“Consider Him a Friend,” Jim Nantz Issues Blunt Response to Criticism Over Bryson DeChambeau Comments Ahead of 2026 Masters Tournament

Jim Nantz previously claimed that he had not seen Bryson DeChambeau play live and only watched his highlights on YouTube.

“Consider Him a Friend,” Jim Nantz Issues Blunt Response to Criticism Over Bryson DeChambeau Comments Ahead of 2026 Masters Tournament

Jim Nantz and Bryson DeChambeau (Image via PGA Tour/Golf)

Last week, Jim Nantz found himself under heat from the fans following his comments regarding Bryson DeChambeau. Ahead of the Masters Tournament this week, he responded to the criticism and claimed that he considered the golfer his “friend.”

Nantz is the longtime announcer of the Masters Tournament. Last Monday, he would take part in a preview call for the upcoming tournament.

During this, the 66-year-old was asked who he considered the favorites for the first major of the 2026 season. He would name World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and pointed out his strange type of runs, where he starts a tournament slowly but then rallies back strongly.

He would then name DeChambeau as the other favorite. However, he expressed that he had not seen the 2-time major champion playing live and only caught bits of his highlights on YouTube. He would cite his own broadcasting work as a reason for this.

I have to confess, I have not seen Bryson hit a single shot this year. I have not seen him, so for me to say what his form looks like, all I can go off is the YouTube videos I’ve watched with my son.

Jim Nantz said regarding Bryson DeChambeau

This comment from the veteran announcer did not sit well with some fans. On X, many slammed him and criticized his work.

A week after this incident, Nantz opened up about this. While speaking with Pat McAfee on The Pat McAfee Show, the sportscaster expressed that his comments were misinterpreted.

I have a long relationship with Bryson. He’s been to my home, my son was almost named after him. … I stood by my comments. I wasn’t trying to take a shot at Bryson. I have, like I said, I have a great regard for him. I consider him a friend and I consider him a favorite for this week.

Jim Nantz said regarding Bryson DeChambeau

After a T17, T3 and T24 finish at the LIV Golf Riyadh, LIV Golf Adelaide and LIV Golf Hong Kong events, DeChambeau produced two strong performances in back-to-back weeks. At LIV Golf Singapore, he took down Richard T. Lee in the playoff round to claim his first win of the season.

A week later at LIV Golf South Africa, the Crushers GC captain found himself in another battle with Jon Rahm. The Spaniard fired a bogey-free 63 in the final round to force a playoff with DeChambeau.

Rahm would find the bunker on his second shot and proceed to make a par. Meanwhile, DeChambeau’s second shot set him up for an eagle. While he did miss that, he was able to convert the birdie putt to claim back-to-back wins.

The 32-year-old is currently ranked 2nd in the LIV Golf standings. His strong performances this year and last year in the majors have made him one of the favorites for the green jacket this week.

Bryson DeChambeau hoping to get the job done this week following major heartbreak last year

Last year, Bryson DeChambeau was in the final pairing with Rory McIlroy on Sunday and had a great shot at his maiden green jacket. Unfortunately for him, he was unable to cross the finish line. He is now hoping to get the job done this week.

Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau (Image via SB Nation)

After McIlroy slipped up a bit at the start of the final round, DeChambeau found himself leading the tournament. However, he was unable to maintain the lead and collapsed.

In the end, he shot a 3-over 75 score. This saw him fall from contention and finish T5. Though it was his best finish in this major tournament, he was obviously not happy with the way things ended for him.

While speaking with Amanda Balionis on Monday, the golfer hoped to put all the lessons he learned last year to good use and take home the green jacket.

Been trying to win this event for quite a while and hopefully I’ve learned a lot of lessons, I’ll continue to learn more lessons this week, but hopefully my game is in the place where I can get it done this week.

Bryson DeChambeau said

DeChambeau is one of the 10 golfers who will be representing LIV Golf this week. Jon Rahm is another high-profile name who is considered a favorite by many following his 1 win and 3 runner-up finishes on the PIF-backed tour.

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