Few sportscasters, even the most renowned ones, become synonymous with the sport they cover. However, Jim Nantz is without a doubt the voice of golf, especially the Masters, the sport’s main event, after more than 40 years in the industry. Additionally, tens of millions of Americans rely on him to be a part of their college basketball and NFL broadcasts. Steve Jobs’ remark that it takes a lot of effort to make something simple is reminiscent of Nantz’s buttery-smooth tone and effortless delivery. He studied broadcast legends as a child, and his style results from reading hundreds of pages of research every day during his work.

As the 2025 PGA Championship takes place at Quail Hollow, Nantz is not only reporting on the event but also responding to criticism of his distinctive broadcasting approach. With the event teeing off in Charlotte, Nantz finds himself reflecting not just on the leaderboard but also on the chatter surrounding his style.

Jim Nantz responds to criticism over his broadcasting style

Renowned sportscaster Jim Nantz recently responded to criticism about his use of wordplay and puns in his golf broadcasts. In a New York Magazine interview, he was questioned about the lighthearted taunts about his love of puns from online sports celebrities like Bill Simmons. “I heard a lot of that early in my career, and I think I dialed it back a lot,” Nantz retorted. “I don’t think I’m really in that space anymore of puns and plays on words.”

He went into further detail about his awareness of these issues, stating that he has deliberately shifted away from that style even if he finds them humorous. “I have no problem with it, by the way. I find it kind of amusing that there’s criticism for it,”  he stated. “History is important to me. History is important in everything. I hold and reserve a lot of facts, dates, names, events that I call on quite often,” Nantz said, underscoring his emphasis on historical context and the breadth of his knowledge. 

Despite not using social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, Nantz is nevertheless aware of how people see him. He feels that his wealth of knowledge and recollections improve his broadcasting and give viewers a deeper comprehension of the game. “I feel like I’m older — a bit more…” However, he said, “But in my world, the more years you have in some respects, the more valuable you become because you have context,” he remarked. While his response to critics drew attention, Nantz’s emotional bond with Quail Hollow adds deeper resonance to this year’s championship.

Quail Hollow holds heartfelt significance for Nantz

For Jim Nantz, the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow represents more than just another competition; it’s a moving trip back to a location with many special memories. Nantz was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, the setting of Quail Hollow, which gave the event additional sentimental significance. Nantz said he liked Quail Hollow and compared its style to the venerable Augusta National. “First off, it truly takes on a look of Augusta in springtime. I know for anybody to be compared to that’s not really fair, but it’s the closest thing I’ve seen,” he remarked. He lauded the course’s lush conditions, white sand, and general perfection and pointed out that it can host high-action events.

Beyond the professional admiration, the tournament at Quail Hollow resonates with Nantz on a personal level. The familiarity of the locale, combined with the memories of his early life, imbues this championship with a unique emotional weight. As he continues to narrate the unfolding stories on the green, Nantz does so with a profound connection to the place where his own story began.

In addition to his commentary, Jim Nantz continues to play a significant role in the PGA Championship because of the diverse range of experiences and feelings he contributes to the broadcast. He offers fans a greater understanding of the stories that go beyond the fairways through his thoughts on criticism and personal ties to Quail Hollow.