Dan Hicks, the longtime NBC Sports broadcaster whose voice defined golf coverage and Olympic swimming for three decades, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at age 64 following an acute illness.
A Career of Iconic Moments
Hicks joined NBC Sports in 1992, eventually becoming the network’s lead golf play-by-play announcer in 2000. Over his 34-year tenure, he became a fixture of the network’s sports coverage, calling 27 U.S. Opens.
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
His connection to major golf events was extensive, spanning from the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills to the 2026 championship at the same venue. Before taking over as the main voice in 2000, he had been a tower announcer from 1995 to 1999.
Beyond the links, Hicks was a versatile Olympic voice. He provided play-by-play commentary for swimming at the Olympic Games, including eight consecutive Summer Games. He also called swimming at the World Aquatics Championships.
During the Winter Games, he covered speed skating for NBC in 2002, 2006 and 2010, and then shifted to alpine skiing, calling it for four straight Games from 2014 until 2026. He also called diving at the Summer Olympics in 2000 and for a single day of the 2012 Games in London.
“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,” said Rick Cordella, Sam Flood, and Molly Solomon of NBC Sports in a joint statement.
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
In addition to golf and Olympic sports, Hicks had a long career calling football. He served as the play-by-play commentator for Notre Dame football on NBC from 2013 until 2016, and then started up again in the role in 2024, making this his seventh season calling the Fighting Irish’s games. He was also the play-by-play commentator for Tennis on NBC from 2019 until 2023.
Tributes Across the Sports World
Hicks was married to fellow broadcaster Hannah Storm, with whom he had three daughters: Hannah, Ellery, and Riley. The couple, who met while working at CNN in 1989, married in January 1994. He had been a sports anchor for CNN beginning in 1989 before joining NBC Sports in June 1992.
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“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.”
“He was truly one of a kind,” the post continued. “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,” Storm said.
The PGA Tour expressed its sorrow, noting that Hicks’ voice was woven into the memories of the game. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp is interviewed by NBC Sports anchor Dan Hicks during the third round of the 2026 The Players Championship.
The Tour said in a statement, “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.”
Among Hicks’ most memorable assignments was Woods’ victory at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, where Woods defeated Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole Monday playoff while competing with significant leg injuries. He was on the call for 27 tournament victories by Tiger Woods, including three at the U.S. Open. He interviewed Rory McIlroy after winning a playoff over J.J. Spaun at the 2025 The Players Championship.
Max Homa echoed Horschel’s tribute, remembering Hicks for his genuine interest in players’ families and his warmth whenever their paths crossed. “I’ve had my fair share of personal interactions with him. He’s just a lovely person,” said Homa, who also shot 69 Thursday at the Austin Championship.
BREAKING: Dan Hicks, legendary NBC Sports and golf announcer, has passed away. He was 64. pic.twitter.com/x7m5WW40bb
Legacy at Notre Dame
Hicks also served as the play-by-play voice for Notre Dame football on NBC, a role he held from 2013 to 2016 and returned to in 2024. He was due to call Notre Dame’s game Saturday against Boston College, according to an NBC schedule released earlier this week. Pete Bevacqua, the James E. Rohr Director of Athletics at Notre Dame, remembered him as a fixture on campus.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of a great friend of Notre Dame, Dan Hicks,” Bevacqua said.
Roger Maltbie remembers longtime friend and colleague, Dan Hicks. pic.twitter.com/rNLWX1qxOG
“Dan was a fixture here on campus and in the broadcast booth as one of the great voices for Notre Dame Football. On a personal note, Dan was a former colleague of mine at NBC Sports and, more importantly, a dear friend over the course of the last quarter century. We will all miss him dearly.”
USGA CEO Mike Whan said in a statement that Hicks “was a true friend to the game and to the USGA, but more importantly, a wonderful person whose warmth, generosity, and friendship touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.” Hicks also called regional NFL games on NBC from 1992-97, five French Opens and some NBA coverage from 1992-2000.
As the sports community mourns, Storm expressed gratitude for the love and support surrounding their family, adding, “There are simply no words to express how much he will be missed.”
