The golfing world has paid tribute to Mark Carnevale after the one-time PGA Tour winner and radio broadcaster died "unexpectedly" at the age of 64 on Monday.
We remember our friend and brother Mark Carnevale. pic.twitter.com/4atlMmhw0HJuly 22, 2024
Carnevale was an immensely popular figure who enjoyed a long career as a player at first before briefly turning to administration and then broadcasting.
His lone Tour victory arrived at the 1992 Chattanooga Classic - almost 10 years after turning pro - but it was an achievement that ultimately earned him Rookie of the Year honors on the PGA Tour following seven consecutive unsuccessful trips to Q-School.
After more than 200 PGA Tour starts and over 60 Korn Ferry Tour appearances, Carnevale walked away from playing full-time golf and became tournament director of the Korn Ferry Tour’s Virginia Beach Open in 2003.
Two years later, he began a broadcasting career with SiriusXM Radio while also covering the occasional tournament for PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ along the way. His final appearance on air arrived at the Scottish Open just two weeks ago, with Carnevale due to work this week's 3M Open in Minnesota on the PGA Tour.
So sad to hear Mark Carnevale left us today. I closed a few bars with Carny. He talked a lot about his dad, Ben, basketball coach at North Carolina, then the Naval Academy. Served in WW2, Purple Heart. Also won a national title at NYU. Ben's boy was a good man. RIP, mate pic.twitter.com/PR5QTOSUZGJuly 22, 2024
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said of Carnevale: "Mark was a beloved part of the Tour family for a long time. 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.
"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.”
Meanwhile, Greg Hopfe - PGA Tour Entertainment senior vice president and executive producer - said: “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.”
Elsewhere, swathes of tributes from across the golfing world arrived after news of Carnevale's passing broke.
RIP Mark Carnevale. @SiriusXMPGATOUR won’t be the same without him! One of the best in the business 💔July 22, 2024
SiriusXM Radio peer, Colt Knost said: "RIP Mark Carnevale. @SiriusXMPGATOUR won’t be the same without him! One of the best in the business."
Meanwhile, ESPN's Michael Collins said: "I lost my grouchy teddy bear today. Mark Carnevale was one of the good ones. I loved him, I’m gonna miss him. He made all of us on @SiriusXMPGATOUR better broadcasters. More importantly, his friendship was unconditional. This hurts… a lot."
I lost my grouchy teddy bear today. Mark Carnevale was one of the good ones. I loved him, I’m gonna miss him. He made all of us on @SiriusXMPGATOUR better broadcasters. More importantly, his friendship was unconditional. This hurts… a lot.July 22, 2024
PGA Tour Live broadcaster, Jeff Eisenband said: "Gathering my thoughts here. For those of us who work in the @PGATOUR broadcasting space, Mark Carnevale has been a giant.
"He’s a guy who set the standard on @SiriusXMPGATOUR and @PGATOURLIVE. He’s someone you hope to work with and then when you do, you’re lucky enough to experience her expertise and generosity.
Gathering my thoughts here. For those of us who work in the @PGATOUR broadcasting space, Mark Carnevale has been a giant. He’s a guy who set the standard on @SiriusXMPGATOUR and @PGATOURLIVE. He’s someone you hope to work with and then when you do, you’re lucky enough to… https://t.co/P2kGw302GQJuly 22, 2024
"He had no reason to take time out of his life the past few years to help me grow as a broadcaster. But he did, constantly sharing tips and stories to help me improve. I’m gutted. Wishing the best to his friends and family inside and outside golf."
Carnevale is survived by his wife Liz Boudreaux and his four siblings: sister Jeanne (Skip Hansford); brothers Robert (Karen), Dave (Nancy), and Dan (Lana).
We're heartbroken to share the news of the loss of one of our own, Mark Carnevale.His humor, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the game and life will be greatly missed. https://t.co/MJi2eH23K4July 22, 2024
Couldn’t believe the news when I heard this morning. Didn’t even want to write this on Twitter. RIP Carny! #ROY92 Mark CarneVale- A great guy and a huge part of the @PGATOURLIVE family. Absolutely gutted for his family, friends and work mates at Tour live.July 22, 2024
We are devastated to learn about the sudden passing of JMU Alum Mark Carnevale ('82).Carnevale was inducted into the JMU Hall of Fame in 1999 and was the first Dukes' golfer to compete in The Open. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/dBrHuGAE53July 22, 2024
My friend Mark Carnevale @SiriusXMPGATOUR @PGATOURLIVE went to heaven today. 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. This was my last pic w/him at the Zurich Classic. pic.twitter.com/f32lPcBjbcJuly 22, 2024
Stinging news. I appreciated the old-school nature of Carney (so much so I kept asking to work with him more.) His deep love for the game with passionate discussions about rules, theories and design.His distinct voice. His big heart.https://t.co/0yfU6cn3GEJuly 22, 2024
Very sad news. Carney was a great guy. Loved chatting with him at the back of range at TPC Sawgrass. He loved the game of golf. He will be missed https://t.co/Qqv4pfpc9FJuly 22, 2024
So sad to hear that my good friend, Mark Carnevale, passed away today unexpectedly at the age of 64. He was the Roger Maltbie of SiriusXM PGA Tour radio. A true professional. R.I.P. Carne. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/0Nv9jit4J3July 22, 2024
