Golf HOFer & Longtime CBS Analyst Ken Venturi Dead At 82

Golf HOFer and CBS analyst Ken Venturi died Friday at the age of 82. Venturi's son, Matt, said that he was "battling a spinal infection, pneumonia and an intestinal infection." CBS Sports Group President Sean McManus said Venturi "was not only one of golf's greatest champions, but also the signature voice of golf for almost two generations of fans and viewers" (L.A. TIMES, 5/18). Flags were lowered to half-staff yesterday at the HP Byron Nelson Championship, and golfers will "wear red ribbons" during today's final round (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 5/19). 

CBS yesterday began its third-round coverage of the tournament with an uninterrupted 17-minute tribute to Venturi. Jim Nantz said, "I think I can speak on behalf of everybody at CBS right now. We’re all feeling a heavy heart. ... One of his biggest heroes was Byron Nelson and the timing of Ken’s passing is remarkable in many ways, not the least of which is that this all happens the week of Byron’s tournament" (THE DAILY).