Tributes pour in after death of PGA Tour winner and broadcaster

Mark Carnevale, the PGA Tour champion turned broadcaster, has died at the age of 64.

Carnevale, who joined the professional ranks in 1983 after graduating from James Madison University in Virginia, largely spent the first decade of his career on the mini-tour circuits. Then, after seven consecutive unsuccessful trips to Q School, Carnevale finally secured his PGA Tour card for the 1992 season.

Although there were plenty of missed cuts for the 32-year-old rookie, there were good times too. Notably the tie for 13th at the BellSouth Classic, which earned him his first five-figure payday, the tie for 26th at the Buick Classic, and the tie for 19th at the Western Open.

Then, the crowning moment. A final-round 64 at the Chattanooga Classic at Council Fire Golf Club, which sits across the Tennessee and Georgia state line, to defeat Ed Dougherty and Dan Forsman by two strokes earned Carnevale what turned out to be his only victory on the main tour, as well as that season’s Rookie of the Year honours.

He would later play on the second-tier Nike Tour – now sponsored by Korn Ferry – where he picked up one win. He also played in four majors – missing the cut in each of his sole Masters and PGA Championship appearances, while finishing in ties for 25th and 33rd at the US Open.

He later went on to be a tournament director at the Virginia Beach Open before taking up a career as a broadcaster, covering the sport for the likes of ESPN, PGA Tour Radio, and SiriusXM.

“Mark was a beloved part of the Tour family for a long time,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. “He was a member of that elite club, a PGA Tour winner, and then he held numerous roles within the industry, most recently as a significant voice in PGA Tour Radio’s coverage.

“Mark knew the game and did a terrific job of conveying insights from his unique point of view – and with an engaging wit and sense of humor – to fans from countless Tour events through the years.

“We will miss Mark and send our condolences to his loved ones.”

The PGA Tour Live X account posted: “We’re heartbroken to share the news of the loss of one of our own, Mark Carnevale. His humour, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the game and life will be greatly missed.”

And colleagues have also used the social media platform to pay tribute…

Awful news for everyone at SXM PGA Tour Radio. We're a family and he was our brother. At both the PGA Championship and U.S. Open recently, as he always did, Carny set up team dinners and cleaned up after everyone. Great dude.

RIP to the '92 ROY, an honor he was so proud of. https://t.co/9rHA0qgQWh

— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGolf) July 22, 2024

Stinging news.
I appreciated the old-school nature of Carney (so much so I kept asking to work with him more.) His deep love for the game with passionate discussions about rules, theories and design.
His distinct voice. His big heart.https://t.co/0yfU6cn3GE

— Chantel McCabe (@chantel_mccabe) July 22, 2024

All broadcast teams are teams by definition. This team is a family and we are all so sad to lose a family member. Mark loved his work and being a big part of the team. God speed my friend. https://t.co/jr3LQZDvea

— Gary Williams (@Garywilliams1Up) July 22, 2024

I lost my grouchy teddy bear today. Mark Carnevale was one of the good ones. I loved him, I’m gonna miss him. He made all of us on @SiriusXMPGATOUR better broadcasters. More importantly, his friendship was unconditional. This hurts… a lot.

— Michael Collins (@ESPNCaddie) July 22, 2024

RIP Mark Carnevale. @SiriusXMPGATOUR won’t be the same without him! One of the best in the business 💔

— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) July 22, 2024

So sad to hear Mark Carnevale left us today. I closed a few bars with Carny. He talked a lot about his dad, Ben, basketball coach at North Carolina, then the Naval Academy. Served in WW2, Purple Heart. Also won a national title at NYU. Ben's boy was a good man. RIP, mate pic.twitter.com/PR5QTOSUZG

— Robert Lusetich (@RobertLusetich) July 22, 2024

My friend Mark Carnevale ⁦@SiriusXMPGATOUR⁩ ⁦@PGATOURLIVE⁩ went to heaven today. I worked w/him for 20 years and he taught me many things and loved the game more than anyone I know. RIP my friend, hit ‘em straight. This was my last pic w/him at the Zurich Classic. pic.twitter.com/f32lPcBjbc

— Doug Bell (@DougBellESPN) July 22, 2024

Mark Carnevale: 1960-2024.