Amanda Balionis asks everyone to attempt Jim Nantz's two-word iconic catchphrase, results were hilarious

CBS lead golf anchor Amanda Balionis was present at the Farmers Insurance Open to cover it. During the tournament, she embarked on a mission to find who could deliver the best Jim Nantz's "Hello friends" impression.

The American broadcast journalist was on the ground at the Torrey Pines Golf Course and interacted with several participants. In a lighthearted segment, Amanda Balionis went around the golf course asking golfers and announcers to repeat Jim Nantz’s iconic catchphrase, "Hello friends".

Balionis put pro golfers such as Ludvig Aberg, Harris English, and Joel Dahmen to the hilarious challenge. She also included CBS announcer Dottie Pepper, and CBS golf analyst Frank Nobilo in the fun game.

While everyone did their best to give an accurate Jim Nantz impression, Amanda Balionis concluded that no one could do it as best as Nantz. She gave the crown to the popular American sportscaster by reposting the Instagram reel on her story with the caption:

“Jim is 1-of-1 the rest of us are just trying to keep up.”

Amanda Balionis in admiration of Jim Nantz as a broadcaster

For several years, Amanda Balionis has worked alongside Jim Nantz for CBS Sports. As longtime colleagues, the two share a close friendship, with Balionis continually heaping praise on Nantz.

In an interview with Links Magazine, Balionis described Jim Nantz as her number one role model in the sports broadcasting industry. She praised his talent and ability to recall accurate details from 20 years back while in front of the camera. She also appreciated his ability to support and advocate for people around him, stating that she would also like to be remembered for the same.

"Jim Nantz is number one. I don’t think he could ever get enough credit for his talent. His memory knows no bounds; he recalls things in the moment in the most accurate way from 20 years ago that will put your jaw on the floor,” said Balionis.

She continued, “But it’s not just what he does on camera; it’s the way he carries himself as a person. He takes so much time to support and be an advocate for the people around him, and that’s what I want to be remembered for, too.” (Via Links Magazine)

Jim Nantz is regarded as one of the best sportscasters. He is a five-time winner of the 'National Sportscaster of the Year' award. At age 65, Nantz will enter into his 40th year of golf broadcasting this year– a rare broadcasting achievement.