Golf coverage from a broadcast point of view is always scrutinized. As apart from just showcasing the game, broadcasters end up missing out on the top names, leading to backlash, which Jim Nantz & Co. has already experienced earlier. During the 2023 Masters, a CBS Sports broadcast was accused of missing Phil Mickelson despite him being on an incredible streak as he was the runner-up.

But Nantz clarified the mishap during an interview with Sports Illustrated, saying, “But you don’t know how it’s all going to play out in the end. There was no effort at all by anybody at CBS to treat anyone any differently.” As Mickelson was earlier placed on fifth, the team shifted their focus on others after covering the LIV golfer in the first half. However, missing him during the time of a great run led to accusations. The accusations are that CBS is being partial to LIV golfers and showing their affiliation to the PGA Tour players instead. Now that the dust has settled on the accusation, even Nantz has shared about the relationship with the golfer. “Phil has been a buddy of mine for a long time. There was no effort to conceal him or hide him at all,” Nantz said. They share a friendship over their common interest of fantasy football.

Well, now, after two years of ignorance, old gestures of the duo have found light with Chad Mumm’s recent podcast story at the Vanity Index podcast. Mumm shared his best experience, where he got the opportunity to chat with Jim Nantz for Full Swing at his home. With the opportunity to have some swings at Nantz’s iconic backyard, Mumm went on to it. For context, Jim Nantz’s backyard in Pebble Beach is a replica of the par-3 seventh hole of the original course.

So, Mumm shared further about the backyard, he pointed out that it has the names of Phil Mickelson on it. He said, “And he has got a rock that has all the plaques of anyone who has made an ace on it. And like Tony Romo’s on there. Phil Mickelson is there and there are a bunch of other celebrities, kind of like people from the world of business, who have gone there.” Back in 2019, Mickelson, when everyone was preparing for the RBC Canadian Open, was at Nantz’s in Pebble Beach to practice that hole. That great practice led him to make an ace that resulted in his name being placed on the plaque alongside others.

With the relationship between the two having such a backdrop, it completely denies the accusations out of the way. While we are on the subject of Jim Nantz’s backyard in Pebble Beach, did you know that he has also made another one in a different location?

Jim Nantz’s new setup for Ace Challenge

After the iconic challenge and plaques, having prominent names from the world. Recently, the commentator has moved to his new home in Nashville in 2024. That means a new opportunity for him to replicate a famous hole from a PGA Tour venue. His old setup has Pebble Beach’s iconic par-3 seventh hole.

With the opportunity, he considered his options of replicas, including Riviera Country Club’s sixth, before settling on the 13th hole at Augusta National. Nantz worked with Shane Whitcomb, architect, to develop the hole on his own through twists. No corners were cut on the details as well, from the 15 magnolia trees, a Masters leaderboard, and other Augusta National easter eggs. This great gesture of the commentator to keep innovating the backyards has been a story for the golf enthusiasts. It has even helped him with a great relationship with the prominent names. And even help with the accusations of ignoring Phil Mickelson. Now, with the new setup, when can we expect Mickelson to score an ace again? Let us know what you think.