Dan Hicks, the longtime lead play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports and the voice of decades of iconic golf and Olympic moments, died on November 11 at age 64 following an acute illness.
His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, announced the news, marking the end of a career at the network spanning more than three decades. “Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” Storm said in a statement. “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.”
A Defining Voice in Sports Broadcasting
Hicks began his broadcasting career in Tucson, Arizona, before joining CNN in 1989 and eventually moving to NBC in 1992. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1984 and initially worked in radio as a weekend sports anchor for KNOVA, an NBC affiliate in Tucson.
After his three years at CNN, he joined NBC Sports, where he eventually assumed the lead play-by-play role for golf in 2000. During his tenure, he worked alongside analyst Johnny Miller, forming one of the most important broadcast partnerships in golf television.
Hicks anchored coverage for numerous major tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup, and the Players Championship. He was on the call for 27 victories by Tiger Woods, which included three U.S. Open titles.
One of his most celebrated moments occurred at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, when Woods made a 12-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to force an 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate. Hicks’ call of that moment—“Expect anything different?”—remains iconic. He also covered the evolution of the FedExCup, including the season-ending Tour Championship.
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Beyond the golf course, Hicks was a staple of Olympic coverage, calling 16 Olympics beginning with the 1992 Barcelona Games. He was a mainstay of Olympic swimming coverage for three decades, working alongside color commentator Rowdy Gaines. Together, they called the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Hicks documented Michael Phelps’ pursuit of eight gold medals, including the historic 4×100-meter freestyle relay comeback by Jason Lezak.
Hicks called all 28 of Phelps’ Olympic medals from 2004 through 2016. His Olympic work also included alpine skiing, for which he served as the alpine skiing play-by-play announcer at the Milan Cortina Games last winter. He also earned a Sports Emmy for his work during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Colleagues noted his ability to elevate major events through his preparation and presence. “In his 34 years at NBC Sports, he was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history.”
Tributes from the Sports Community
The sports world responded with an outpouring of tributes following the announcement.
The PGA Tour highlighted the enduring impact of his narration, stating, “For more than 25 years leading NBC golf coverage, Dan’s voice filled our living rooms with his steady narration of countless golf broadcasts, calling some of the game’s biggest moments. The sound of his voice is woven into our memories of the game, and the warmth he brought to the broadcast was matched only by the kindness he showed those around him.” The organization added that they mourn someone who meant a great deal to the game.
On-air personalities also shared their grief. Savannah Guthrie, a fellow Tucsonian, shared a throwback photo on social media, writing, “All my love is with Hannah, their kids and my @nbcsports family. Rest in peace, Dan.” During a broadcast of the TODAY show, Craig Melvin announced the news and became visibly emotional, describing Hicks as a “dear friend and beloved member of our NBC family.” Craig Melvin added that Hicks was “part of our family,” a sentiment echoed by Melvin.
I’m heartbroken by this news. Dan was an integral part of our Olympic journey and will forever be part of our story. He was kind, smart and had a keen interest in people . Just a world-class human. We will miss him terribly. RIP my friend. https://t.co/fkSvgLjJ3f
Al Michaels also honored Hicks during a Thursday night broadcast, his voice breaking as he sent condolences to Storm and their children. “On this very rough day for so many of us, we send our love to Hannah and your three daughters. Wishing you strength and comfort,” Michaels said.
Other colleagues offered praise, with Mike Tirico noting that Hicks nailed every big moment with the proper energy and words. Roger Maltbie described the loss as losing a pal, and announcer Jimmy Roberts remarked, “Dan was just an extraordinary friend. … He was talented, he was hard working, he was generous. He wanted his friends to succeed.”
Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person. In his 34 years at NBC Sports, he was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history. From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame football,… pic.twitter.com/BNUBq4Crl7
Hicks’ Legacy and Survivors
Hicks was widely recognized for his versatility, having served as the play-by-play voice for Notre Dame football, including stints from 2013 to 2016 and returning in 2024. Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua noted Hicks was a fixture on campus and a great voice for the program.
His broadcasting reach also included tennis from 2019 to 2023, NBA coverage from 1992 to 2000, and regional NFL games on NBC from 1992 to 1997. He also called the World Aquatics Championships.
BREAKING: Dan Hicks, legendary NBC Sports and golf announcer, has passed away. He was 64. pic.twitter.com/x7m5WW40bb
In his personal life, Hicks and Storm met in 1989 while working at CNN Sports Tonight, where Storm was the first female host. They married on January 8, 1994. He is survived by his wife and their three daughters, Hannah, Ellery, and Riley.
USGA CEO Mike Whan said that Hicks was a true friend to the game and to the USGA and a person whose warmth, generosity, and friendship touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Roger Maltbie remembers longtime friend and colleague, Dan Hicks. pic.twitter.com/rNLWX1qxOG
In her statement, Storm emphasized the personal impact of his death, noting that her family was “grateful for the love and support surrounding our family during this incredibly difficult time.” She added, “There are simply no words to express how much he will be missed.”
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