For more than three decades, Jim Nantz had one of the most hectic—but coveted—schedules in March and April. The broadcasting legend served as the lead play-by-play guy for CBS’ coverage of both the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and the Masters. And Nantz loved every minute of the madness.
With Nantz stepping away from his basketball duties after the conclusion of the 2023 tournament, however, his calendar has opened up a bit. And this year, he planned on getting down to Augusta National earlier for the first time. But once again, basketball has intervened. Not that he’s complaining.
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Nantz was part of a CBS Sports call with media on Tuesday ahead of the 2025 Masters (that also revealed Verne Lundquist’s 16th tower replacement) and he was asked if he has a new routine for getting to Augusta National. Turns out, he intended to get down there earlier than usual. However, his alma mater changed all that.
“I was prepared for this to be a new approach to Augusta this year, and the plan was to get there on Sunday before,” Nantz said. “Then all of a sudden my University of Houston basketball team went on a roll and found its way to San Antonio, and I have to be there for that Saturday. That has brought an abrupt change to the current itinerary.”
So there you have it. Jim Nantz will be at another Final Four to watch his beloved Houston Cougars. Just, from the stands this time.
“If we so happen to be fortunate enough to defeat Duke and play Monday night, I will be right back to my old schedule again, and that is to fly out after the game Monday night or at the crack of dawn on Tuesday morning for Augusta,” Nantz added. “So here we go all over again.”
We’d wish Jim a great weekend/week, but we know he’ll have one no matter how Houston plays.
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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
