Legendary Broadcaster Verne Lundquist Delivers Emotional Farewell at The Masters and PGA TOUR

Most golf fans were not just focused on the action at the 16th hole at Augusta National during the Masters on Sunday. They were also bidding a bittersweet farewell to the esteemed CBS broadcaster, Verne Lundquist, who delivered his final call after 40 years behind the mic at the iconic tournament.

Lundquist’s soothing voice has become synonymous with the Masters’ storied history, having been the voice of several iconic moments at Augusta National over the years. One of his most memorable calls was Tiger Woods’ chip-in birdie from behind the par-3 16th green during the 2005 final round, leading to a playoff victory.

As Lundquist bid farewell to the Masters, his emotional sentiments were evident as he reflected on his time at Augusta National, stating, “When I leave here on Sunday, I’ll have nine billion memories, and a choked-up voice.”

During Sunday’s final pairing of winner Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa, Lundquist made his final call at the 16th hole, where play-by-play commentator Jim Nantz paid tribute to the veteran broadcaster. Nantz praised Lundquist’s incredible ability to captivate audiences with his poetic and emotional narration, thanking him for providing a beautiful soundtrack to the lives of many.

Even golfing legend Tiger Woods took a moment to acknowledge Lundquist’s impact, sharing a personal connection to the broadcaster’s iconic calls. Woods expressed his admiration for Lundquist’s ability to draw audiences in with his emotional storytelling, particularly referencing the memorable call at the 16th hole.

Verne Lundquist’s Illustrious Broadcasting Career

Verne Lundquist’s illustrious broadcasting career spans decades, with his work not limited to golf. From covering the NFL, NBA, and Olympics to college football and basketball, Lundquist has left a lasting impression on sports broadcasting. He spent a significant portion of his career as the voice of the Dallas Cowboys on the radio and served as the lead play-by-play announcer for SEC football on CBS for many years.

Having first taken the mic at Augusta National in 1983, Lundquist’s final Masters assignment at the 16th hole on Sunday marked the end of an era. The picturesque par 3 known as Redbud, with its challenging water hazards and unique Sunday hole location, provided a fitting backdrop for Lundquist’s farewell call.

As Scottie Scheffler clinched the green jacket with a spectacular performance, Verne Lundquist’s emotional goodbye at the Masters marked a poignant moment in golf broadcasting history. His legacy as a legendary broadcaster will continue to resonate with fans and players alike for years to come.