R.I.P. Frank Chirkinian**
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Tim Rosaforte broke the news on Twitter and the tributes are sure to start rolling in.
In the meantime, here was his epic Golf Digest My Shot. And this is a link to Craig Dolch's story earlier this year when it was learned that Chirkinian was going into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
**CBS issues statements:
CBS Sports statements on the passing of World Golf Hall of Famer and legendary television golf pioneer, Frank Chirkinian.
Sean McManus, Chairman, CBS Sports
"In his 38 years with CBS Sports, Frank Chirkinian's remarkable innovations and contributions have become the industry standard for the way we watch golf on television. Frank has left a legacy of excellence and creativity in golf broadcasting that will never be equaled and is a true Hall of Famer in all of sports television."
Jim Nantz
"He was a friend, a mentor and a father figure to me. I was blessed to have his guiding hand extended to me at the age of 26. I am comforted knowing, as long as there is golf being televised any where in the world; Frank Chirkinian lives."
Lance Barrow, Coordinating Producer of Golf and the NFL on CBS Sports
"The golfing world lost a great ambassador to the game today in the passing of Frank Chirkinian. He did as much for the game as anyone who has ever been associated with golf. His legacy will live on forever."
CBS Sports will honor Frank Chirkinian throughout the day on Saturday, March 5. Jim Nantz will deliver a special tribute to Chirkinian during halftime of the Kansas-Missouri game that begins at NOON, ET.
**Tomorrow’s Golf Central Pre Game at 12:30 p.m. ET will be a Golf Central Special – Remembering Frank Chirkinian.
The show will include interviews with Ken Venturi, Jim Nantz and Lance Barrow, a special feature on Frank Chirkinian, plus conversations with members of the media on-site at PGA National who knew Frank, including Tim Rosaforte, who spent time with him recently.
