This Masters Sunday was not only about crowning a new champion but also saying goodbye to an iconic broadcaster.
Verne Lundquist, broadcasting from his usual spot at the par-3 16th, said goodbye after his final call at Augusta National. Before the tournament, Lundquist said this year’s Masters, his 40th appearance at Augusta National, would be his last.
“What a scene…on this beautiful par-3 16th hole,” Lundquist said as the last group headed toward the 16th. “What a welcome for Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa.”
As Scheffler and Morikawa walked toward the 16th green, the roars of patrons grew louder and louder. Jim Nantz, CBS’s top broadcaster, said the applause might be aimed at Lundquist during his final broadcast at Augusta.
“I’m excited to be here Jim,” Lundquist said. “Absolutely delighted. »
Scheffler birdied the 16th hole to extend his lead to four shots. Lundquist said: “Why not? Why not go into the hole?
Lundquist, 83, broadcast several sports throughout his storied career, including football, basketball, tennis, golf, track and field, swimming, diving and horse racing. He began his career at KTBC-TV in Austin before becoming sports director at WFAA-TV in Dallas. He worked as a radio voice for the Dallas Cowboys for 16 seasons.
Nationally, Lundquist spent eight years at ABC Sports and three years at TNT Sports as a play-by-play broadcaster. Some of Lundquist’s assignments at TNT included the NFL, NBA, golf and figure skating from 1995 to 1997.
Verne, thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/pUB5nTPWk9
– Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) April 14, 2024
During Lundquist’s first stint at CBS (1983 to 1985), Lundquist broadcast the NFL and NBA, while serving as the lead figure skating commentator during the 1992, 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics. called several NCAA tournaments, his most notable call being Christian Laettner’s “The Shot” during the 1992 Duke-Kentucky Elite Eight game.
From 2000 to 2016, Lundquist was the primary play-by-play broadcaster for the SEC on CBS. He has had several notable calls, including the famous Iron Bowl “Kick Six” between Auburn and Alabama in 2013.
It was in golf that Lundquist’s voice had the perfect tone and energy for the sport’s biggest moments. He competed in several Masters and PGA championships for CBS.
At the 1986 Masters, Lundquist said “Yes, sir!” » when Jack Nicklaus birdied the par-4 17th en route to his sixth green jacket. He also called Tiger Woods’ chip at the par-3 16th at the 2005 Masters one of the most famous shots in tournament history.
“Oh my God,” Lundquist shouted. “Oh wow. In your LIFE, have you ever seen anything like this?
Fourteen years later, at the 2019 Masters, when Woods birdied the 16th hole en route to his 15th major, Lundquist said, “I have to say… Oh my God.
After Woods finished the 16th hole Sunday, he walked over to Lundquist, who watched the five-time Masters champion under a tree play the hole. The two shook hands.
It was a moving moment of respect from Woods to one of golf’s most recognizable voices.
As Scheffler walked to the 17th tee, Lundquist said, “Let’s go to 17.”
Ian Baker-Finch said: “Thank you Verne for everything.”
As the broadcast went commercial, Nantz said, “Thank you for this wonderful soundtrack to all of our lives. »
Lundquist responded with these final words: “It’s my honor. »
Required reading
(Photo: David Cannon/Getty Images)