Jim Nantz’s Unique Tradition Continues to Captivate Audiences
The 90th Masters begins on Thursday, and this year marks a milestone for Jim Nantz. It is the 40th anniversary of his first year covering the tournament for CBS.
A personal memory from Josh Carpenter
Filmogaz.com golf/media reporter Josh Carpenter shared a long-standing memory tied to Nantz. Carpenter said his mother is close with Nantz’s aunt, which led to a meeting in 2010.
As a junior at UNC Charlotte, Carpenter met Nantz after the third round of the 2010 Quail Hollow Championship. The broadcaster joked he would save a seat for Carpenter in the 18th tower one day.
The tie and a continuing ritual
After they parted, a member of Nantz’s team tracked Carpenter down. The team hand-delivered the tie Nantz had worn on that day’s CBS broadcast.
Carpenter has kept the tie for years. He said the small gesture is one he recalls each time he hears Nantz on air.
Tradition and outreach
Nantz has repeated this practice at other major events. The gesture has appeared at the Final Four and during meet-and-greets with aspiring media students.
Those moments reflect Jim Nantz’s unique tradition. The routine continues to captivate audiences and young professionals alike.
Looking ahead at the broadcast
This week will also mark Nantz calling his 41st Masters tournament. Fans and colleagues have long celebrated his work on golf broadcasts.
Carpenter offered a toast to Nantz ahead of the event. The anecdote underlines the broadcaster’s influence on fans and future journalists.
