CBS confirmed Tuesday that Frank Nobilo will be stationed on No. 16 for the 2025 Masters Tournament.
Nobilo, 64 years old, will replace longtime announcer Verne Lundquist.
“It’s Verne’s chair,” Nobilo told Golfweek on Tuesday evening. “I’m just keeping it warm.”
From 2000-24, Lundquist was the voice of the 16th, where 20 years ago he authored one of the tournament’s most iconic calls.
"In your life have you seen anything like that?” Verne hollered in 2005 after Tiger Woods’ chip disappeared.
Now, Nobilo will have an opportunity to leave his mark.
“Don’t panic, be ready, and don’t get in the way of it,” Nobilo said with a laugh. “Golf is the most important thing.”
In addition to No. 16, the native New Zealander will lead the CBS broadcast on Nos. 2, 7 and 11.
Nobilo confirmed that he and Lundquist exchanged texts Tuesday. When asked what it meant to replace Lundquist, Nobilo said, “I’ve listened to a lot of Verne’s calls and he always met the moment. He was a tremendous listener of sport, and he understood how to give the moment space. His timing was impeccable.”
Lundquist, who retired last April, confirmed that he won’t be in attendance this year at Augusta National.
“My wife, Nancy, and I talked about it,” Lundquist said. “We decided it’s best not to come. Whoever takes my place doesn’t need me hovering around.”
Instead of being in Augusta, Lundquist will host a gala for his alma mater, Texas Lutheran University, on April 11 in San Antonio. Fellow former CBS announcer David Feherty will be the guest of honor.
As for Masters Sunday, Verne said, “I’ll be watching along with everyone else.”
“It’ll be emotional not being there,” he said. “No question about it.”
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Frank Nobilo to follow Verne Lundquist as No. 16 announcer for Masters
