks, legendary NBC broadcaster, dies at 64
For me, though, his voice was woven into golf. Hicks started as a tower analyst for NBC and worked his way up to become the lead play-by-play talent in 2000. For more than a quarter decade he’s been the soundtrack of so many Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Hicks’ talent
He always let the action and athletes be the star of the show. His energy level was perfect for a fan looking to aid their serenity on the couch but could also be raised to meet the sport’s biggest moments. Golf is more unpredictable than any other game and yet Hicks’ effortless ability to adapt and react persisted.
In the best way possible he was the type of talent who didn’t demand attention but build out a rich tapestry of narrative-building that made him a reliable narrator. He may be most remembered for his great call of J.J. Spaun’s miraculous putt to capture the 2025 U.S. Open.
Here he is, in split screen with his partner Kevin Kisner, processing the moment and then disseminating the headline.
This is what J.J.’s putt looked like from the broadcast booth.
The call from Dan. The thumbs up from Kis. Truly unreal.
🗣️HOW. ABOUT. ONE! https://t.co/QYLfsaKHJr
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) July 1, 2025
It’s sort of a cliche to praise announcers for their pauses and what they don’t say. Yet for Hicks that was such an integral part of what made him a class play-by-play companion. Never, ever did it seem like he was trying too hard. The effortless ease with which he controlled the action without rushing fit the intended vibe perfectly.
NBC lead golf announcer Dan Hicks will call his 33rd Players Championship this year. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Golf broadcasts are as close to motion-picture making as sports can get. Hicks was a leading man who set the table for everyone on the cast to excel. His talent was immense and so smooth that viewers could happily take it for granted.
Most importantly, anyone with ears could hear his excitment for whatever he was doing.
He will be missed.