PGA Tour winner shares  "beautiful message" late Dan Hicks sent to him during wife's addiction struggles

Multiple PGA Tour winner Billy Horschel has paid tribute to Dan Hicks with a moving story about the legendary golf commentator.

The 64-year-old broadcaster died on Thursday following an acute illness, according to his wife Hannah Storm, who announced his passing on social media. 

Hicks, one of the most recognisable voices in American sports broadcasting, spent decades covering the PGA Tour and golf's biggest championships for NBC Sports, as well as other major events.

Hicks' most famous golf commentary call was undoubtedly Tiger Woods' extraordinary birdie putt on the 72nd hole of the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines to force an 18-hole Monday playoff with Rocco Mediate. 

"Expect anything different?!" Hicks yelled as Woods celebrated wildly. 

Speaking after the opening round of the Austin Championship, Horschel recalled how Hicks had reached out with a personal message of support after the golfer and his wife, Brittany, spoke publicly about her battle with alcohol addiction and time in rehabilitation.

"Through the years we've exchanged messages and everything," a red-eyed Horschel said.

"I remember he sent me a beautiful message, I think shortly after my wife and I talked about her addiction to alcohol and her being in rehab.

"His wife, Hannah, is an unbelievable woman herself. Those are sportscaster royalty right there, and what they've both done in their careers."

Horschel, who grew up watching Hicks before getting to know him on the PGA Tour, also remembered the broadcaster's warmth during his early years as a professional.

"When I got out on Tour, he was great to me early on," he said.

"I remember winning the FedEx Cup and talking to him afterwards and seeing him.

"It's sad that we've lost a member of the PGA Tour, a member of the media that was so well respected amongst his peers, amongst the players. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about Dan Hicks."

Horschel added that Hicks' contribution to golf broadcasting would be difficult to replace.

"It's a great hole that we've got to fill and I'm not sure we're going to have anyone that can fill that anytime soon because, like I said, he was just amazing at what he did," he said.

"It's sad that he's no longer with us."

Fellow American Max Homa also paid tribute, describing Hicks as "a lovely person" and recalling how the broadcaster took a genuine interest in players and their families.

Homa, who also carded a 69 in Thursday's opening round, said he felt particularly sorry for Hicks' family and friends.

"We loved him. I have so many great memories of listening to him. I know that that will live on forever," he said.

"The beauty of his job is that we'll all remember that voice and the stories he told and the kind of experiences he gave us through calling golf.

"It's very, very sad. I'm glad I've got my memories with him because they were always great."