Dan Hicks, Voice of NBC Golf Coverage, Dies at 64

Dan Hicks, the primary announcer for golf, Olympic swimming, and Notre Dame football on NBC Sports for 35 years, has died. His family and the network announced the news on Thursday. Hicks was 64 years old.

Hicks died late Wednesday in Connecticut. According to his wife, Hannah Storm, the cause of death was an acute illness. The family described the passing as sudden and unexpected.

"Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan," Storm said. "He was a devoted husband of over 30 years, loving father to our three daughters, and cherished friend to so many. His loss is immeasurable."

Hicks joined NBC in 1992 after a three-year stint at CNN. Golf was his primary beat and favorite sport. He served as a tower announcer from 1995 to 1999 before becoming the main voice in 2000. During his tenure, he called 27 U.S. Opens and 23 U.S. Women's Opens. He also provided play-by-play for the Ryder Cup, PGA Tour events, and the British Open.

He was on the call for 27 tournament victories by Tiger Woods, including three U.S. Open wins. The PGA Tour issued a statement noting that Hicks' steady narration filled living rooms during the game's biggest moments. The organization described the warmth he brought to broadcasts as being matched by the kindness he showed to those around him.

Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, called Hicks a true friend to the game and the organization. Whan stated that Hicks' warmth, generosity, and friendship touched everyone who knew him.

Beyond golf, Hicks called Olympic swimming eight times alongside Rowdy Gaines. The duo covered Michael Phelps' eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games. They also documented Katie Ledecky's 14 medals across four Olympic Games from 2012 to 2024. Hicks also provided coverage for Olympic skiing.

Hicks was in his seventh season calling Notre Dame football games. He had covered the team from 2013 to 2016 and returned in 2024. He was scheduled to be on the call for the Fighting Irish's game against Boston College on Saturday.

In a September interview with the Associated Press, Hicks reflected on his long tenure at NBC. He said he was lucky to stay at one place for so long, acknowledging the variables in a broadcast career. He noted that he appreciated the role more the longer he held it.

NBC Sports colleagues Rick Cordella, Sam Flood, and Molly Solomon described Hicks as an extraordinary storyteller. They said his blend of knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor informed and entertained fans for decades. They noted that beyond his on-air work, he welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement.

Hicks is survived by his wife, Storm, and their three daughters: Hannah, Ellery, and Riley.