Jim Nantz Gives Jason Kelce Two Simple Pieces of Advice for Masters Coverage The 2026 Masters Tournament is set to begin on Thursday, with 91 of the world’s top golfers gathering at Augusta National Golf Club to compete for the iconic green jacket. Ahead of the main event, the Masters Par 3 Contest will take place on Wednesday, featuring a mix of seasoned professionals and amateur participants. This annual tradition, held on the Wednesday prior to the tournament, offers a relaxed atmosphere for golfers to play alongside family members and children on a shortened 9-hole course. The event is known for its lighthearted nature, contrasting sharply with the intense competition of the main Masters tournament. Jason Kelce, the NFL player and ESPN analyst, will participate in the Par 3 Contest, marking his first appearance in the event. Before the tournament, Kelce received broadcasting advice from Jim Nantz, a legendary figure in golf commentary. During an appearance on the podcast New Heights, Nantz shared two key questions he believes will resonate with viewers. “Virtually everybody in that field is going to have a caddie that’s special to them,” Nantz explained. “More likely, it’s going to be a family member, a child, a daughter, or even a wife. So one is, what was that experience like? And two is, how do you feel about your game going into the tournament? That’s all you need to ask.” Nantz emphasized that the Par 3 Contest is a unique event, one that doesn’t occur during the regular golf season. “You don’t need to dig much deeper than that,” he added. “This is a feel-good event, and you’re going to be the right guy to do that.#travis_kelce #augusta_national_golf_club #jason_kelce #jim_nantz #masters_par_3_contest
Masters Coverage Ruined By ESPN, Which Defiled Augusta National | OutKick The Masters tournament, a revered event in golf, has faced unprecedented scrutiny this week as ESPN’s coverage has sparked widespread criticism. The controversy centers on the network’s decision to bring in high-profile, often controversial personalities to the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, a venue known for its strict protocols and reverence for tradition. The debate has dominated Golf Twitter, with many questioning whether ESPN’s choices have irreparably damaged the integrity of the event. The tension escalated on Wednesday, when ESPN’s coverage included appearances by Jason Kelce, the NFL’s former star center, and Kevin Hart, a comedian known for his provocative humor. Kelce’s presence, in particular, drew sharp backlash. The network’s decision to feature him during the Par 3 Contest—a traditionally low-key event meant to ease players into the tournament—was seen as a misstep. Fans expressed frustration over the intrusion, with many arguing that such figures have no place at Augusta National. “Please, for the love of God, ESPN, stop forcing Jason Kelce on us,” one commenter wrote, highlighting the widespread sentiment that the network’s choices were out of step with the event’s ethos. The controversy extended beyond Kelce. ESPN’s coverage also included Laura Rutledge’s interview with “The Miz,” a WWE personality, on a rotating panel on the back of the fairway. While the interview was brief, it underscored the network’s tendency to prioritize entertainment over the solemnity of the Masters. The presence of such figures, many argued, diluted the atmosphere of the tournament, which is meant to be a celebration of golf’s history and its elite players.#espn #augusta_national #the_miz #jason_kelce #kevin_hart
Jason Kelce's Role in ESPN's Masters Coverage Sparks Fan Backlash Former NFL player Jason Kelce is facing criticism from sports fans after his participation in ESPN’s coverage of the Masters golf tournament. Kelce, who retired from the NFL in 2024, has been signed to a multiyear deal with ESPN to serve as a caddie for Akshay Bhatia during the Par 3 contest. However, his presence at the event has drawn widespread discontent, with many fans expressing frustration over his involvement. According to Andrew Hammond of AL.com, “sports fans are fed up” with Kelce’s role, which has been perceived as an attempt by ESPN to attract a broader audience to the traditional golf event. ESPN’s decision to feature Kelce stems from its strategy to make the Masters more appealing to casual viewers. The network has positioned him as a “common man” figure, aiming to bring in fans who typically do not watch golf. However, this approach has backfired, with social media reactions highlighting the disconnect between Kelce’s persona and the expectations of Masters attendees. Tony Maglio of the Hollywood Reporter noted that ESPN’s use of Kelce was an effort to “make its broadcasts... more enticing,” but he argued that golf fans want the event to remain focused on its traditional prestige. “Nobody wants this. Golf fans want The Masters to be ‘The Masters,’” Maglio wrote, adding that Kelce’s attempts to “fire up the crowd” fell flat. The backlash has extended to comparisons with other athletes who have taken on similar roles. Andy Nesbitt of Sports Illustrated pointed out that Kelce’s presence feels forced, likening him to Rob Gronkowski on Fox, who plays a “wild and zany character” in his TV role.#espn #akshay_bhatia #jason_kelce #masters_golf_tournament #andrew_hammond
