Sports broadcaster Dan Hicks dies at 64
The longtime voice of golf and Olympic coverage passed away from an acute illness, leaving behind a legacy defined by iconic calls in major competitions.
By Ella Cox ·
Dan Hicks, the veteran sports broadcaster widely recognized for his work in golf and the Olympic Games, died on Thursday. He was 64 years old. Officials are describing the cause of death as an acute illness, though specific medical details have not yet been released to the public. The announcement arrived just days before a busy stretch of professional and collegiate football.
Hicks built a career calling some of the most high-stakes moments in American sports. He provided the voice for numerous major golf tournaments and served as a primary commentator for the Olympic Games. His portfolio also included calls for NFL playoff games and Notre Dame football matches. Fans across the country grew up hearing his commentary during weekend broadcasts.
His most recognized moment likely remains the 2008 U.S. Open. During that tournament, he called Tiger Woods' long putt at the 17th hole. The call has become a staple of sports history, frequently replayed in retrospectives. Hicks was also present for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he called the men's 4x100m freestyle relay.
Despite his long retirement from the primary golf circuit, Hicks remained active in broadcasting. He called a Notre Dame game just last month, demonstrating his continued presence in the sport. The suddenness of his death has left many in the industry stunned. Colleagues and fans have taken to social media to share memories of his calm demeanor and precise timing.
In other sports news, former alpine skiing champion Lindsey Vonn underwent her ninth surgery since February. The procedure took place on Wednesday and lasted more than five hours. Surgeons removed multiple plates and screws from her leg and performed a total ACL replacement. Vonn confirmed the operation went well in an Instagram post, noting that she has returned home and is continuing her path to full recovery.
The surgical procedure marks a new phase in Vonn's rehabilitation following a severe leg injury sustained last winter. The complexity of the operation required the complete removal of previous hardware before the new ligament could be placed. Vonn expressed gratitude for being on the final stage of her recovery journey.
In college football, UNLV head coach Dan Mullen proposed a new format for the postseason. With the College Football Playoff expanding to 24 teams next year, Mullen suggested that the four best teams from the Group of Six conferences play de facto play-in games the weekend before the main bracket begins. His proposal includes scheduling these matches at noon, 3:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. to create additional stakes for non-Power Four programs.
The idea aims to give the Group of Six teams a clearer path into the expanded field. Mullen believes the format would add immediate relevance to late-season games for these conferences. The proposal has gained traction among some analysts, though it remains to be seen if major conference leaders will accept the structure. The first step in this potential new format would occur the weekend before the official playoff schedule begins.
