‘I’ve Moved On’: Jim Nantz on Making Peace With PGA Championship Breaking Decades-Old Tradition

“Hello friends,” those two words, spoken in Jim Nantz’s kind, steady voice, have marked the beginning of some of the most memorable sports broadcasts for decades. In American sports, Nantz has provided solace amidst the majesty of Augusta and the fierceness of the NFL. Even the most experienced broadcasters, however, have their disagreements. In a recent interview, Nantz discussed a big shift in the golf industry that initially made him uneasy but has since become a part of the sport’s changing story. So, let’s take a closer look at the shift that once made the legendary broadcaster nostalgic, but now feels like second nature.

Jim Nantz reflects on the PGA Championship’s rescheduling

In an open discussion on the 5 Clubs Golf channel, Jim Nantz talked about how the PGA Championship was moved from its customary August date to May, initially making him miss the previous schedule. In response to host Taylor Zarzour’s question about the change, Nantz acknowledged, “I truly did like it in August… it gave me something all summer long to build up to.” With the Masters in April and the PGA Championship concluding the majors in August, he loved the cadence of the golf calendar.

Nantz did, however, recognize the wider advantages of the rescheduling. He emphasized the strategic alignment of significant events throughout the year by saying, “There’s a lot more value in having the tournament in May than August.” The golf calendar currently has a steady stream of high-stakes events, with The Players in March, the Masters in April, the PGA Championship in May, the U.S. Open in June, and The Open Championship in July. “Every month has some importance,” Nantz noted, expressing gratitude for the ongoing participation from both broadcasters and fans.

To elaborate further, to maximize the golf calendar and raise the tournament’s profile, the PGA Championship was rescheduled from August to May in 2019. This change made it possible for the PGA Tour season to end ahead of the NFL season, lessening viewers’ competition and giving players a more defined offseason. Furthermore, the modification improved weather conditions for southern venues, which sometimes overheat in August, and better synchronized the tournament with other big events and the return of golf to the Summer Olympics. Additionally, the change allowed for regular scheduling, eliminating the need to change dates every four years because of the Olympics.

After considering the shift, Nantz stated, “I’ve moved on past that now.” He has adjusted to the new timetable and seized the opportunity after the change in 2019. His viewpoint emphasizes how crucial it is to be adaptable and receptive to change, especially in a sport as legendary as professional golf. As Nantz embraces the tournament’s new era, let’s meet the dynamic broadcast team bringing the 2025 PGA Championship to life.

The commentators for the 2025 PGA Championship

The 2025 PGA Championship will be covered in-depth by a skilled group of broadcasters at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. With Jim Nantz leading the charge, CBS Sports maintains its longstanding relationship with the PGA Championship by providing weekend coverage. His observations and anecdotes have come to represent the tournament’s broadcast. When CBS started covering the PGA Championship again in 1991, Nantz became associated with the event. His voice, which captures the drama and excitement of innumerable unforgettable moments, has become an essential part of the tournament’s identity.

With a wide panel of pundits, ESPN provides the early-round coverage. Alongside Matt Barrie and Marty Smith, Scott Van Pelt, renowned for his captivating manner, leads the coverage. Analysts such as former caddie Michael Collins and two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North provide on-course viewpoints and in-depth analysis. Curtis Strange and Laura Rutledge also share their knowledge, guaranteeing that spectators understand the game’s subtleties.

This vibrant individual improves the viewing experience for golf fans worldwide by contributing experience, expertise, and passion to the broadcast. Jim Nantz’s thoughts serve as a reminder of how the sport is changing as the 2025 PGA Championship goes on. His transition from suspicion to acceptance reflects the golf community’s flexibility in accepting change while respecting tradition. With a field of top players and an incredible array of pundits, this year’s championship will surely be a memorable event in golf’s illustrious past.