Saturday, June 13, 2026

Legendary CBS Broadcaster Verne Lundquist to Retire After 40th Masters in April

  • Lundquist retired from calling college sports for the network in 2018.
  • The 83-year-old had teased a retirement from golf the past few years.
CBS Broadcaster Verne Lundquist
Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the end of an era for CBS and its sports fans. 

Verne Lundquist, the legendary commentator who became synonymous with the network, announced he will call his 40th and final Masters tournament this April. Lundquist, 83, had retired from calling college sports for the network in 2018. 

Lundquist has an encyclopedia’s worth of memorable calls. Still, his trademark phrases were tied to the word yes, whether it was “Yes, sir!” after Jack Nicklaus’s particular 17th hole putt at the 50th Masters in 1986 or using the singular word after Christian Laettner’s legendary shot over Kentucky six years later. Lundquist also had several calls throughout Tiger Woods’s career, from his 16th-hole Masters shot in 2005 to a Woods birdie shot at the same hole 14 years later. 

The Minnesota native had been teasing the past few years that his 40th Masters would likely be his last. Woods has yet to commit to play in the Masters after recently returning from ankle surgery. Maybe he does and gives Lundquist one last memorable call for his career. 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

CBS, TNT Sports Parents Face New Merger Scrutiny by Lawmakers

A group of six U.S. senators raises concerns about the proposed megadeal.
May 14, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Emiliano Grillo plays his shot on the tenth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Can CBS Regain Its Golf Mojo After Masters Disaster?

All eyes will be on CBS following its issues in Augusta.

NFL Schedule Rollout Ramps Up With Full Thanksgiving Slate, Leak Frenzy

CBS gets a top NFC North rivalry to start the Thanksgiving Day games.
TNT Sports

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.

Featured Today

Ai sports slop

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
June 4, 2026

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
June 3, 2026

The Elite High Schools Hosting World Cup Teams

Spain, Morocco, Croatia, and Switzerland chose schools as their tournament base camps.
Frances Cabral-Delaney
May 29, 2026

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.

Trump Administration Signs Off on Paramount-WBD Merger

The DOJ blessed the highly controversial pact Friday. 
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) scores on a rebound against San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) in the fourth quarter during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
June 12, 2026

Epic Knicks Game 4 Comeback Drew 20.9 Million ABC Viewers

The instant classic extends a heady viewership run for ABC . 
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
Jun 7, 2026; Paris, France; Alexander Zverev of Germany kisses the trophy after winning the men’s singles final against Flavio Cobolli of Italy on day 15 at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
June 12, 2026

French Open Finals Ratings Fall Without Star Power

The men’s final dropped 25% from 2025.
Atlanta, GA - March 7, 2026 - Turner Studios: Shaquille O'Neal , Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley during the 2026 NBA marketing campaign featuring Inside the NBA on ESPN.
June 12, 2026

Burke Magnus: ‘Inside the NBA’ Was ESPN’s ‘Missing Piece’

ESPN has been thrilled with the studio show’s NBA Finals debut.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) during the fourth quarter of game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden
June 11, 2026

Leagues and Networks Are Going All In on America250

Celebrations include jersey patches, special uniforms, and dedicated programming.
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
June 10, 2026

NBA Finals Game 3 Draws 23.8M Viewers, Most Since 2017

Game 3 marked the most-watched TV program since the Super Bowl.