Thursday, May 7, 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

U.S. Open Falls Behind Masters in Prize Money: ‘It’s Not a Race’

The Masters increased its purse to $22.5 million this year.
Mar 8, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the third tee during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at Bay Hill.

5 of Top 15 Ranked PGA Tour Players Skipping Trump Doral Return

Rory McIlroy and others are not playing the $20 million event.
Zaslav

WBD Shareholders Approve Sale, Reject Pay Package for Zaslav

The combined company would have one of the largest sets of sports rights in the industry.

PGA Tour Signature Event Ratings Momentum Slows After 2025 Surge

Four of this year’s eight signature events have already been played.

Featured Today

May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
Mar 21, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts to a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
opinion

Draymond Green Embarrassed Himself With Charles Barkley Diss

Green took an ill-advised swipe at Barkley’s four seasons in Houston.
May 7, 2026

MLB Is Seeing an Early Ratings Lift From New-Look TV Deals

The league’s new-look rights pacts are paying off so far.
Jun 7, 2025; Paris, FR; General view of Court Philippe Chatrier for the Coco Gauff of the United States and Aryna Sabalenka womenÕs final on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
May 7, 2026

Venus Williams, John Isner Expand Roles on TNT French Open Coverage

Genie Bouchard is also joining TNT’s coverage.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 6, 2026

Kara Lawson Took Amazon Job to Scout WNBA Players for Team USA

Lawson will be a WNBA game analyst for Amazon Prime Video.
May 6, 2026

ESPN Revenue Rises, but Disney’s Sports Profits Slip

Disney detailed the impact of heightened sports rights fees on the company.
Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Former NFL football player Shannon Sharpe in attendance of the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2026

Could Skip Bayless ESPN Return Mean Shannon Sharpe Is Next?

A source says Sharpe’s return isn’t currently under consideration.
May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives past Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first quarter of game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
May 6, 2026

First Round of NBA Playoffs Reaches 33-Year Viewership High

Game 7 of the 76ers-Celtics series averaged 11 million viewers.