“It drives me crazy” – Jim Nantz reveals what he “can’t stand” about golf

Is there a more recognisable sports commentator working today than Jim Nantz?

Doubtful.

The 65-year-old’s silky-smooth tones have been the soundtrack to some of the biggest events on the planet, from the Super Bowl, to the NBA, the Winter Olympic and even Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Golf, however, is his first love.

Appearing on the most recent episode of the excellent The Thing About Golf podcast, hosted by veteran golf journalist John Huggan, Nantz spoke at length about his association with the sport, from humble beginnings right up to becoming the lead announcer for CBS’ Masters coverage – a spot he has occupied for 35 years.

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A tidy player in his own right – he says his current index is “around 11” – Nantz has largely seen everything there is to see in the sport… and there’s one thing in particular that he’s not a fan of.

Aim Point.

A putting system devised by Florida-based golf instructor Mark Sweeney, Aim Point is explained in full here, but is essentially a green-reading method that uses the feet and the fingers to get a consistent read.

High-profile converts include Justin Rose and Adam Scott, who have both used it to great effect, but many observers remain skeptical as to the system’s merits.

Count Nantz amongst them.

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Describing it as the “Aim Point mania”, he said: “It really drives me crazy when you see their backs to the hole, and they’re trying to feel the break, and they walk another five feet and they do it again.

“They go through this process [but] where’s the feel in it? I know they’re trying to win and trying to find a shot over the course of four days that can make the difference but, to me, if you’re playing a lot of golf and you’re standing over a 20-footer, it’s a cup outside the left, it’s the left edge, play it a cup and a half…

“I mean, all this, is it really making a difference? Maybe it is. But I can’t stand looking at it.”

• Listen to the conversation with Jim Nantz in full on this episode of The Thing About Golf podcast.

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content