Jim Nantz’s Bold Retirement Call: A Goodbye or Just the Beginning?
Augusta, Georgia — Legendary CBS commentator Jim Nantz, the voice behind countless historic sports moments, has circled a date on his calendar for what could be his grand farewell. The 65-year-old broadcaster, who will call his 40th Masters next month, has hinted that he envisions the 100th Masters in 2036 as the perfect stage for his final sign-off.
“April 14, 2036. That is my scheduled retirement date,” Nantz told Scottish golf magazine Bunkered. “It would be a perfect place to walk out.”
But if history has taught us anything, it’s that goodbyes in sports broadcasting are rarely set in stone. With his health permitting and CBS, along with Augusta National, still welcoming him, Nantz isn’t ruling out an extension beyond that date.
“I know what’s going to happen,” Nantz admitted. “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.’”
For nearly four decades, Nantz has been the trusted voice of the Masters, famously coining the iconic phrase, “A tradition unlike any other,” in 1986—a line so synonymous with the tournament that Augusta National officially trademarked it in 2014. His presence is as much a part of Masters lore as the azaleas and Green Jacket.
With sports broadcasting legends like Vin Scully and Al Michaels continuing deep into their later years, could Nantz really walk away when the time comes? Or will he join the ranks of those who just can’t resist the magic of the microphone? One thing is certain—whenever Nantz finally says, “Goodbye, friends,” it will mark the end of an era.
