Farewell to an Iconic Broadcaster: Verne Lundquist’s Final Call at Augusta
Introduction:
This Masters Sunday marked not only the crowning of a new champion but also the bittersweet farewell of an iconic broadcaster, Verne Lundquist. After 40 years of calling the shots at Augusta National, Lundquist announced that this would be his final year covering the Masters. As he bid adieu to his beloved golf event, the reception from the patrons and his colleagues spoke volumes about his impact on the sport.
A Legendary Career Across Sports:
Lundquist’s broadcasting career spanned a multitude of sports, including football, basketball, tennis, golf, track and field, swimming, diving, and even horse racing. Starting at KTBC-TV in Austin, he later became the sports director at WFAA-TV in Dallas before serving as the radio voice for the Dallas Cowboys for an impressive 16 seasons. Lundquist made his mark nationally with eight years at ABC Sports and three years at TNT Sports, covering a wide range of events such as the NFL, NBA, golf, and figure skating.
The Perfect Voice for Golf:
While Lundquist excelled in various sports, it was golf where he truly found his calling. His voice had the ideal tone and energy for capturing the essence of the sport’s most significant moments. Lundquist became a fixture at CBS, calling several Masters and PGA Championships. His iconic “Yes sir!” exclamation when Jack Nicklaus birdied the par-4 17th at the 1986 Masters remains etched in golf history. Another unforgettable moment came in 2005 when he marveled at Tiger Woods’ chip at the par-3 16th during the Masters, asking, “In your LIFE have you ever seen anything like that?” And in 2019, when Woods birdied the 16th hole en route to his 15th major victory, Lundquist fittingly exclaimed, “Oh my goodness.”
A Touching Moment with Tiger Woods:
Woods, who holds a special place in Masters history, made a heartfelt gesture to Lundquist after finishing the 16th hole on Sunday. Approaching the broadcasting legend, Woods shook his hand as a sign of respect and gratitude for the indelible mark Lundquist left on the sport. This touching interaction highlighted the deep connection between Lundquist’s voice and the iconic moments in golf.
Final Words and Tributes:
As the final group made their way to the 17th tee, Lundquist bid adieu to the viewers, saying, “Let’s go to 17.” His longtime colleague Ian Baker-Finch expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you Verne for everything.” With the broadcast heading to commercial, Jim Nantz, the lead broadcaster for CBS, expressed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you for a wonderful soundtrack for all of our lives.” Lundquist humbly responded, “It’s my honor,” encapsulating the immense impact he had on both his colleagues and the viewers.
Conclusion:
Verne Lundquist’s final call at Augusta National marked the end of an era in sports broadcasting. His illustrious career, encompassing a wide range of sports, found its truest expression in golf. With his distinctive voice, Lundquist etched himself into golf history by capturing unforgettable moments at the Masters. The heartfelt farewell from Tiger Woods and the tributes from his colleagues served as a testament to his remarkable contribution to the sport. As fans bid farewell to this legendary broadcaster, they will forever cherish the indelible memories he created with his iconic calls.