The View From Pebble Beach

Augusta’s wonderful mix of nostalgia and pride.

- Jim Nantz

Jim Nantz

My favourite recurring sports moment

FAR AND AWAY, the question I’m asked most often is, “What’s your favourite sporting event to call?” I can’t say I’ve ever answered the question well, simply because the three biggest events I broadcast for CBS Sports—the Super Bowl, the NCAA Men’s Final Four and the Masters—each are incomparable. My stock reply has been to say it’s like asking which of my three children I love the most.

It’s waffl ing, I know. But if I could tweak the question to “What is your favourite recurring sports moment?” well, then, the answer becomes easy. My overwhelming choice is the honourary starters ceremony at the Masters. At roughly 7:40 a.m. on Thursday, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will once again remind us why this drama is unique and compelling. This year will mark my 34th year of attendance at the ceremony. My fi rst was in 1986, when Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen were appearing. I’ve never missed one, despite many a chilly morning.