Jim Nantz Stays Connected With Golf As He Checks Off Dream Course After PGA Tour Season Ends

After three decades of calling golf’s greatest moments, Jim Nantz had never experienced the game’s most sacred ground as a player himself. The CBS legend spent years covering Opens at St. Andrews, yet he deliberately saved his first round for the perfect moment. Finally, in 2024, he stepped onto that famous first tee.

The veteran broadcaster felt those familiar pre-shot nerves return. “I was a little surprised there were so many people that were watching us tee off,” Nantz recalled. Nevertheless, he launched his opening drive straight down the fairway. Subsequently, he settled into what became a glorious four-hour journey around golf’s most hallowed ground.

Nantz brings a unique perspective to St. Andrews that few others possess. His 40-year broadcasting career included guest commentary work for the BBC during multiple Opens at the Old Course. However, experiencing it as a player created an entirely different connection. “I call it the final resting place of Golf…Because It’s Heaven,” the commentator explained his deeper reverence for the venue. Moreover, this heavenly characterization offers something more profound than traditional descriptions.

“Like multitudes before me, St. Andrews had always been a bucket-list aspiration.”

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) September 2, 2025

The transition from broadcaster to player proved meaningful throughout his round. Furthermore, Nantz shot 38 on the front nine before the wind stiffened, his back nine total rising to 46. Still, he managed two birdies and a memorable par on the legendary 17th hole. “One of my great pars of my very unleendary golfing career,” he joked afterward.

His R&A membership card waited 20 years for pickup. Additionally, the caddies presented him with a signed St. Andrews flag as his round came to a close. This personal connection illustrates how St. Andrews transforms every visitor’s relationship with golf itself.

Jim Nantz joins millions who discover St. Andrews’ universal bucket-list appeal

This transformation reflects the broader St. Andrews experience that attracts golfers from every skill level worldwide. The Old Course welcomes approximately 50,000 rounds annually, creating shared experiences between tour professionals and weekend warriors. Indeed, this accessibility sets it apart from exclusive venues like Augusta National.

Statistics reveal the course’s universal appeal perfectly. Specifically, 72% of visitors come from overseas, with Americans comprising 40% of that total. Furthermore, these international pilgrims generate £317 million annually for Scotland while supporting 4,300 full-time jobs.

The booking process remains challenging yet achievable for determined golfers. Players can access the Old Course through ballot systems, advanced bookings, or the daily singles draw. Consequently, golfers worldwide plan their schedules around securing coveted tee times.

High season green fees reach £340, though winter rates drop to £135. Additionally, special initiatives offer discounted rates for Scottish residents. These varied price points ensure broader accessibility across different economic levels.

Ultimately, St. Andrews treats every golfer equally once they step onto the sacred turf. Whether you’re broadcasting legends like Nantz or first-time visitors, the course demands respect while offering transcendent experiences. The Old Course continues proving why millions consider it golf’s ultimate bucket-list destination.

What’s your dream golf course experience still waiting to unfold?

The post Jim Nantz Stays Connected With Golf As He Checks Off Dream Course After PGA Tour Season Ends appeared first on EssentiallySports.