Ryan Hill

#TheCeilingistheRoof

[Smylie Kaufman @SmylieKaufman10]

Hearing about the passing of my good friend Dan Hicks this morning completely took the wind out of my sails.

My thoughts immediately went to his family, who he loved more than anything in the world. His wife, Hannah, and his three girls meant everything to him. I always loved hearing about where he and Hannah had just traveled or what concert, ball game, or marathon he had just been to with one of his daughters. There was nothing Dan loved more than spending time with his family, and I know he’ll be watching over them with a smile.

One of the greatest joys of my broadcasting career has been getting to call Dan a teammate on NBC’s golf coverage. What a remarkably talented broadcaster he was. His ability to deliver his best in the biggest moments was his superpower, and what an incredible legacy of calls he leaves behind.

I’ll forever be amazed by his natural ability to tell a story on air. I can still hear our producer Tommy Roy saying, “Let’s personalize this player, Danny.” And Dan would do just that. He had this incredible gift of making you feel like you truly knew the player he was talking about and giving you a reason to root for them.

But what I’ll miss most about Dan, and I’m sure the rest of our team would agree, are the dinners after the show. Dan was never afraid to treat himself to the best meal in town. More often than not, it was a local steakhouse, sitting at the bar.

“I’ll have a Johnnie Walker Black with a big rock if you got it.”

I can hear him saying it now.

Those were some of my favorite nights. We’d sit there talking about that day’s broadcast like we had just walked off the golf course after playing a round ourselves. Dan was always looking for ways to get better, even after all the years he had been doing it at the highest level.

Those dinners meant so much to me. I was always trying to pick his brain, asking questions and figuring out how I could improve. And Dan always took the time to listen. He never made me feel like a question was too small or that he didn’t have time for me. That’s the kind of teammate and mentor he was.

At the beginning of this year, I called Dan and asked if he wouldn’t mind doing the voiceover for the intro to The Smylie Show. Of course, Dan didn’t hesitate. Not only did he do it, but he delivered it like he was introducing the final pairing on Sunday at the U.S. Open. That was Dan. He never did anything halfway. Every time I hear that intro, I’ll be reminded of our friendship, his incredible voice, and how much he loved the game of golf. It’s something I’ll treasure forever.

Dan had an enormous impact on my career, but more importantly, he had an impact on me personally and as a father. Seeing how much he loved his family and how proud he was of his girls is something that will always stick with me. I’ll forever be grateful for the time we spent together, the conversations we had, and the kindness he always showed me.

My heart breaks for Hannah and the entire family. We lost a great one today, and I know I’m just one of so many people who will miss him dearly.

Will you miss ya partner ♥️

[Fore Play @ForePlayPod]

The Fore Play family is devastated to learn of the passing of the great sportscaster Dan Hicks.

For nearly a decade we’ve tried to find our place in the golf media world; Dan always made us feel right at home. The more people we’ve continued to meet, the more we’ve learned this was not unique to us. Dan was that way with everyone. We’ve been fortunate this year to share Kevin Kisner as a dear friend and colleague, and story after story continues to show the extent of Dan’s kindness, friendship, and eagerness to help others.

Our thoughts today are with Dan’s wife, Hannah, and his three daughters, Hannah, Ellery, and Riley.

A devoted family man, a cherished friend, and an iconic sportscaster, Dan will be missed by millions. But thanks to his over four decades of work, Dan will forever be immortalized through so many of golf and sport’s most iconic moments.

[PGA Tour @PGATour]

Dan Hicks, longtime lead golf play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports, has died following an acute illness. He was 64.

Across three decades, Hicks provided the soundtrack to some of golf’s most memorable moments. The Arizona native joined NBC in 1992 and assumed the network’s lead play-by-play role in 2000, his broadcast style defined by a steady delivery, unmistakable enthusiasm, and ability to capture the significance of a moment.

Hicks anchored weekend coverage of The Players Championship for nearly three decades and was behind the microphone for the evolution of the FedExCup, in addition to several major championships, bringing his composed approach to golf’s biggest stages. 

For nearly two decades, Hicks worked alongside renowned analyst Johnny Miller in one of golf television’s defining broadcast partnerships. Hicks provided a measured presence, guiding viewers through the tension and unpredictability of a final round.

After graduating from the University of Arizona, Hicks began his broadcasting career in local radio and television before joining CNN in 1989. He moved to NBC Sports three years later, with assignments including Olympic swimming, alpine skiing and Notre Dame football. Golf, one of his favorite recreational pastimes, became an enduring beat. His voice will always be synonymous with the game.

Hicks is survived by his wife, sports broadcaster Hannah Storm, and their three daughters. 

Rest in Peace, Dan Hicks.

[Big Cat @BarstoolBigCat]

Really sad news about our good friend Ian Cauble. Anything you can do to help is much appreciated. Ian was so good to us on the @BarstoolYak and one of those guests that instantly clicked with the show/cast

https://t.co/NLxgUuXmvO

[UNC Tar Heels @GoHeels]

The newest addition to your foursome ⛳️

Introducing Golfing Rameses, our first sport-specific Rameses logo.

[Barstool Sports @barstoolsports]

“Every human being should have to work minimum six months in the service industry… It gives you very valuable perspective on the rest of your life moving forward” -PFT Commenter

“I cannot stand people who are mean to any type of wait staff. You’re just the lowest of low when you do that” -Big Cat

[Tre Boston @TreBos10]

Boy Refs Won’t Let Us Be Great! 🙄🙄
Onside Kicks and UNC don’t mix.
Refs gon throw a flag everytime! 🤦🏾‍♂️

[Tommy Ashley @TAshleyIC]

Can’t make it up.

[Carolina Football @UNCFootball]

Picture perfect night in Chapel Hill 🤩

[Ernie Johnson @TurnerSportsEJ]

It’s time.
🤟🤟🏾🤟🏻🤟🏽

[Carolina Football @UNCFootball]

Under the lights on Halloween 🎃

Our game against Miami is set for 7:30pm ET on ABC or ESPN –network designation after the games of 10/24

[Carolina Football @UNCFootball]

Victory Vibes 🍿

[Ryan Hill @JRH1LL]

@OhioTate Mismatched socks, feet on the dash, and low battery on his phone. Dudes the worst!

[TJ @TJHitchings]

Fat bear day https://t.co/bspiPHT2ko

[Ryan Hill @JRH1LL]

Vanderbilt!!

[Zah @DaMidgetZimbo]

Poor Dr Wang 😂🤣😂🤣

[College GameDay @CollegeGameDay]

Morgan Freeman, College GameDay Celebrity Guest Picker 🙂‍↕️

Saturday can't get here soon enough!

[Pete Thamel @PeteThamel]

Sources: Steve Belichick has resigned as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator. He’s been on medical leave since August 6.

[Ryan Hill @JRH1LL]

NFC South 0-4! Sounds about right!