Full Breakdown
Jim Nantz Reflects on His Iconic Call During the 1986 Masters
4/6/2026, 11:58:11 PM
The Moment That Defined a Career
In a recent interview, Jim Nantz recounted his experience during the 1986 Masters Tournament, a pivotal moment in his broadcasting career. At just 26 years old, Nantz was given the opportunity to call the tournament for CBS, where he witnessed Jack Nicklaus achieve an extraordinary feat by birdieing the 16th hole to secure his sixth Masters title at the age of 46. Nantz famously remarked, “The Bear has come out of hibernation,” as Nicklaus made his putt, a line that would become iconic in golf broadcasting.
Initial Doubts and Support
Despite the success of his call, Nantz initially felt a wave of anxiety following the broadcast. He expressed concerns that his line might not have been original, fearing he had inadvertently plagiarized someone else's remark. “I had all these doubts that were overtaking me for a moment,” Nantz recalled. As he returned to the CBS compound, he was approached by former golfer Ken Venturi, who offered encouragement and made a bold prediction: “You may one day be the first to ever broadcast this tournament 50 times.” This conversation helped Nantz refocus on his career aspirations.
A Legacy in the Making
Reflecting on his journey, Nantz noted that his initial fears were alleviated by the support he received from CBS Sports golf producer Frank Chirkinian, who assured him that his line was unique. “Nope, only you, son. Only you. You’re gonna be here for a long time,” Chirkinian told him. This affirmation solidified Nantz's place in Masters history, and he now looks back on that moment as one of the most replayed in the tournament's legacy.
Looking Ahead
As Nantz approaches the milestone of broadcasting his 50th Masters in 2036, he remains focused on the significance of the event. He has expressed a desire to retire after reaching this landmark, hoping to reflect on his final Masters with the same fondness as his first. The journey from a dejected young broadcaster to a seasoned voice of the Masters illustrates the profound impact of that initial call and the support he received along the way.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Bear has come out of hibernation,” — Jim Nantz, Broadcaster
- “He said, ‘I’m gonna tell you something right now, you may one day be the first to ever broadcast this tournament 50 times, but you will never live to see a day greater than this around Augusta National,’” — Ken Venturi, Former Golfer
- “And he said, ‘Nope, only you, son. Only you. You’re gonna be here for a long time. And truly, no one else had used that line. The man upstairs gave me a line and I went with it.” — Frank Chirkinian, CBS Sports Producer
Conclusion
Jim Nantz's reflections on the 1986 Masters highlight not only a defining moment in his career but also the importance of mentorship and support in achieving long-term goals. As he nears the completion of his broadcasting journey, the legacy of his iconic call continues to resonate within the world of golf.
