Jim Nantz's Controversial Admission on Bryson DeChambeau Ahead of the Masters

Jim Nantz, the lead golf analyst for CBS, has faced criticism after revealing he has not watched Bryson DeChambeau play this year, despite naming him as a top contender for the 2026 Masters. During a media call on March 30, 2026, Nantz expressed confidence in DeChambeau's potential to win, stating, "I think if you had to pick one guy, [Scottie Scheffler] would be the guy, and probably right behind him would be Bryson." However, he admitted, “I have to confess, I have not seen Bryson hit a single shot this year,” relying instead on YouTube videos for his assessment.

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DeChambeau, a two-time major winner, joined LIV Golf in 2022, a move that has polarized the golf community. Nantz's comments come at a time when LIV Golf players are often viewed with skepticism by traditional PGA Tour supporters. His admission has been interpreted as an underhanded slight against LIV Golf, raising questions about the expectations placed on analysts in covering players outside the PGA Tour.

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Nantz's remarks have drawn backlash from LIV Golf fans and some analysts who argue that a lead analyst should be well-informed about all competitors, especially those likely to be featured prominently in broadcasts. Critics have pointed out that Nantz's lack of recent viewing of DeChambeau undermines his credibility in making predictions about the player's performance. Some fans expressed their disappointment on social media, suggesting that Nantz's comments reflect a broader bias against LIV Golf players.

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In defense of his lack of recent viewing, Nantz stated, “I’ve been busy doing our own coverage, so I haven’t seen him play.” This explanation has been met with skepticism, as NBC has covered several PGA Tour events leading up to the Masters, leaving some to question the thoroughness of Nantz's preparation.

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• “I have to confess, I have not seen Bryson hit a single shot this year.” — Jim Nantz, Lead Golf Analyst, CBS

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• “I have not seen him, so for me to say what his form looks like, all I can go off is the YouTube videos I’ve watched with my son.” — Jim Nantz, Lead Golf Analyst, CBS

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As the 2026 Masters approaches, Nantz will likely face continued scrutiny regarding his insights on DeChambeau and other LIV Golf players. The upcoming tournament will serve as a critical moment for both Nantz and DeChambeau, as fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the dynamics between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf unfold in the context of major championship play.

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