The annual Mayor’s Masters Reception is set for Saturday, April 5 at the Augusta Common in downtown Augusta.
The event, which was started by Augusta Mayor Bob Young in 1999, has become a tradition in the Garden City where the community comes together to honor an individual who has, in their own way, contributed to the game of golf.
This year’s honoree is legendary sports broadcaster James William Nantz III.
Nantz has covered on television the PGA Tour for CBS Sports since the 1980s. He is also seen on broadcasts of the National Football League (NFL), NCAA Division I men’s basketball and the NBA.
Nantz has anchored CBS’s coverage of the Masters Tournament since 1989 and served the lead play-by-play announcer on CBS’s NFL coverage since 2004. Known for his familiar opening line “Hello, friends!,” Nantz is a favorite broadcaster for those who can’t see the tournament in person.
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The event began honoring past champions included Masters winner’s Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, Larry Mize and Fuzzy Zoeller, but over the past decades, the mayor has chosen to honor people who have contributed to the game of golf, but not necessarily the people who winning major tournaments.
As with previous years, the event will rely on local entertainment all afternoon with performances by Tara and the Snacks, Johnathan Wilson, and DJ Brandi Renae Company as well as food vendors and special activities for kids.
Gates for the free event open at 5 p.m. and at dusk, patrons will be treated to a fireworks extravaganza.
All event proceeds will benefit Via Cognitive Health, a local support group for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the related dementia as well as assisting with brain health for older adults as the age.
VIA Cognitive Health Executive Director Jennifer Pennington says the group has a long history of support from Jim Nantz and she is thrilled to share the stage with Nantz and the mayor of Augusta.
“We are very honored to be the recipients of the award this year. Jim (Nantz) has always been so special to our hearts. He was with us during our construction phase and has always been in our corner,” Pennington said.
Alzheimers has affected the Nantz family. In Vantz’ memoir, “Always by My Side, the Healing Gift of a Father’s Love,” he details the struggle and of his father’s fight against Alzheimers and of his eventual succumbing to the disease.
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Johnson says that he is looking forward to hanging out with the community and celebrating what has become a Master’s tradition.
“The impact of the tournament is felt across the region, so we are all all proud to come together to continue this annual tradition and kick off the tournament this week. This year, we are thrilled to honor the legendary Jim Nantz, who is celebrating 40 years as being the ‘voice of the Masters,'” Johnson said.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter, Editorial Page Editor and weekly columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
