Verne Lundquist has signed a two-year deal with CBS to remain part of the broadcast team for The Masters and the PGA Championship. Lundquist broke the news in a podcast with THE ATHLETIC's Richard Deitsch, saying he jokingly told CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus, "I don't care what you pay me as long as it covers my minimum for my insurance." Lundquist had been on the shelf due to back surgery before returning to call The Masters earlier this month. He left as CBS' primary announcer for its SEC football package after the '16 season, and Deitsch said, "You certainly in the last two years have stepped back from the kind of schedule that you've had for 30-plus years. What has that adjustment been like?" Lundquist referenced his departure from the SEC by replying, "Our hope was, when Sean and I discussed my exit, that we made a smooth transition. It was important to CBS, it was important to Gary (Danielson), important to (Coordinating Producer) Craig Silver that the right man be picked." Brad Nessler ended up taking over for Lundquist in the booth, and Lundquist noted he has a "great relationship" with Nessler. However, he added, "I will tell you I got nostalgic at times" ("Sports Media with Richard Deitsch," THEATHLETIC.com, 4/25).
