The Masters: Jim Nantz outlines “scheduled retirement date”

Since he started broadcasting from Augusta National in 1986, Jim Nantz has become a significant part of The Masters’ traditions.

With his “hello, friends” catchphrase and his unmistakable voice, the veteran commentator is as familiar to golf fans as azaleas, dogwoods and pimento cheese sandwiches.

But as he prepares for his 40th tournament in the booth, the 65-year-old has shared details of his “scheduled retirement date” with bunkered.

Speaking in the latest edition of our magazine, issue 220, Nantz revealed that he hopes to continue until 2036. That would be his 51st Masters as well as the 100th edition of the tournament.

“A lot of things have to happen for that to occur,” he admitted. “First off, my health would have to hold up. Secondly, CBS and Augusta National would have to want me to come back.

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“But if all the stars aligned, right now, it feels like a pretty good exit point. April 14, 2036. That is my scheduled retirement date. It would be a perfect place to walk out.”

However, Nantz – who was born in Charlotte, just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Augusta – did have a caveat to that.

“I know what’s going to happen,” he added. “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.’

“We have broadcasters over here that have gone on well into their 80s, so that’s one of those ‘wait and sees’, I guess.”

Nantz also revealed a special ‘pilgrimage’ he undertakes ahead of The Masters each year.

“On Wednesday every year, as the Par-3 Tournament is taking place, the big course is going through its final prep,” he said. “As the last players are finishing up their practice at 17 or 18, down at Amen Corner, there are a few folks that are still kind of mingling about and taking pictures.

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“I go off to the side, park a golf cart down there, and duck under the ropes. Thankfully, I’ve got a credential that allows me to do that. I walk down to the creek fronting the green, walk across the bridge, and I allow myself a quiet moment of reflection.

“It’s a spiritual thing, more than anything. It’s a moment of prayer and introspection, and I just give thanks for the gift of being here.

“I’ve never taken it for granted that I have a chance to do exactly what I wanted to do as a young boy. So it’s a moment of thanks and gratitude and prayer.

“And then, you know, when the time is right, and I’ve said everything in my head that I want to say, I walk across the Nelson bridge and head on back. I’ve done that every year.”

• Read the full interview with Jim Nantz in issue 220 of bunkered, on-sale now from all good newsagents. Better yet, take out a subscription here. International subscriptions also available.

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