Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus pay tribute to Dan Hicks as golf remembers iconic NBC broadcaster
Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus have joined the golf world in remembering Dan Hicks, the longtime NBC Sports broadcaster who died at 64. Woods shared a personal tribute after the news of Hicks’ death, recalling a friendship that grew beyond the golf course. Hicks will also be remembered for his call during Woods’ dramatic 2008 U.S. Open run at Torrey Pines. As Woods sank the birdie putt that forced a playoff with Rocco Mediate, Hicks delivered the line, “Expect anything different?” It became one of golf broadcasting ’s best-known calls and stayed with fans for years.
Tiger Woods remembers his friend Dan Hicks after the broadcaster’s deathHicks died in Connecticut on November 11 after an acute illness. His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, announced his death the following day. They had been married for more than 30 years and had three daughters: Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
Woods shared his tribute on X on November 13. He remembered Hicks as a close friend both on and off the golf course.
“Dan Hicks was beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. His kindness, warmth, and presence will be deeply missed.
“Like so many in the golf world, Dan was a great friend to me both on and off the course. I had the utmost respect for him and the incredible job he did for our sport for decades. Our thoughts are with Hannah and their daughters during this incredibly difficult time.
“I hope they find comfort in knowing how much he meant to so many people and the lasting impact he made on everyone whose life he touched,” Woods wrote.
Their connection was linked to one of golf’s most memorable days. Woods was playing the 2008 U.S. Open with a torn ACL and two stress fractures in his left tibia. He was in pain and at times used his club for support. At the 18th hole, he needed a birdie to tie Rocco Mediate.
When the putt dropped, Woods raised both fists as the Torrey Pines crowd roared. Hicks later said on GOLF.com’s “Off Course with Claude Harmon” that his famous line was not planned. He was thinking about the people around the green and the millions watching at home. He felt they all expected Woods to make the putt. The words came to him as the ball went in.
Jack Nicklaus remembers his friendship with Dan HicksNicklaus also paid tribute to Hicks, recalling the many interviews and conversations they shared. In a message on Instagram, the 18-time major champion called him a good friend and said their interviews felt more like conversations between old friends. He praised Hicks as a gentleman and a professional, and sent his condolences to Storm and their daughters.
Hicks joined NBC Sports in 1992 after working in local television and at CNN. He became the network’s lead golf play-by-play announcer in 2000. The Associated Press reported that he called 27 of Woods’ tournament victories, along with major golf events and Ryder Cups.
Born and raised in Tucson, Hicks graduated from Sabino High School in 1980 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Arizona in 1984. He worked in local radio and television before joining CNN in 1989, where he met Storm.
Golf was a major part of his work, but Hicks also covered Olympic swimming and skiing, Notre Dame football and other sports.
Woods’ message showed that their bond went far beyond the famous call. Hicks was also a friend who shared years of golf and conversations with him.
Tiger Woods remembers his friend Dan Hicks after the broadcaster’s deathHicks died in Connecticut on November 11 after an acute illness. His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, announced his death the following day. They had been married for more than 30 years and had three daughters: Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
Woods shared his tribute on X on November 13. He remembered Hicks as a close friend both on and off the golf course.
“Dan Hicks was beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. His kindness, warmth, and presence will be deeply missed.
“Like so many in the golf world, Dan was a great friend to me both on and off the course. I had the utmost respect for him and the incredible job he did for our sport for decades. Our thoughts are with Hannah and their daughters during this incredibly difficult time.
“I hope they find comfort in knowing how much he meant to so many people and the lasting impact he made on everyone whose life he touched,” Woods wrote.
Their connection was linked to one of golf’s most memorable days. Woods was playing the 2008 U.S. Open with a torn ACL and two stress fractures in his left tibia. He was in pain and at times used his club for support. At the 18th hole, he needed a birdie to tie Rocco Mediate.
When the putt dropped, Woods raised both fists as the Torrey Pines crowd roared. Hicks later said on GOLF.com’s “Off Course with Claude Harmon” that his famous line was not planned. He was thinking about the people around the green and the millions watching at home. He felt they all expected Woods to make the putt. The words came to him as the ball went in.
Jack Nicklaus remembers his friendship with Dan HicksNicklaus also paid tribute to Hicks, recalling the many interviews and conversations they shared. In a message on Instagram, the 18-time major champion called him a good friend and said their interviews felt more like conversations between old friends. He praised Hicks as a gentleman and a professional, and sent his condolences to Storm and their daughters.
Hicks joined NBC Sports in 1992 after working in local television and at CNN. He became the network’s lead golf play-by-play announcer in 2000. The Associated Press reported that he called 27 of Woods’ tournament victories, along with major golf events and Ryder Cups.
Born and raised in Tucson, Hicks graduated from Sabino High School in 1980 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Arizona in 1984. He worked in local radio and television before joining CNN in 1989, where he met Storm.
Golf was a major part of his work, but Hicks also covered Olympic swimming and skiing, Notre Dame football and other sports.
Woods’ message showed that their bond went far beyond the famous call. Hicks was also a friend who shared years of golf and conversations with him.
Next Story