Jim Nantz, CBS’s Nashville-based broadcaster and golf enthusiast, was invited to the podium at a Thursday ribbon cutting ceremony. He had previously mentioned that money still needed to be raised to pay for renovations of Percy Warner Golf Course.
Nantz spoke in tears about his love of the game and how the $2.5 million project for the Metro Parks Golf Course was special to him. Nantz then announced that he would pay the remaining balance to complete the project and pledged $100,000.
Nantz, who is a resident of the area, decided to make the pledge on the spot while seated in the audience. Nantz made an earlier donation to the project. He has been involved with it since moving to Nashville in 2012.
Private donors, who were invited to a reception on the par-3 course constructed in 1938, funded the entire project.
Nantz said to the group, “You know we’re close (to finishing funding for the project); you all made an investment that was beyond yourselves and I think it is time we closed this out today.” “I will commit the final $100,000 here and now.”
After his commitment, the group cheered and clapped for Nantz.
Nantz stated, “Don’t give me any more praise than you would yourself for all that you have done.”
Nantz continued by saying that this week is an important one in his life and he felt it was only right to donate. This week marked a year since the death of Nantz’s mom. His sister Nancy, and her husband Don were also in attendance.
Nantz stated, “It was a special experience to be here with Nancy and Don…we had the best mom in the entire world.” “I walked into this room and heard the speeches. “I just walked in here and heard these speeches.”
Nantz’s name appeared on the donor plaque displayed near the podium because he had made a donation. He requested that the $100,000 donation be made in his family name.
John Cooper, the former mayor of Nashville, had supported renovations at Percy Warner. Last month, the city announced that it would fund a $2-million renovation at Shelby Golf Course. Work will begin in March and then move to Ted Rhodes.
Nantz urged the New Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell to continue supporting local golf, and Cooper’s initiative.
“Mr. Please continue to sow this, Mr. Nantz stated that this is important for the community. This helps build a community for the next generation of golfers, teaching them how to do things right and fair and give back and help others.
Nantz has also promised to be involved with the Ted Rhodes renovation.
Nantz brought up the Percy Warner Project in May, during the broadcast of PGA Championship Oak Hill.
Nantz explained that he was supposed to read a pre-approved article about the PGA of America which oversees the PGA Championship. “And I somehow spun off and talked about golf’s magic and all the good it can do. I said, I”ve seen it myself down in Nashville Tennessee with Percy Warner, and (golf-course architect) Bruce Hepner, and that’s the essence of the game. ‘”
Percy Warner has made improvements to the course, including a new irrigation system. The summer and winter greens have also been swept and some forestry cleared. The course will not reopen officially until June. Nantz will be the first to hit the tee of No. When it happens, Nantz will hit the first tee shot of the No.
Whit Turnbow, president of the Tennessee Golf Foundation said: “Jim Nantz has become an icon in our game. For a man who is not on PGA Tour yet to reach this level of recognition speaks volumes about his influence on the game.” You could feel it. He gave on a whim. No one saw it coming. Jim Nantz just gets it. “He understands the reasons why the game is so good.”
