Common Folk in the Boat - Ep. 26 Verne Lundquist

Guest: Verne Lundquist

Presented by Billo Premium Cannabis & Paws N Claws

After two decades in local broadcast media, sitting down with Verne Lundquist—one of the most beloved voices in the history of American sports—was a true pleasure for Common Folk in the Boat host Eli Campbell.

Verne is a Hall of Fame broadcaster whose calls have become the soundtrack to some of the greatest moments in sports history: Jack Nicklaus at the ’86 Masters, Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beater, the Auburn “Kick Six,” and Tiger Woods’ legendary chip-in on 16. But long before any of that, he was the son of a Lutheran minister, a small-town kid who nearly followed his father into the pulpit before discovering his true calling behind a microphone.

In this episode, we trace Verne’s path from spinning records at a Texas radio station to becoming a voice trusted by millions. We talk about the balance between preparation and instinct in the broadcast booth, the role silence can play in moments of pure magic, and what it was like trying to recreate that famous Tiger Woods call in a quiet studio in Steamboat—far from the emotion of the actual experience.

We also talk about his deep ties to this mountain town. Verne first visited Steamboat in the ’70s before making it his permanent home, with his wife Nancy, in 1984. For over four decades, they’ve been pillars of the Yampa Valley community—supporting Strings Music Festival, local nonprofits, and the arts. Verne opens up about what this place has given him in return, and what he hopes future generations will hold onto as Steamboat continues to grow and evolve.

And yes—we talk Happy Gilmore. From the risk he took in 1996 to appear in the original film (worried it might cost him The Masters), to stepping back on set for Happy Gilmore 2 nearly 30 years later, Verne shares the inside story of how a cameo became a cultural touchstone... and maybe even a couple spoilers before the premier of the sequel.

This conversation is a tribute to a life well-lived—grounded in authenticity, humility, and a deep love for the people and places that shaped him. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a local Steamboater, or just someone who appreciates good storytelling, this one’s for you.