When people talk about legends, they often refer to records, trophies, and those unforgettable moments under pressure. But sometimes, the most powerful memories have nothing to do with the competition. They come from quiet, tender moments that define a legacy. For longtime CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz, one such memory came in April 2016, at the heart of golf’s most sacred stage—Augusta National.
In a recent appearance on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, Nantz opened up about a deeply personal and emotional memory: the last time he saw Arnold Palmer at the Masters.“Another one that just kind of went through my mind a little bit was not a competition memory, but the last interview ever with Arnold Palmer,” Nantz shared. “I got to conduct that in Butler Cabin in April of 2016. He passed away in September of that year.”
For Nantz, this wasn’t just another professional milestone—it was deeply personal. Over the years, he and Palmer had built a true friendship, grounded in admiration and their shared love for the game. That day in Augusta, the weight of the moment was evident. “And I just had such a gift of a friendship and relationship with the King. And it was obvious this was going to be his last appearance at Augusta,” he continued. “And I got to spend a considerable amount of time with him. Not just laying down a 46-minute interview with him, which was supposed to be five but he wanted to talk…”
That small detail—what was supposed to be a brief conversation stretching into nearly an hour—says everything about who Palmer was. Even in his final visit to the Masters, he wanted to talk, to share, to connect. But the part that clearly remains etched in Nantz’s heart wasn’t just the interview—it was the goodbye.
“…but being able to actually walk him to his car, where he was driven right out down Magnolia Lane, said goodbye to Augusta, actually helped him get in the car. He was unable to walk on his own. Alistair Johnston was on his left shoulder. I was on his right shoulder. We helped Arnie get into the car, Alley, drove him away, and I stood there, waved, and realized this is it. This is the last time that Arnie’s ever going to be on the grounds of Augusta.”
There’s a quiet reverence in that moment—two friends, walking down the most iconic lane in golf, saying goodbye not just to a place, but to a chapter of history. Palmer may have left the grounds, but his presence never really faded. Every spring, when the azaleas bloom and the Masters returns, so does the spirit of the King. For Jim Nantz, that memory isn’t just a story—it’s a privilege. A final chapter shared with a friend, beneath the Georgia pines.
Arnie will always be a part of the Masters
It’s impossible to talk about Augusta without talking about Arnold Palmer. He didn’t just win four green jackets—he helped turn the Masters into what it is today. His presence, his flair, and that larger-than-life charisma made him The King, not just in golf, but in the hearts of everyone who watched him play.
Palmer’s journey at Augusta began in 1955. Just three years later, he won his first Masters in 1958—a victory so iconic that it led to the creation of the term “Amen Corner,” describing the treacherous stretch of holes 11 through 13. He went on to win three more times—in 1960, 1962, and 1964—becoming the first golfer to win the Masters four times.
But Arnie’s bond with Augusta wasn’t just about trophies. Even after his competitive days were over, he remained a fixture at the tournament. From 2007 to 2016, he took on the role of honorary starter, kicking off each Masters with a smile, a wave, and a drive down the first fairway. It was tradition. It was family.
And all of that history—the wins, the cheers, the tradition—is what made Palmer’s final visit in 2016 feel so heavy, so unforgettable for Jim Nantz.
The post ‘Goodbye to Augusta’: Jim Nantz Filled With Emotions as He Remembers Arnold Palmer’s Last Time at The Masters appeared first on EssentiallySports.
