Perhaps the most difficult part about writing a story about Jim Nantz is figuring out how to introduce him, if you list his accomplishments you are going to quickly run out of column inches. Same if you go with the list of significant moments that he has brought to the masses from behind the mic during his 35 years at CBS Sports. I mean, most guys in the business would hit a baby with a puppy to be able to call a Super Bowl, a Final Four or a Masters; Nantz has done all four. In the same year. Five times. His voice is a part of the soundtrack of golf, but the man is much more than that. His influence on the industry is felt in every aspect of the game from where we play (he’s a board member at Pebble Beach) to what we drink when we are there (he has a partnership that produces fine wines).

That influence extends to what we wear through his partnership with vineyard vines. Nantz and vineyard vines began collaborating in Spring 2017 to create the “Forget-Me-Knot” custom-designed collection that benefits research at the Nantz National Alzheimer Center. And in 2018, vineyard vines partnered with Nantz to create an authentic golf lifestyle brand that is comfortable and sophisticated for the course, clubhouse and beyond. The Jim Nantz by vineyard vines collection debuted in February and is inspired by the Pebble Beach way of life and Jim’s love for golf and the virtues it represents.

Last week they opened a new concept store featuring the Jim Nantz by vineyard vines collection. The store proves a unique shopping experience for visitors to America’s premier golf resort just steps away from the putting green at Pebble Beach Golf Links, site of the 2019 U.S. Open, and directly across from the iconic Lodge at Pebble Beach.
.

With the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am teeing off in his backyard last week, I caught up with Nantz to talk about his life, his special connection to Pebble Beach, and his new role as a fashion influencer.

Q: When did you first play Pebble Beach?

A: I first played Pebble Beach back in the late 1980s during the week of the AT&T Pro-Am. Back then they actually allowed a few of us from CBS to play during the practice rounds leading up to the tournament. The late and legendary CBS golf producer, Frank Chirkinian took me out the first time. Ken Venturi was with us too. Also, one year long ago, I played a practice round with Glen Campbell the week of the event.

Q: What does Pebble Beach mean to the game of golf?

A: In my mind, Pebble is the mecca of American golf. It’s a public course that holds some of the greatest histories in the annals of the sport. And of course, the views are virtually unmatched.

Q: How did you get connected with vineyard vines?

A: It all began with a book about my father, “Always By My Side.” The book dealt with my dad’s long battle with Alzheimer’s and how my family attempted to cope. I realized there was a large group of people who related to the message. Families that were dealing with a loved one who was in failing health. The caregiving community felt galvanized by the book’s message. Soon we realized there was more we could do to make a difference. My wife, Courtney, and I decided it was time to roll up our sleeves, write the first of many checks and create an Alzheimer’s clinical care and cutting-edge research center. The Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist Hospital opened in 2011. vineyard vines wanted to help spread awareness and support the cause by collaborating to create the “Forget-Me-Knot” collection. The reaction by the consumer market was fantastic and a few years later, vineyard vines spoke to me about expanding our partnership to create a golf lifestyle brand, Jim Nantz by vineyard vines.

Q: What are the elements of Jim Nantz’s style?

A: Along with Shep and Ian Murray, the founders of vineyard vines, we have designed a Pebble Beach-inspired clothing line. Whether you’re playing golf at one of America’s greatest treasures or you’re there to enjoy many of the great experiences of the resort, including the fabulous restaurants, this is a fashion experience that has been created with the Pebble Beach vibe in mind.

Q: Was it important to have a physical store for this collection?

A: Having the epicenter of the brand located here is a dream! To be able to say that Pebble Beach is the home of Jim Nantz by vineyard vines is a stature that no golf apparel brand has ever been able to say. We are the first golf line in the history of this American treasure to have its own store at Pebble Beach Resorts.

Q: Is there any chance that another branch will be opened?

A: That is not something we have thought about at this point. We are thrilled to have this special partnership with the great people at Pebble Beach. I admire how they operate their business and the way they have maintained their amazing property. Most of all, it’s the employees of The Pebble Beach Company that make this area special. They make every guest feel welcomed and cared for. It’s a big reason why I wanted to move to the area, which we did back in 2012. Everything Pebble puts its fingerprints on represents the gold standard.

Q: Which golfer(s) in history had the best sense of style?

A: There have been so many—Arnold Palmer with his cardigan sweaters layered over a turtleneck. Jack Nicklaus was stylish in his prime. Tom Weiskopf was a great dresser. Doug Sanders brought a flamboyance to golf fashion. And of course, my old college roommate Fred Couples was a trendsetter when he helped take Ashworth to number one in the world. I’m proud to say that Fred is the latest professional golfer to wear Jim Nantz by vineyard vines.