The proclamation
"Watch his life change right here," Nantz said on the CBS broadcast.
It was the right line at the right time, which really is all a sports play-by-play man can hope for. But it's the picture Nantz marvels at the most.
"That really was a life-changing event for Phil and his whole family," Nantz said of the Masters victory that altered the historical context of Mickelson's bright career. "How many times can you look at a moment that changes a family's life - on tape?"
How would he mark Mickelson's moment in history to be called back on tape for as long as the Masters is played?
"It's been one of the great days in Masters history - plain and simple," he said as Mickelson readied for the final putt.
"And now it comes down to one putt for the win."
Seeing the co-leader beaming on the 18th tee in spite of all the pressure behind and in front, Nantz delivered the words Mickelson later said was "like reading my mind."
"You look at him and he has a total look of joy," Nantz said. "It's as if he's already seen the outcome and knows he's going to win."
Nantz started the Sunday broadcast with a rhetorical question: "Will this be Phil Mickelson's day at the Masters ... at long last?"
His words came full circle in the end with the perfect call as the final putt rolled toward the cup.
"Is it his time? Yes! At long last."
As the euphoria washed over the final scene and Mickelson made his way to the arms of his family, Nantz offered the right perspective.
"On Friday we said goodbye to one of the most popular champions - if not the most popular champion - the game has ever known," he said, referring to Arnold Palmer's 50th and final Masters farewell. "And it's hard to believe there's a more popular winner in any single year than Phil Mickelson in 2004."
| See Phil Mickelson From All Sides | |
| The happiest player ever to win a major | |
| His colleagues | His family |
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| His journey | His moment |
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