Jim Nantz’s decision not to say anything after Tiger Woods‘ final putt in the 2019 Masters Tournament reflects on how he has mastered the art of commentary. He is the most established and beloved expert in the community. And at the Aronimink Golf Club, he was honored for his incredible dedication to the art.
As the ASGCA Home Offices tweeted, “@CBSSports Commentator Jim Nantz to become 1st broadcaster to receive @ASGCA Donald Ross Award. His voice has been the soundtrack to unforgettable moments from some of the country’s greatest golf courses, creating memories etched in the game’s history.”
Nantz was also happy to receive the award, as he said, “My admiration for the American Society of Golf Course Architects runs deep. I have long studied their work and the thoughtful process they use to shape their masterpiece landscapes. To be recognized by this extraordinary group is truly an honor.”
The American Society of Golf Course Architects Donald Ross Award has been given annually to those contributing to golf in the United States since 1976. From journalists, golf course architects, PGA executives, players, and founders, anyone associated with the sport has been recognized for it over the years.
Some of the biggest names to receive the award include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Pete Dye, and even the founding member of ASGCA, Robert Trent Jones, has received the award.
To be among these distinguished names in the sport comes great prestige and honor. But after the remarkable career Nantz has had in the last four decades (since 1986), he has earned the award for his efforts. He kicked off his 40th year as an analyst in the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open.
Still going strong in the industry, there is no better individual to represent the sport than Nantz. He follows USGA Executive Director David Fay, who received the same award in 2025.
@CBSSports Commentator Jim Nantz to become 1st broadcaster to receive @ASGCA Donald Ross Award. His voice has been the soundtrack to unforgettable moments from some of the country’s greatest golf courses, creating memories etched in the game’s history. https://t.co/8JRH14ygtv pic.twitter.com/r2bR2w7VHf
— ASGCA Home Offices (@ASGCA) May 14, 2026
Having spent forty years as an analyst, Nantz has been a part of some memorable moments on the golf course. And he has always discussed them fondly with the world.
Jim Nantz’s favorite moments covering golf over the last four decades
Jim Nantz joined the CBS Sports team in early 1986. Within a few months, he had the opportunity to cover one of the most memorable events on the golf course. And he was happy to have witnessed it live.
Nantz told the Vanity Index Podcast, “I was having a hard time getting my mouth to move. My teeth were chattering. I had chill bumps up and down my arm.”
He was talking about the scenes at Augusta National when a 46-year, 2-month, and 23-day-old Jack Nicklaus took on the course like a storm. He started the day four strokes behind the leader, Greg Norman. By the end of it, the Golden Bear shot a 7-under 65. That was enough to give him a one-stroke lead and his sixth Green Jacket. It was the last trophy Nicklaus won and the first Masters Tournament Nantz had covered. No wonder he was left speechless.
That was only the beginning of his journey. He was yet to see the rise and domination of Tiger Woods as he pushed to surpass Nicklaus.
