The golf community was left stunned by the unexpected passing of Mark Carnevale, a former PGA Tour winner and beloved broadcaster, who died suddenly on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 64. Carnevale’s death came just a week after covering his final tournament, the Scottish Open, for PGA Tour Radio.
The PGA Tour did not give a cause for Carnevale’s passing, but said only that he died suddenly.
Carnevale’s journey in golf was one of perseverance and late-blooming success. After years of struggling on mini-tours and seven unsuccessful attempts at Q-School, he finally earned his PGA Tour card at age 32. In 1992, Carnevale claimed his sole PGA Tour victory at the Chattanooga Classic, a win that secured him Rookie of the Year honors.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan praised Carnevale’s contributions to the sport, stating, “Mark was a beloved part of the Tour family for a long time. He 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.”
Throughout his playing career, Carnevale competed in 212 PGA Tour events and made 66 Korn Ferry Tour starts. His best year came in 1997 when he finished second on the Korn Ferry Tour money list, securing another year of PGA Tour membership.
After retiring from competitive play, Carnevale seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting in 2005, becoming a respected voice for SiriusXM Radio’s PGA Tour coverage. Greg Hopfe, PGA Tour Entertainment senior vice president, remembered Carnevale as “a consummate professional, who was respected by the PGA Tour players he covered.”
Born into a sports-oriented family, Carnevale was the son of Ben Carnevale, a renowned college basketball coach. He played collegiate golf at James Madison University before embarking on his professional career.
Carnevale’s sudden death has left a void in the golf world. He was scheduled to cover the 3M Open in Minnesota this week, a testament to his ongoing dedication to the sport he loved.
He is survived by his four siblings and his partner, Liz Boudreaux. As the golf community mourns his loss, Carnevale will be remembered not just for his achievements on the course, but for his enduring passion for the game and his ability to share that passion with fans around the world.