Dan Hicks, NBC's play-by-play announcer for golf since 2000, has died at the age of 64 after an acute illness, his wife Hannah Storm said in an announcement on Thursday morning. Storm described the loss as sudden and unexpected, calling Hicks a devoted husband of over 30 years, a loving father to their three daughters and a cherished friend to many.

Hicks began his career at CNN in 1989 before joining NBC in 1992. He first worked as a tower golf announcer before taking over the lead play-by-play role 26 years ago. Over more than three decades at the network he also called Olympic events, including swimming and skiing, and Notre Dame football games. His most memorable golf calls came during U.S. Open broadcasts, including the 2008 tournament where Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate in a Monday 18-hole playoff. For nearly two decades he worked alongside analyst Johnny Miller, and he was also the voice of the Open Championships, Ryder Cups, Presidents Cups and Players Championships.S1S2

NBC Sports executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon described Hicks as an extraordinary colleague, friend and person and an exceptional storyteller who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history. Versant CEO Mark Lazarus said he had worked alongside Hicks for decades and would remember him most as a loyal friend and devoted husband and father. Hicks is survived by his wife and their three daughters.S1S2