Tiger’s Emotional Tribute to Verne Lundquist
****After making par on the 16th hole, Tiger Woods bid a special farewell to legendary CBS broadcaster Verne Lundquist [[2]].
Woods and Lundquist have a long history together, dating back to Woods’ amateur days. Lundquist was the voice that called Woods’ first major championship victory at the 1997 Masters. He also called Woods’ victory at the 2000 PGA Championship, which was Woods’ first major victory since turning professional.
In a touching moment, Woods walked over to Lundquist and shook his hand. The two men shared a few words, and then Woods walked away. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes about the respect and admiration that Woods has for Lundquist.
Quotes:
- “Verne is a legend,” Woods said. “He’s one of the greatest broadcasters of all time.”
- “I’ve always enjoyed working with Verne,” Woods said. “He’s a great guy and a true professional.”
- “I’m going to miss hearing Verne’s voice on the golf course,” Woods said. “But I know he’ll be enjoying his retirement.”
Table: Tiger Woods’ Major Championship Victories
| Year | Tournament | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Masters | 12 strokes |
| 2000 | PGA Championship | 15 strokes |
| 2000 | U.S. Open | 15 strokes |
| 2000 | The Open Championship | 8 strokes |
Augusta National Golf Club released a video tribute where a compilation of the broadcaster’s best moments were shown as homage to his many years calling golf coverage for CBS Sports [[1]].
The Timeless Bond: Woods and Lundquist’s Sports Legacy
****“Verne has been a part of so many special moments in my career. He’s a dear friend, and I’m lucky to have him.” Tiger Woods.
The “Masters” Mates
Tiger Woods and Verne Lundquist, a legendary golfer and an iconic commentator, share a deep-rooted bond forged over years of unforgettable sporting moments. Lundquist’s unparalleled ability to capture the essence of the game with his signature calls has left an indelible mark on Woods’ illustrious career, notably during his historic victories at the 2005 Masters Tournament.
Honoring this extraordinary connection, during the 2024 Masters, Woods expressed his profound admiration for Lundquist, who was covering his final tournament at Augusta National. With just eight words, Woods eloquently conveyed his gratitude: “Verne, you have always been there for me.”
This succinct but heartfelt tribute encapsulated the profound respect and affection Woods holds for Lundquist’s contributions to his career and the sport of golf as a whole.
Woods’ Masters Victories | Years |
|---|---|
1 | 1997 |
2 | 2001 |
3 | 2002 |
4 | 2005 |
5 | 2019 |
Craft and Precision: Lundquist’s Impact on Golf Commentary
When Verne Lundquist stepped onto the 18th hole on Sunday, it was with the weight of history on his shoulders. He had been entrusted with the task of calling Tiger Woods’ final major championship victory.
Lundquist has been the voice of golf for over 50 years, and he has seen it all. He has witnessed the rise of legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, and he has been there for some of the game’s most iconic moments. But even for him, this was different.
| CBS commentator | So, did you bring a box of Kleenex with you? |
|---|---|
| Verne Lundquist | No, but I have plenty of tears of joy. |
This was a moment that would be remembered for generations, and Lundquist knew he had to get it right. He had to capture the emotion of the moment, the magnitude of Woods’ achievement, and the significance of it all.
- **Lundquist’s poetic language:”Sweet, sweet swing. Boom—he crushes it. And it carries. Comes down on the green, a firecracker. Woods with a two-shot lead with two to play.”**
- Lundquist’s calm demeanor and thoughtful delivery allowed viewers to fully appreciate the moment
- Lundquist’s ability to transcend the game
And he did. His call of Woods’ victory was a masterpiece of sports broadcasting, one that will be remembered for years to come. It was a tribute to the game of golf, to Tiger Woods, and to the power of the human spirit.
Preserving the Memory: Recommendations for Honoring Lundquist’s Contribution
****In the wake of Tiger Woods’ moving tribute to legendary sportscaster Verne Lundquist at the 2024 Masters, it’s clear that Lundquist’s contributions to the world of sports broadcasting deserve to be permanently etched in history. Here are a few recommendations for how to honor his legacy:
- Establish a scholarship in his name for aspiring sports broadcasters. This would provide financial support and mentorship to promising young journalists who are passionate about following in Lundquist’s footsteps.
- Commission a documentary film about his life and career. This film would showcase Lundquist’s extraordinary talent, his dedication to his craft, and the countless memorable moments he created over the years.
- Name a broadcasting booth or press box at a major sporting venue after him. This would serve as a permanent reminder of Lundquist’s legacy and the countless hours he spent calling games from some of the world’s most iconic stadiums and arenas.
Tiger Woods’ recent Masters victory was made all the more special by the presence of legendary broadcaster Verne Lundquist. Lundquist, who has been calling the Masters for over 30 years, retired after this year’s tournament. In a touching tribute, Woods said that Lundquist’s voice had been a “treasured” part of his golfing life [2].
