Jim Nantz defends pre-Masters Bryson DeChambeau comments: "Wasn't taking a shot"

Jim Nantz says he would love to see LIV Golf recruits Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau on the leaderboard at the 2026 Masters Tournament.

Ben Smith

07 Apr 2026

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Legendary commentator Jim Nantz says his recent comments about Bryson DeChambeau were misconstrued.

Nantz, 66, hit the headlines last week when he was asked how he believes the LIV Golf recruit will fare at the 2026 Masters Tournament.

Two-time U.S. Open champion DeChambeau is considered one of the pre-tournament betting favourites and arrives at Augusta National in strong form having already twice entered the winner's circle on the breakaway tour.

DeChambeau grabbed his fourth individual LIV Golf win last month in Singapore via a sudden-death playoff and also needed extra holes to secure another victory a week later in South Africa.

But Nantz confessed during a media call that apart from watching DeChambeau on YouTube with his son, he is yet to witness the 32-year-old in competitive action.

Some interpreted the comment as a not-so-subtle dig at LIV Golf and the man himself.

"A lot of people took exception to a statement I made about how Bryson, I haven't watched a shot so far this year," Nantz told the most recent edition of the Pat McAfee show.

"Of course, he's been winning on the LIV tour; he's won a couple of starts. And I just want to say that was extracted from a quote where I had him as the favourite behind Scottie, number one.

"And then Bryson, I happened to mention, I have a long relationship with Bryson. He's been to my home, my son was almost named after him. I mean, there's a great friendship and respect there.

"And I said this too, I think he's going to win in Augusta. Maybe it's this year, he's certainly coming in hot."

Bryson DeChambeau chats with Amanda Balionis at the 2026 Masters

Nantz added: "I've got my own stuff going on. We're broadcasting. The point is, I read everything. I don't have to sit down and watch the DP World Tour to be prepared for those players, or the LIV Golf.

"But I give them their due, and I expect Jon Rahm's coming in playing well too, I expect both Jon and Bryson will be right there, both great guys, and I would love to have them on the leaderboard."

McAfee joked that he thought it was only his show where comments were taken out of context.

Nantz said: "You've got all these bots, and LIV has a pretty strong force of a social media team from what I hear, because I'm not on social media.

"But if you say anything that could be loosely interpreted as negative, they come after you. And that's fine. 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 favourite for this week."