Famed Golfer and Longtime Broadcaster Mark Carnevale Dies at 64

Mark Carnevale attends live at SiriusXM Broadcasts from The Masters in Augusta, Ga., on April 5, 2017. (Moses Robinson/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

The PGA is mourning the loss of former Tour winner and longtime broadcaster Mark Carnevale, who died at the age of 64.

In a July 22 news release, the PGA announced the famed golfer passed unexpectedly more than a week after covering the Genesis Scottish Open.

He was best known, recently, as a lead announcer for Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio since 2005, who the organization said brought “humor, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the game and life.”

Commissioner Jay Monahan remembered Mr. Carnevale as a beloved member of the PGA Tour family.

“He was a member of that elite club, a PGA Tour winner, and then he held numerous roles within the industry, most recently as a significant voice in PGA TOUR Radio’s coverage,” he said in a statement.

“Mark knew the game and did a terrific job of conveying insights from his unique point of view–and with an engaging wit and sense of humor–to fans from countless TOUR events through the years. We will miss Mark and send our condolences to his loved ones.”

Tributes began pouring in from the golfing community, with former PGA Tour golfer and current SiriusXM contributor Colt Knost taking to social media to offer his condolences.

“RIP Mark Carnevale. @SiriusXMPGATOUR won’t be the same without him! One of the best in the business,” wrote Mr. Knost.

Friend and fellow colleague Doug Bell reflected on their time working together, sharing the last photo he took with Mr. Carnevale at the Zurich Classic.

“I worked w/him for 20 years and he taught me many things and loved the game more than anyone I know. RIP my friend, hit ‘em straight,” he wrote.

Mr. Carnevale’s golfing career began on a collegiate level, playing for James Madison, before turning pro in 1983 where he went on to compete in the occasional PGA TOUR tournament and various mini-tours, and won the 1990 Utah Open.

He competed in over 200 PGA Tour events and in 1992, at the age of 32, he earned Rookie of the Year honors after winning the Chattanooga Classic.

Throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, Mr. Carnevale toured across the country, participating in the Korn Ferry Tour, before eventually becoming the tournament director of the Korn Ferry Tours Virginia Beach Open in 2003.

In total, he made 66 Korn Ferry Tour starts and two years later launched his broadcasting career reporting for SiriusXM Radio, as well as covering some tournaments for PGA Tour LIVE on the ESPN+ streaming service.

“Mark Carnevale was an integral part of live coverage on our streaming platforms and PGA TOUR Radio coverage,” said PGA Tour Entertainment senior vice president and executive producer, Greg Hopfe.

“He was a consummate professional, who was respected by the PGA Tour players he covered, and his insightful analysis and humor will be greatly missed.”

Mr. Carnevale was scheduled to work this week’s 3M Open from Blaine, Minnesota on July 25.

He is survived by his wife Liza, and four siblings, sister Jeanne and brothers Robert, Dave and Dan.