Jim Nantz Issues Clarification After His Plans to Retire from Masters Broadcast Created Widespread Confusion

Jim Nantz and the Masters Tournament—it’s a bond that feels almost sacred. After all, he’s been the voice of Augusta National since 1989, making every year feel like a storytelling masterpiece. But when Nantz recently made a casual remark about retiring in 2036, marking it is 51st time calling the prestigious event, the golf world took it and ran—turning it into an inside joke that spread like wildfire.  But retirement rumors don’t just come from anywhere, right?

With a legendary career that recently saw him call his 500th NFL game, Nantz is proving that even the biggest moments in sports take a backseat to the ones that matter most. Last year, he stepped away from college basketball broadcasting to spend more time with his wife and kids. This year? As his alma mater, the Houston Cougars, secures a spot in the NCAA Final Four, he’s making another bold choice: shifting his usual Masters prep to support his team.

In a conversation with SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio, Nantz couldn’t hide his excitement about the Cougars’ run, especially with Tennessee making history by reaching their first-ever men’s Final Four. And while he will still make his way to Augusta, he’s doing it on his own terms. This time, his son, Jamison, is coming along for the ride. A father-son trip to both the Final Four and the Masters? That’s the kind of memory that lasts a lifetime. Still, it begs the question—was his retirement remark just a joke, or is there some truth to it? Nantz recently addressed it.

During a CBS Masters preview call, Nantz cleared the air, admitting he was caught off guard by how quickly his offhand remark spread. “There was not an attempt there to try to put a timeline on it,” Nantz said, as reported by Front Office Sports journalist David Rumsey. “I’ve always said it with a wink in my eye, and a little whimsy.” In other words, he wasn’t circling a date on his calendar just yet. 

Nantz himself admitted that a lot would have to go right for that to happen. “First off, my health would have to hold up. Secondly, CBS and Augusta National would have to want me to come back. But if all the stars aligned, right now, it feels like a pretty good exit point.” But to be fair, would CBS or Augusta National really want to say goodbye to him? At 77 years old, he’d still be younger than some legendary broadcasters who’ve continued calling games well into their 80s. So while Nantz’s timeline was meant in jest, it’s not entirely impossible.

For now, though, fans can surely breathe easy as there’s no official countdown on Nantz’s tenure at Augusta National just yet. But while Nantz’s future remains a topic of conversation, another familiar face is preparing to return to the greens of Augusta.

Fans will see another familiar face at the Masters Broadcast

After taking a short break from golf, Amanda Balionis is back and ready to co-host Masters on the Range, bringing her energy and insights to CBS Sports’ expanded coverage of the tournament. She’ll be sharing hosting duties with Kelly Tilghman, Michael Breed, Brian Crowell, and Iona Stephen, giving fans plenty of swing breakdowns, analysis, and behind-the-scenes action from Augusta National. It’s all part of CBS Sports’ 70th consecutive year covering The Masters, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable broadcast.

Balionis isn’t just showing up for the big week; she’s already building excitement, sharing sneak peeks of Augusta’s skyline and expressing her excitement to be back on social media. It’s clear that after taking some time off from PGA Tour broadcasts, she’s recharged and ready to dive back in.

During her break, she kept things light on social media, sharing photos from her downtime in San Diego and giving fans a look at her prep routine for the tournament. Now, with the Masters just around the corner, it’s safe to say Balionis is back and more excited than ever to be part of the action. So, golf fans—get ready for another memorable face on your screens this year!