Golf fans mock legendary announcer after 'truly bizarre' Masters comment

Golf fans have been reacting on social media to news that legendary CBS Sports announcer Jim Nantz will retire from calling The Masters until, wait for it... 2036. 

Nantz, 65, has anchored CBS Sports' coverage of golf's first major of the season for decades. 

He welcomes coverage of The Masters every year by saying those famous two words: "Hello friends..." 

Nantz also coined the familiar Masters phrase "A tradition unlike any other" in 1986, which Augusta National and The Masters trademarked in 2014.

But in 11 years time, it will be a case of "Goodbye friends..."

Nantz has also been the lead play by play announcer of the broadcaster's NFL coverage since 2004. 

Speaking ahead of the 2025 Masters from 10-13 April, Nantz has confirmed he plans to retire from calling the action at famed Augusta National in 2036.

Nantz told bunkered: "April 14, 2036. That is my scheduled retirement date. It would be a perfect place to walk out."

The exit will mark Nantz’s 51st Masters call at the 100th anniversary of the tournament.

While many agree it will be a fitting moment for Nantz to bow out of announcing The Masters in 11 years time, many are also questioning why he's bothered to announce his retirement when it's currently 2025. 

Scroll below to see how a number of golf fans have reacted to Nantz' Masters update...

"Truly bizarre to announce your retirement when it's 11 years away," wrote one fan. 

"Just incredible," tweeted one fan. 

Another commented: "11 years? Is this a joke, should be retiring this year and CBS should be freshening it up."

"He's the worst thing about the Masters. I'm not kidding. Sometimes I even turn the sound down," wrote one. 

One Masters fan wrote: "I literally can’t wait. He’s so scripted and cheesy. It’s tilting."