Tiger Woods has paid an emotional tribute to his "great friend" Dan Hicks, the legendary NBC Sports broadcaster, following his sudden death at the age of 64.
Hicks' passing was confirmed by his wife, Hannah Storm, who shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday morning. Tributes have since flooded in from across the media and sporting world, with Hicks celebrated as an iconic voice in golf, the Olympics, and Notre Dame football.
Woods Remembers a Beloved Colleague
Woods was among those to remember Hicks, posting on X: "Dan Hicks was beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. His kindness, warmth, and presence will be deeply missed."
"Like so many in the golf world, Dan was a great friend to me both on and off the course. I had the utmost respect for him and the incredible job he did for our sport for decades."
"Our thoughts are with Hannah and their daughters during this incredibly difficult time. I hope they find comfort in knowing how much he meant to so many people and the lasting impact he made on everyone whose life he touched."
Family Statement and Career Highlights
Woods' tribute followed an initial statement from Hicks' wife, which read: "Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness."
"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."
Since 2000, Hicks worked as the lead play-by-play commentator for NBC Sports' PGA Tour coverage. Throughout his career, he presented broadcasts for major competitions including the US Open, The Open Championship, the US Women's Open, the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup.
Broadcasting Legacy Remembered
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Hicks, a respected voice in sports broadcasting and husband of ESPN anchor Hannah Storm."
"Hannah is a cherished member of the ESPN family, and our hearts are with her, their three daughters and all who knew and loved Dan, including his NBC colleagues, during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and stand alongside Hannah and her family."
Hicks reported on 16 Olympic Games throughout his career, serving as a play-by-play commentator for 15 of them, beginning at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. Earlier this year, he provided play-by-play commentary for Alpine skiing for NBC Sports at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
PGA Tour star Jordan Spieth also wrote on X: "Dan had a gift for making a moment feel as big as it was without ever making it about himself. He was just as kind when the cameras were off, and always asked about my family before asking about my game."
"I'm so grateful he was the one telling the story in so many of our memories. Thinking of Hannah, their kids and the entire NBC family."
