Legendary PGA Tour Winner Dies Suddenly At 64

Mark Carnevale, the legendary PGA Tour winner who later went on to establish a second chapter in his career as a broadcaster for the organization, has died at 64.

Golf’s leading body announced that Carnevale died suddenly though didn’t disclose the cause, according to the New York Post. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan called his friend a “beloved part of the 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,” Monahan 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.”

(FREE RED HAT: “Impeached. Arrested. Convicted. Shot. Still Standing”)

Carnevale’s career spanned more than three decades going back to 1992 when he nabbed the coveted Rookie of the Year award for his exceptional play and victory in the Chattanooga Classic at the age of 32. He played in 212 PGA-sanctioned events during that time and held the director post at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Virginia Beach Open in 2003.

In 2005, the Annapolis, Maryland native traded in the clubs for a seat in the booth, narrating PGA events during the early days of SiriusXM satellite radio. His last assignment was two weeks ago when he covered the Scottish Open, and he was slated to host during the upcoming 3M Open in Minnesota.

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

Athletics were in Carnevale’s blood, though golf wasn’t always front and center in his career prospects. His father, Ben Carnevale, coached the United States Naval Academy men’s basketball team. The family later moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, and Carnevale played college golf at James Madison.

Speaking with CBS News following his transition to broadcasting, Carnevale welcomed the opportunity but admitted he still felt a twinge when watching his friends continue to tee up. “I can’t tell you how many times people have said, ‘Are you playing in your own tournament?'” Carnevale said. “I miss the competitive part of it. But I don’t miss the travel, and I don’t miss being out there grinding when you’re not playing well. I hope this will be a good substitute. It won’t replace playing golf but it will add to my understanding as a whole of professional golf. That’s in a sense what drives me. I feel like I can make a difference to the tournament and the Nationwide Tour as a whole.”

(BREAKING: Famed Economist Predicts ‘1987 Style’ Stock Market Crash)