What Tiger Woods said to retiring Verne Lundquist during their viral Masters meeting
Legendary broadcaster Verne Lundquist, renowned for his 40-year tenure with CBS and iconic calls at Augusta National, recently shared a touching moment with golf legend Tiger Woods during the final round of the 2024 Masters tournament. Lundquist, aged 83, recounted the exchange during an appearance on “The Steam Room” podcast hosted by Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson.
As Woods struggled on the 14th hole, Lundquist approached him near the 16th green and expressed his gratitude, saying, “Tiger, thank you.” Despite Woods’ challenging round, he graciously shook Lundquist’s hand, sparking a conversation that left an indelible mark on both men. Lundquist recalled the sentiment of their exchange, acknowledging Woods’ kind words and their enduring connection forged by a historic moment.
Fans fondly remember Lundquist’s iconic call during Woods’ memorable chip-in birdie on the 16th hole in 2005, where he exclaimed, “In your life, have you seen anything like that?!” ESPN, CBS, and the Masters paid tribute to Lundquist throughout the week, with fellow CBS legend Jim Nantz offering heartfelt gratitude for his remarkable career.
Nantz’s tribute encapsulated the sentiment shared by many, as he thanked Lundquist for the beautiful soundtrack he provided to countless sporting moments. Lundquist humbly accepted the accolades, reflecting on his honor and privilege to have been a part of sports broadcasting history.
Beyond his storied career at CBS, Lundquist’s legacy extends to his contributions to college football and basketball, retiring from SEC on CBS broadcasts in 2016 and college basketball in 2018. As fans and colleagues celebrate his remarkable career, Lundquist’s impact on sports broadcasting will continue to resonate for years to come.
