Nantz: Unique bond between network, Augusta has persevered
Web posted
Sunday, April 10, 2005
EDITOR'S NOTE: CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz is handling his 20th consecutive Masters Tournament. In honor of the 50th Masters telecast on CBS, Nantz will offer stories and insights in daily conversations with Augusta Chronicle writer Scott Michaux.
We begin with a confession: I lied yesterday on national television.
I opened our broadcast Saturday by saying, "Imagine a place where dreams come to life." On the surface it was devoted to the great champions of Augusta who have achieved a dream by "unlocking their imaginations." I pretended the words were meant for the players, but in my heart they were written for the men and women at CBS who have been a part of this great event for 50 years.
In case you missed it, this is a milestone week for CBS, reaching the half-century mark at Augusta, the longest running relationship in television history. Not sports television. Television. CBS and Augusta.
I know of a young boy who years ago would watch the Masters every year in total awe. Of course he was mesmerized by the players, particularly Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Weiskopf. But there was a fixation far greater than just the giants of the sport. It had everything to do with the voices he heard. Voices that belonged to the giants of golf television. Pat Summerall, Ken Venturi, Henry Longhurst, Jack Whitaker, Ben Wright, Frank Glieber; and many others with their cultured commentary.
The kid with the big dream would listen to them all and hang on every story told, always spun with great erudition. It became his mission in life - to one day make it to CBS and the Masters.
You have no doubt figured this one out by now. And for it to come true, I am so honored.
For 10 fascinating years I traveled the golf circuit with Pat Summerall. Just a year ago this week he was fighting for his life following a liver transplant. Now he's healthy and reappearing on our Masters telecast announcing the sponsors of the tournament.Jack Whitaker splits time between homes in Philadelphia and Palm Springs. In 2003, I had the occasion to join Jack for five dinners. Sat back and soaked up the stories of his vast experiences.Jim McKay was one of the first hosts of the Masters before he left for the wide world of ABC Sports. His ability to tell a story through his golf openings and essays was undoubtedly a huge inspiration to me.I know Jim will be checking out our opening today from his home in Maryland and it gets me nervous just thinking about it.
Mr. McKay's son, Sean McManus, is the president of CBS Sports. Don't accuse me of pandering to the boss but I must tell you that the deep passion Mr. McKay brought to every broadcast has been transferred to Sean.
Kenny Venturi has been like a surrogate father to me. We worked together 17 years until he retired in 2002. Of all the questions I get asked most often, near the top of the list is "How is your old friend Ken Venturi?" He's well, recovering from a hip procedure from earlier in the week. I love to hear Chris Schenkle talk; always so uplifting and encouraging and I treasure his kindness. He'll watching from his home in Indiana.
I wish I could have a word with Frank Glieber, but he passed away 20 years ago this May. For 18 years he called the action, primarily at the 17th. A true pro's pro who far too often doesn't get his place in history.
Verne Lundquist made the most memorable call in Masters history in 1986, "Maybe, yes sir!" It was typical of Verne, brilliantly patient, mastering an economy of words.As is Dick Enberg who came to CBS in 2000 and has taken me under his wing. Elegant, classy and caring - and it all comes through vividly on the screen.
As you watch the broadcast I hope you'll remember a few of the names that helped make CBS and the Masters what they are today. I will have each and every one of them on my mind because they are the ones who unlocked my imagination and let my dreams come to life at Augusta.
Eye on CBS
In 1997, Tiger Woods' first Masters victory produced the most-watched golf broadcast in history for Sunday's final round, a 14.1 rating.Woods also established records for youngest champion (21), 72-hole score (270) and margin of victory (12).
| Jim Nantz's Masters Diary |
| Editor's Note: CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz finished his 20th consecutive Final Four on Monday night in St. Louis and immediately turned his attention to his 20th straight Masters Tournament. In honor of the 50th Masters telecast on CBS, Nantz will offer stories and insights in daily conversations with Augusta Chronicle writer Scott Michaux: |
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