The PGA Tour calendar is absolutely winding down, and talk about a season! It’s been eventful, surprising, with superstars winning, young guns firing, and major championships claimed by both the usual contenders and some real outsiders. Now, as the FedEx Cup Playoffs represent the final salvo for this wild 2026 campaign, broadcasting legend Jim Nantz, hitting his 40th season since his first Masters call back in ’86, just dropped a gem that reminds us why we love this game.
Nantz’s “Next One” Philosophy and a Classic Memory
When you’ve called as many incredible moments as Nantz has over four decades, you know he’s seen it all. He’s been at the helm for countless stories unfolding on CBS airwaves, and he’ll be there for the remaining two tournaments, the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship, of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. You’d think he’d have a favorite broadcast, right? But Nantz, ever the pro, doesn’t play that game. He just says, “The next one. I love them all.” That’s his take, pure and simple.
But even without picking a favorite, Nantz still gave us an unforgettable story, reaching way back to the “old Crosby Clambake,” what we now know as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He took us to a time when that event had a different, more whimsical vibe, before the pro-am portion became more about the C-Suite and less about the C-list. He went deep into the memory banks to explain how his philosophy about “the next one” was really formed.
Lemmon on the Rocks, And The Ultimate Punchline
Nantz recounted being part of the CBS crew early in his career at Pebble Beach. He said he never forgot this one line. Picture it: Jack Lemmon hits a shot at the 18th hole, it sails down off the rocks and splashes into the Pacific Ocean. Legendary announcer Pat Summerall, cool as ever, intoned, “That’s Lemmon on the rocks.” Just a perfect, spontaneous line, right?
But then, Ken Venturi jumps in, adding, “Sounds like a drink I had last night in the taproom.” And it gets better! Venturi turns to Phil Harris, who was playing the role of Bing Crosby , Bing had passed in the last decade , and asks, “You know, Phil, I’ve always wanted to ask you, you’re a renowned drinker, what’s your favorite drink?” Harris, on CBS air, didn’t miss a beat. His reply? “The next one.” That’s the stuff of legend, folks.
As this eventful 2026 PGA Tour season wraps up with the BMW Championship and Tour Championship, we’re looking forward to more unexpected moments. If they’re half as good as Nantz’s old story, we’re in for a treat.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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