Golfing world's top figure, Tiger Woods, joins peers in responding to the final broadcast of Ian Baker-Finch, a well-known broadcaster in golf.
Ian Baker-Finch Bids Farewell to Broadcasting After Three Decades
Ian Baker-Finch, a renowned figure in the world of golf, has announced his retirement from broadcasting, bringing down the curtain on a three-decade career in the industry. The retirement was announced last month, ahead of Baker-Finch's farewell stint behind the microphone, which came in the final round of the Wyndham Championship.
Baker-Finch's career highlights and achievements span both an accomplished playing career and a notable broadcasting career. As a professional golfer, he won 17 tournaments worldwide, with his most prestigious victory being the 1991 Open Championship, which remains the sole major title of his playing career. He also secured two wins each on the PGA Tour and the European Tour. However, within a few years after his Open Championship win, his playing performance declined, with his last professional win occurring at the 1993 Australian PGA Championship.
Transitioning to broadcast, Baker-Finch launched his media career in 1998 at ESPN. He later became the lead analyst on ESPN and hole announcer on ABC Sports, stepping in as lead analyst where necessary. In 2007, he joined CBS Sports as an analyst, a role he held until his retirement. During his tenure at CBS Sports, he contributed to coverage of the PGA Tour and major championships such as The Masters, PGA Championship, and The Open.
Baker-Finch was widely respected for bringing insightful commentary that resonated with golf audiences. He worked alongside notable broadcasters like Jim Nantz and Verne Lundquist and became one of the iconic voices of golf. His retirement was marked by warm words from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who stated that his contributions have helped elevate the sport and enrich its storytelling.
Colleagues at CBS Sports, Dottie Pepper and Colt Knost, also expressed their sentiments on his retirement. Pepper wrote, "Class personified. We're going to miss you, Ian Baker-Finch," while Knost wrote, "End of an era! Congrats to the great Ian Baker-Finch on an incredible career!" Tiger Woods also congratulated Baker-Finch on his 30 years behind the microphone, praising his ability to bring insight that the audience could understand and relate to.
To commemorate Baker-Finch's career, the PGA Tour released a video showing not just memorable moments from his career as a broadcaster, but also playing highlights. The video was released on August 3, 2025, the same day Tiger Woods posted his message of congratulations to Baker-Finch.
As Baker-Finch steps away from the world of golf broadcasting, he leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, kindness, and deep knowledge of the game. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on the sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
[1] PGA Tour. (n.d.). Ian Baker-Finch. Retrieved from https://www.pgatour.com/player/ian-baker-finch.html
[2] Golf Channel. (2025, August 3). Ian Baker-Finch announces retirement from broadcasting. Retrieved from https://www.golfchannel.com/news/ian-baker-finch-announces-retirement-broadcasting
[3] ESPN. (2025, August 3). Ian Baker-Finch retires from broadcasting after 30 years. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/33943453/ian-baker-finch-retires-broadcasting-after-30-years
[4] BBC Sport. (n.d.). Ian Baker-Finch. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/players/ian_baker-finch
[5] Golf Digest. (2025, August 3). Ian Baker-Finch retires from broadcasting after 30 years. Retrieved from https://www.golfdigest.com/story/ian-baker-finch-retires-from-broadcasting-after-30-years
Ian Baker-Finch, a distinguished golf professional, not only shone on the greens but also as a respected voice in golf broadcasting, having clinched a prestigious major title, the 1991 Open Championship, during his playing career.
In retirement, Baker-Finch leaves a remarkable legacy as one of the iconic voices of golf, whose insightful commentary significantly contributed to the sport's storytelling.
