Article:
Jim Nantz Returns for the PGA Championship
Broadcasting legend Jim Nantz is back in the booth as the 2025 PGA Championship tees off at Quail Hollow. Best known for his iconic “Hello Friends” greeting at the Masters, Nantz now prepares to bring decades of golf commentary expertise to one of the sport’s biggest events.
The Advice That Defined a Career
One core principle guides Nantz’s approach to calling golf: respect the silence of the shot. This timeless rule was passed down from Frank Chirkinian, the legendary CBS golf producer. Chirkinian’s command was clear—“Don’t ever talk over one of my golf shots, ever — or I’ll throw you out of the tower!”
Why Silence Matters in Golf Broadcasting
To Nantz, silence is sacred. It honors the tension, the focus, and the artistry of the moment. While sports like football or basketball thrive on energetic commentary, golf’s essence is in the quiet. Nantz compares it to tennis, where commentary is minimal during play, preserving the drama of each point.
Frank Chirkinian’s Lasting Influence
Chirkinian wasn’t just a mentor—he was a trailblazer who essentially invented the way golf is broadcast today. His intensity and no-nonsense attitude helped shape Nantz’s style. One humorous anecdote includes Chirkinian threatening to throw a young Nantz into the Pacific Ocean for asking a naive question. It wasn’t just tough love—it was a crash course in professionalism.
More Than a Job—A Passion
For Nantz, broadcasting isn’t work. It’s a lifelong passion. From a young age, he was enamored with the voices of sports, recording and replaying football games to study the craft. That obsession led him to a career that now spans over 40 years, covering everything from the NFL to NCAA basketball and the Masters.
Legacy of a Storyteller
Jim Nantz has become more than a broadcaster—he’s a storyteller. With a smooth delivery and heartfelt presence, he elevates every event he covers. As the PGA Championship begins, fans can expect more than just commentary—they can expect cinematic storytelling from the man who calls golf “a soundtrack with a soul.”
Conclusion
Whether you’re tuning in for the action or the anecdotes, Nantz’s presence at the PGA Championship promises moments that feel both intimate and historic. And it all goes back to one simple rule: never talk over the swing.