Jim Nantz Felt Dejected After Iconic Jack Nicklaus Call at the Masters

Forty years after his debut at Augusta National, Jim Nantz revisited his earliest Masters memory. At 26, he stood in the 16th tower for the 1986 tournament. He watched Jack Nicklaus birdie the 16th on the way to a sixth green jacket at age 46.

Jim Nantz Felt Dejected After Iconic Jack Nicklaus Call at the Masters, he said during a recent interview. The line “The Bear has come out of hibernation” came to him unplanned. He feared he had borrowed it and might never be asked back.

The moment on 16

Nantz described the seconds after Nicklaus’ putt as electric. He had no script and no cue for the phrase. The call quickly became one of the most replayed moments in Masters history.

Immediate reaction

Walking back to the compound, Nantz felt uneasy. He worried someone else had already used the line that made it sound familiar. Those doubts briefly dampened his joy.

Comfort from colleagues

Former champion and broadcaster Ken Venturi pulled up in a golf cart. Venturi asked Nantz his age and then offered a striking prediction. He told Nantz he might one day broadcast the tournament 50 times, but he would never see a greater day at Augusta National.

Back at the compound, producer Frank Chirkinian reassured Nantz. He confirmed the line was original and praised Nantz’s delivery. That encouragement helped steady the young broadcaster.

Reflection and legacy

Nantz shared these memories on Gary Williams’ 5 Clubs show on The Golf Channel. He marked four decades of covering the Masters in that appearance. The broadcast veteran has repeatedly said he plans to retire after his 50th Masters in 2036.

The 1986 call still defines part of Nantz’s legacy. It launched a career with many highlights. Filmogaz.com looked at how one spontaneous line shaped a broadcaster’s long tenure at Augusta.