CBS Faces Backlash For Two Big Masters Broadcast Mistakes

Jim Nantz was on the call. Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesKyle Terada-Imagn Images

CBS Faces Backlash For Two Big Masters Broadcast Mistakes

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 9:48 AM ET

CBS is facing backlash for two big mistakes during the final round of The Masters on Sunday, April 12.

Rory McIlroy took home the green jacket for the second straight year. McIlroy finished the tournament at -12. The 2025 champion went back-to-back, beating out a loaded field that included Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose and Cameron Young all playing well toward the finish.

But CBS's coverage, led by Jim Nantz, made a couple of unfortunate mistakes during the final round.

The network has been called out for its coverage of the event on social media.

During the No. 18 hole on Sunday, CBS:

Was unable to find where McIlroy's second shot went. It was arguably the most important shot of the whole tournament.
Blocked the view of McIlroy's tournament-winning putt.

CBS is facing criticism for the mistakes

Front Office Sports is among those being critical.

"What happened? Who knows. Maybe the expansive CBS production team simply couldn’t find McIlroy’s second shot? Maybe somebody froze? Maybe CBS let their guard down in preparation for the Northern Irishman’s coronation?" Michael McCarthy wrote.

"But networks like CBS are constantly bragging about having a million cameras covering every inch of championship events. If the network didn’t know that it was McIlroy’s second shot in the bunker, that’s a mistake. (Oh, did we mention CBS also lost Young’s second shot?)"

Oof.

Normally peerless CBS bungled coverage of 18th hole of The Masters.

CBS lost Rory McIlroy's 2nd shot. For a minute, CBS couldn't tell TV viewers where the most important shot of the day ended up.

Then CBS blocked view of McIlroy's winning putt.https://t.co/EwTGVEOOMP
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) April 13, 2026