Verne Lundquist concluded his illustrious broadcasting career in grand fashion on Sunday, marking his final hole as the voice of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Calling his 40th and last Masters for CBS Sports over the weekend, Lundquist bid farewell to a career that commenced in part as the radio announcer for the Dallas Cowboys.
Amidst the dominance of top-ranked Scottie Scheffler’s victory, Lundquist’s departure garnered attention, with tributes pouring in from luminaries like Jim Nantz and Tiger Woods as his final moments at Augusta unfolded.
“Verne wrote a book back in 2018 called Play by Play,” Nantz said during Sunday’s broadcast. “The last line in the book, that you wrote Verne, I want to apply it to you. Thanks, to borrow a phrase, thanks for the memories. Your voice has been a beautiful instrument. Thank you for a wonderful soundtrack for all of our lives.”
Woods’ gesture of gratitude towards Lundquist has even sparked a viral internet meme, capturing a handshake where the esteemed golfer’s arm obscures the broadcaster behind a tree.
Prior to his renowned tenure at Augusta, Lundquist served as the voice of the Cowboys on the Cowboys Radio Network from 1969 to 1983. Notably, he chronicled the team’s Super Bowl triumph in 1977-78, immortalizing his memorable call when he famously dubbed tight end Jackie Smith “the sickest man in America” after a pivotal dropped pass in Super Bowl XIII against Pittsburgh.
Beyond his Cowboys commentary, Lundquist made significant contributions to Texas sports broadcasting, serving as a sports anchor for Dallas’ WFAA and Austin’s KTBC before ascending to national prominence with CBS.
Recognized as the primary play-by-play announcer for the network’s weekly SEC game of the week, Lundquist’s portfolio extended to prestigious events like the annual Army-Navy Game, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the Winter Olympics.
Among his memorable recent calls are George Mason’s 2006 Elite Eight upset over Connecticut (“By George, the dream is alive!”) and Auburn’s stunning runback of a missed Alabama field goal during the 2013 Iron Bowl (“An answered prayer!”).
