Staff Reports
Legendary TV sports announcer Verne Lundquist is set to retire after calling his 40th and final Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, according to reports from Barstool Sports. CBS made the announcement on social media, unveiling that this year’s Masters in April will mark the end of Lundquist’s distinguished career as a sports broadcaster.
Lundquist, widely regarded as “the best to ever do it,” has been a fixture in the world of sports broadcasting for decades. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1940, Lundquist pursued a different career path in his early years. After a brief stint at the Augustana Seminary, he realized that the priesthood was not his calling and returned to Texas. There, he began his journey in sports announcing for local stations in Austin and Dallas.
In 1967, Lundquist landed the opportunity to become the radio announcer for the Dallas Cowboys, a role he held until 1984. He also worked for ABC starting in 1974, but ultimately switched over to CBS in 1982. Throughout his career, Lundquist played a pivotal role in CBS’s coverage of college football, basketball, and major golf tournaments.
Lundquist’s retirement from golf coverage comes after he stepped away from his position as the voice of SEC football on CBS in 2016 and called his final NCAA March Madness tournament for the network in 2017. While there are many memorable moments from his storied career, one that stands out is his electrifying call of Tiger Woods’ epic chip shot at the 16th hole during the 2005 Masters Tournament. The shot, which eventually led to Woods’ victory, left Lundquist in awe and exclaiming, “OH WOW! … In your LIFE, have you ever seen anything like that?!?”
Although fans will undoubtedly miss Lundquist’s commentary during the Masters, his upcoming retirement doesn’t come as a complete surprise. In a 2022 interview with Barrett Sports Media, Lundquist mentioned that the 2024 Masters “will likely be my last.” He had a discussion with CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus about his future with the network, signaling that the timing felt right for him to conclude his illustrious career.
As Verne Lundquist bids farewell to the world of sports broadcasting, his impact and contribution to the industry will not be forgotten. His unmatched commentary and ability to capture the excitement of sporting events have made him a legend. While it’s sad to see him go, the time has come for new voices to carry the torch and continue the tradition of exceptional sports announcing.
Verne Lundquist’s retirement marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting. His enthusiasm and ability to call the action with unparalleled zest will be sorely missed. Lundquist’s distinct voice and passionate delivery added an extra layer of excitement to every game he covered. It’s a shame that the industry is losing someone of his caliber, but it’s important to remember that change is a natural part of life. As conservatives, we value tradition and respect the contributions of hardworking individuals like Lundquist. It’s now up to the new generation of announcers to carry on his legacy and bring their unique perspectives to the field.
