The voice that called Tiger Woods’ iconic birdie putt on the 72nd hole of the 2008 U.S. Open fell silent on Thursday morning. Dan Hicks, the longtime NBC Sports commentator known for his work across golf, Notre Dame football, and Olympic swimming and skiing, died suddenly at 64 following an acute illness.
Hicks was the lead play-by-play voice for NBC’s PGA Tour coverage and had returned this year as the lead announcer for Notre Dame football. His career at NBC spanned more than 30 years, after beginning as a sports reporter at CNN. He narrated some of the most memorable moments in sports broadcasting, including Michael Phelps’ record-breaking eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Lindsey Vonn’s dominant alpine skiing performances.
His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, shared a heartfelt statement on Thursday morning. “Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” she said. “He was a devoted husband over 30 years, loving father to our three daughters, and cherished friend to so many. His loss is immeasurable. Dan was truly one of a kind and, quite simply, the person everyone wanted to be around. When he walked into a room, he brought the energy, the laughter and the people together. He was endlessly kind, thoughtful and funny, and he made everyone feel like they mattered. Our three daughters and I are heartbroken. We are grateful for the love and support surrounding our family during this incredibly difficult time. There are simply no words to express how much he will be missed.”
Rich Lerner, Hicks’ colleague at NBC Sports and the Golf Channel, announced the news during Golf Channel’s coverage on Thursday. Lerner called Hicks “the longtime lead play-by-play voice of the PGA Tour, Notre Dame football, and Olympic swimming and skiing on NBC,” underlining the breadth of his broadcast work.
Hicks’ voice captured countless historic sports moments. His call at Torrey Pines during the 2008 U.S. Open, “EXPECT ANYTHING DIFFERENT!?”, when Tiger Woods sank a 12-foot birdie putt to force a playoff against Rocco Mediate remains etched in golf history. The phrase has been replayed many times since, including during the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont.
NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, along with executive producers Sam Flood and Molly Solomon, released a statement mourning the loss. The PGA Tour also expressed its condolences, describing Hicks’ passing as a deep loss for the golf community.
The outpouring of support across sports media has been swift. Golf Channel continues to provide breaking news coverage related to Hicks’ death. His colleagues and viewers alike remember him for his warm personality and his ability to animate the sports he covered with clarity and enthusiasm.
Dan Hicks was married to Hannah Storm for more than 30 years. Together they had three daughters. His passing leaves a void in sports broadcasting that will be felt by many.
According to Yahoo Sports.
