When you hear that iconic, velvety voice during the Masters or a massive NFL Sunday, you're hearing a man who has mastered the art of "Hello, friends." But for Jim Nantz, the "friends" he’s talking to at home are a lot fewer than the millions watching on CBS. If you’ve ever wondered who is Jim Nantz wife, you’re actually looking for Courtney Richards.
She isn't just a face in the crowd at the 18th green. She’s the former high-powered marketing exec who helped anchor the legendary broadcaster after a divorce that—honestly—was about as messy and public as a broadcast professional's life can get.
Meet Courtney Richards: More Than Just a "Wife"
Courtney Richards wasn't some random person Nantz met at a gala. She was a heavy hitter in her own right. Before she was Courtney Nantz, she served as a vice president at IMG, the massive talent management and sports marketing agency.
Think about that for a second.
She wasn’t just watching sports; she was navigating the business side of it. She and Jim actually met because he was represented by IMG. It was a professional connection that turned into something much deeper during a pretty tumultuous time in Jim’s life.
They dated for about a year before things got serious. Then, in September 2010, Jim did something very "Nantz." He popped the question while on vacation in Maine with his close friends, the late President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. Talk about a high-pressure engagement.
The Pebble Beach Wedding
The couple didn't just have a wedding; they had a golf-lover's dream. In June 2012, they tied the knot at the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Specifically, they stood at the tee of the famous seventh hole.
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If you know golf, you know that’s basically holy ground.
Jim has always had a deep, spiritual connection to that spot. He even wrote about it in his book, Always By My Side, mentioning how he’d go out to that rail fence at dawn to think about his father. Marrying Courtney there wasn't just about the view; it was about bringing her into the most personal part of his world.
The Messy Road to "I Do"
We can't talk about who is Jim Nantz wife now without acknowledging the drama that came before. Jim was previously married to Ann-Lorraine "Lorrie" Carlsen for 26 years.
When that ended in 2009, it wasn't quiet.
The divorce was a tabloid fixture. A Connecticut judge eventually ordered Nantz to pay nearly $1 million a year in alimony and child support. It was a staggering amount that basically required Jim to keep working at his high-octane pace forever.
During the trial, Jim admitted he started dating Courtney before the divorce was finalized. However, the judge notably ruled that the marriage had broken down years prior and that his relationship with Courtney didn't actually cause the split. Still, the "29-year-old woman" headlines (Courtney's age at the time) were everywhere.
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Life in Nashville and Raising Kids
By 2021, the couple decided they were done with the California coast. They packed up their home overlooking Pebble Beach—the one with the literal 50%-scale replica of the 7th hole in the backyard—and moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
Why Nashville?
Basically, it was a lifestyle play. Jim wanted to be more present. They have two kids together:
- Finley Cathleen Nantz: Born in 2014. (Named after the founder of Pebble Beach, though Jim reportedly didn't tell Courtney that part until after she agreed to the name!)
- Jameson George Nantz: Born in 2016.
Jim also has an older daughter, Caroline, from his first marriage. By all accounts, the family is incredibly tight-knit now. Courtney has been the stabilizing force that allowed Jim to transition into this later "dad" phase of his life while still being the face of CBS Sports.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume Courtney is just a "trophy" because of the age gap or the high-profile nature of Jim's job. That’s just not the case.
She’s a partner.
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When Courtney was pregnant with Jameson, she was put on partial bed rest. Jim was panicked about missing the birth because of his travel schedule. Courtney, ever the pro, told him: "Don't even talk to me, you're doing the game." She understood the "calling" because she had lived the business side of it for years at IMG.
Supporting the Nantz National Alzheimer Center
One of the most important things the couple does together is their work with the Nantz National Alzheimer Center. Jim’s father battled the disease for 13 years, and Courtney has been right there helping Jim turn that pain into a legacy. They’ve raised millions to investigate the causes of the disease and improve patient care.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Nantz family or just interested in how high-profile sports figures balance their lives, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Privacy is Priority: While Jim is on your TV every week, Courtney keeps a very low profile. Don't expect to see her on a reality show or posting every meal on Instagram.
- The Nashville Move is Permanent: If you're looking for them at Pebble Beach, you're looking in the wrong state. They’ve fully embraced the Tennessee life to keep their kids grounded.
- Check the "Calling" Wine: Jim and Courtney are also involved in a wine label called The Calling. If you want a taste of their lifestyle, that's the most direct way to get it.
Courtney Richards Nantz might have entered the public eye under a cloud of divorce drama, but she’s spent the last decade-plus proving she’s the bedrock of Jim’s world. She’s not just "the wife"—she’s the reason Jim can still say "Hello, friends" with that much warmth every single weekend.
To stay updated on Jim's broadcasting schedule or his charity work, you can check the official CBS Sports press site or the Nantz National Alzheimer Center website for their latest fundraising initiatives.