Dan Hicks, longtime golf play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports, dies at 64
Amira has a background in sociology and communications from the University of Vermont. She has worked for community-focused publications and is dedicated to highlighting the diverse voices and events that make Saratoga Springs unique.
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When Dan Hicks, a beloved voice of golf and Olympic swimming for NBC Sports, passed away suddenly on Nov. 12 at the age of 64, the community was left reeling. The announcement came from his wife, ESPN sportscaster Hannah Storm, who shared, “Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan. He was a devoted husband of over 30 years, loving father to our three daughters, and cherished friend to so many.”
Hicks’ career at NBC Sports spanned 35 years, during which he became synonymous with the sport of golf. He was the lead announcer for 27 U.S. Open victories by Tiger Woods, including three at the U.S. Open, and called 27 U.S. Opens and 23 U.S. Women’s Opens. His coverage of the Ryder Cup, PGA Tour, and British Open further cemented his legacy as a pillar of golf broadcasting. Hicks was known for his steady narration and warm personality, making him a household name for millions of viewers.
‘I’m incredibly lucky to stay at one place this long. It takes a lot of things going your way as far as NBC continuing to have the properties that I’ve been a part of through the years,’ Hicks said during an Associated Press interview in September. His dedication and longevity at NBC Sports were a testament to his exceptional talent and the network’s commitment to maintaining its broadcasting team.
‘Dan’s voice filled our living rooms with his steady narration of countless golf broadcasts, calling some of the game’s biggest moments,’ the PGA Tour said in a statement. ‘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.’ Hicks was also a fixture of NBC’s Olympics coverage, including calling swimming events. His partnership with Rowdy Gaines chronicled Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games and Katie Ledecky’s 14 medals across four Olympics (2012-2024).
Hicks took on the role of play-by-play announcer for Notre Dame football in 2013 and remained in that position until 2016, returning in 2024. His versatility and commitment to his work were evident in his ability to cover such diverse sports.
‘Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,’ NBC Sports’ Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon said in a statement. ‘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, numerous other high-profile events and especially as the signature voice of our golf coverage for the last 26 years, Dan’s blend of knowledge style, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades. But far beyond his on-air excellence, Dan was a better person who welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement, sometimes all three in the same sentence.’
Hicks is survived by his wife Hannah Storm and their three daughters Hannah, Ellery and Riley. His passing leaves a void in the broadcasting community, but his legacy will live on through the countless memories he created for viewers.
What Happened
On Nov. 12, Dan Hicks, a longtime NBC Sports announcer who was the voice of golf and Olympic swimming, passed away at the age of 64. His wife Hannah Storm confirmed the news in a statement, stating that he died following an acute illness. Hicks had been a devoted husband for over 30 years and a loving father to three daughters.
Hicks joined NBC Sports in 1992 and became the lead announcer for golf in 2000. He was known for his steady narration and warm personality, which made him a household name for millions of viewers. His career spanned 35 years, during which he covered numerous high-profile events, including the U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, and PGA Tour.
‘I’m incredibly lucky to stay at one place this long. It takes a lot of things going your way as far as NBC continuing to have the properties that I’ve been a part of through the years,’ Hicks said during an Associated Press interview in September. His dedication and longevity at NBC Sports were a testament to his exceptional talent and the network’s commitment to maintaining its broadcasting team.
‘Dan’s voice filled our living rooms with his steady narration of countless golf broadcasts, calling some of the game’s biggest moments,’ the PGA Tour said in a statement. ‘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.’ Hicks was also a fixture of NBC’s Olympics coverage, including calling swimming events. His partnership with Rowdy Gaines chronicled Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games and Katie Ledecky’s 14 medals across four Olympics (2012-2024).
‘Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,’ NBC Sports’ Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon said in a statement. ‘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, numerous other high-profile events and especially as the signature voice of our golf coverage for the last 26 years, Dan’s blend of knowledge style, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades. But far beyond his on-air excellence, Dan was a better person who welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement, sometimes all three in the same sentence.’
Hicks took on the role of play-by-play announcer for Notre Dame football in 2013 and remained in that position until 2016, returning in 2024. His versatility and commitment to his work were evident in his ability to cover such diverse sports.
His passing leaves a void in the broadcasting community, but his legacy will live on through the countless memories he created for viewers. Hicks is survived by his wife Hannah Storm and their three daughters Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
Community Reaction
The news of Dan Hicks’ passing sent shockwaves through the community. His colleagues at NBC Sports, including Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon, paid tribute to his exceptional talent and character. ‘Dan was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person. He was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history,’ they said in a statement. His impact on the broadcasting community was profound, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
‘Dan’s voice filled our living rooms with his steady narration of countless golf broadcasts, calling some of the game’s biggest moments,’ the PGA Tour said in a statement. ‘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.’ Hicks’ contributions to golf broadcasting were significant, and his ability to connect with viewers made him a beloved figure in the community.
‘From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame Football, numerous other high-profile events and especially as the signature voice of our golf coverage for the last 26 years, Dan’s blend of knowledge style, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades. But far beyond his on-air excellence, Dan was a better person who welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement, sometimes all three in the same sentence,’ his colleagues added. His kindness and warmth were evident in his interactions with colleagues and viewers alike.
The community is left to mourn the loss of a beloved figure, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of broadcasters and sports enthusiasts.
What's Next
As the community grapples with the loss of Dan Hicks, his family and colleagues are left to carry on his legacy. His wife Hannah Storm and their three daughters, Hannah, Ellery, and Riley, will continue to honor his memory through their daily lives. His colleagues at NBC Sports will also remember him with a sense of gratitude for the impact he had on their careers and the broadcasting community as a whole.
‘Dan was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person. He was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history,’ they said in a statement. His contributions to the network were significant, and his departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
As the community reflects on Dan Hicks’ legacy, it is clear that his impact on broadcasting and the sports community will be felt for years to come. His dedication, warmth, and talent will continue to inspire future generations of broadcasters and sports enthusiasts.
Amira's Take
Dan Hicks was more than just a broadcaster; he was a beacon of warmth and kindness. His passing leaves a void in the broadcasting community that will be hard to fill. As a community, we are reminded of the importance of strong marriages, committed families, and authentic faith. Dan’s legacy is one of commitment and dedication, and his contributions to golf broadcasting will be remembered for years to come. As we move forward, it is important to celebrate the values he embodied and honor his memory through our daily lives.
For those who wish to support the Hicks family during this difficult time, information on how to do so can be found on the NBC Sports website. The community is invited to come together in remembrance of Dan Hicks and the impact he had on our lives.