NEW YORK — Dan Hicks, NBC Sports Group’s longtime and critically-acclaimed golf and Olympic commentator, will join NBC Sports’ Notre Dame Football coverage this season as its lead play-by-play voice.

His first assignment comes Saturday when NBC Sports Network presents Notre Dame Football’s 84th Annual Blue-Gold Game at 1 p.m.

A versatile voice, Hicks is well-known for his coverage of high-profile events, such as the PGA TOUR, the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup, Olympic speed skating and Olympic swimming, which includes all of Michael Phelps’ 18 gold medal victories. Hicks also has significant football experience, having called NFL games in the 1990s for NBC’s AFC package. Earlier this year, he teamed with Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan for the AFC Wild Card game on NBC between the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals.

Hicks has Fighting Irish broadcasting experience as well, including filling in for Tom Hammond for one game in each of the last two seasons.

“Dan is a gifted commentator, and we wanted to find more high-profile opportunities to showcase his talents,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports & NBC Sports Network. “Coming off an undefeated regular season and a berth in the BCS Championship Game, Notre Dame Football provides a perfect platform.”

Hicks will continue to work as the lead commentator for NBC Sports Group’s live-event golf coverage, and will return for NBC’s Olympic coverage, including the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hicks succeeds Hammond, who has been the play-by-play voice for Notre Dame Football on NBC for most games dating back to 1992. Renowned for his work on the Olympics and horse racing, Hammond recently agreed to a new multi-year deal. He will continue to be the lead voice for three of NBC Sports Group’s most prestigious properties: Triple Crown horse racing; figure skating, including at the 2014 Sochi Olympics; and track & field, including at the 2016 Rio Olympics.