Jim Nantz’s decision not to say anything after Tiger Woods‘ final putt in the 2019 Masters Tournament reflects how he has mastered the art of commentary. He is the most established and beloved expert in the community. Recently, at the ASGCA 2026 Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, he was honored for bringing this exact dedication to the art of course design.

As the ASGCA Home Offices tweeted, the American Society of Golf Course Architects noted that Nantz is the first broadcaster to receive the Donald Ross Award. They praised his voice as the soundtrack to the country’s greatest courses, etching memories into the game’s history.

Nantz seemed over the moon with this award reception, saying, “My admiration for the American Society of Golf Course Architects runs deep. I have long studied their work and the thoughtful process they used to shape their masterpiece landscapes. To be recognized by this extraordinary group is truly an honor.”

For decades, Jim Nantz hasn’t just called golf shots; he has painted the rolling greens and deep bunkers for millions watching at home. He gives a voice to the silent beauty of the courses. This unique ability to make distant landscapes feel like our own backyard is exactly why the architects chose to honor him.

The American Society of Golf Course Architects Donald Ross Award has been given annually to those contributing to golf in the United States since 1976. From journalists, golf course architects, PGA executives, players, and founders, anyone associated with the sport has been recognized for it over the years.

Some of the biggest names to receive the award include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Pete Dye, and even the founding member of ASGCA, Robert Trent Jones, has received the award.

To be listed among these distinguished names in the sport comes with great prestige and honor. But after the remarkable career Nantz has had in the last four decades (since 1986), he has earned the award for his efforts. He kicked off his 40th year as an analyst in the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open.

Having spent forty years as an analyst, Nantz has been a part of some memorable moments on the golf course. And he has always discussed them fondly with the world.

Jim Nantz’s favorite moments covering golf over the last four decades

Jim Nantz joined the CBS Sports team in early 1986. Within a few months, he had the opportunity to cover one of the most memorable events on the golf course. And he was happy to have witnessed it live.

Nantz told the Vanity Index Podcast, “I was having a hard time getting my mouth to move. My teeth were chattering. I had chill bumps up and down my arm.”

He was talking about the scenes at Augusta National when a 46-year, 2-month, and 23-day-old Jack Nicklaus took on the course like a storm. He started the day four strokes behind the leader, Greg Norman. By the end of it, the Golden Bear shot a 7-under 65. That was enough to give him a one-stroke lead and his sixth Green Jacket. It was the last trophy Nicklaus won and the first Masters Tournament Nantz had covered. No wonder he was left speechless.

That was only the beginning of his journey. He was yet to see the rise and domination of Tiger Woods as he pushed to surpass Nicklaus.