The LIV Golf spokesperson accuses the Masters commentator of damaging his career at Augusta
The frosty relations within the golfing community seem to have spread to the commentary booth, with a commentator from LIV Golf publicly criticizing his rival for recent comments.
It seems that the conflict between opposing groups in golf has extended to the broadcast booth. Jerry Foltz, who represents LIV Golf, publicly rebuked his esteemed competitor Jim Nantz for comments made during the Masters tournament.
For 35 consecutive years, sportscaster Nantz has served as the anchor for CBS’ coverage at Augusta National. At age 64, he was in his designated spot when Scottie Schleffer emerged victorious recently. Having already won the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship this year, Schleffer from New Jersey added yet another triumph to his record by claiming the Masters crown – a competition previously claimed during 2022.
Foltz believed that Nantz displayed a bias towards PGA Tour golfers as the world No. 1 approached victory at the Georgia course, which he considered to be a significant moment in history.
As Schleffer neared the 16th tee, the commentator noted that Ludvig Aberg, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood were contending for the green jacket – all of them PGA Tour players comprising the top five.
The statement made by the sportscaster left LIV’s Foltz feeling upset. The star was accused of interfering with the tensions between competing circuits, which only added to his frustration. During an episode on Fairway to Heaven Podcast featuring the Saudi tour, he expressed disappointment over Jim Nantz’s actions while players were heading towards the 16th tee box.
The legacy of a renowned broadcaster, who is sure to be remembered as one of the greatest in history, was marred by an insignificant remark about how all five golfers listed on the leaderboard were PGA Tour players. Sadly, Jim Nantz’s social media comments did not receive positive feedback.
I hold The Masters in high regard, far surpassing anything petty. My admiration for Jim Nantz is even greater. Not too long ago he delivered a truly touching farewell address to Sean McManus upon his retirement, who now holds the position of chairman at CBS Sports. As this was Sean’s final year overseeing The Masters – an event close to his heart – it held significant meaning for him and all involved.
Despite the announcement of a ceasefire last summer, Foltz’s remarks are unlikely to improve relations between factions in golf’s ongoing debate. The PGA Tour, LIV Golf and DP World Tour have not yet agreed on a binding framework for their proposed merger.
The commentator, who was unhappy, stated that Sean McManus’ father is one of the greatest network sportscasters alongside Jim McKay. He listed other notable names such as Vin Scully and Keith Jackson. Although he believed Jim Nantz could have been amongst these greats, he felt that what Nantz did to display his loyalty to the PGA Tour would never have been done by Mackay.
After CBS and Sellers Shy flawlessly presented the Masters in accordance with the committee’s expectations of being above politics, it was disheartening to have a setback when we reached the last three holes on Sunday. I felt utterly dismayed by his statement.
