After three decades of narrating some of golf’s most iconic moments, beloved commentator and 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch is retiring from broadcasting. The 64-year-old Australian made his final call for CBS Sports at the Wyndham Championship, concluding a distinguished 19-year tenure with the network and a 30-year career in television.
Baker-Finch’s decision to step away from the microphone was one he began contemplating last year. He noted that the 2024 Masters marked his 40th year attending the event as either a player or announcer, prompting him to consider his next chapter. “I don’t ever want to get to the point where the producer and the team have to sort of legacy protect, if you will,” he explained, expressing a desire to retire while still at the top of his game. The move will grant him an additional 23 weekends at home each year to spend with his wife, Jenny, and their family.
PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan praised Baker-Finch’s impact on the sport. “Ian Baker-Finch has been a cherished voice in golf for nearly three decades, bringing insight, connection and a deep love for the game to millions of fans,” Monahan said in a statement. “On behalf of the PGA TOUR, congratulations, Ian, on your retirement, and thank you for your enduring impact on the game.”
Baker-Finch’s journey into broadcasting was born from one of golf’s most well-documented slumps. After turning professional in 1979, he achieved the pinnacle of the sport by winning The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in 1991. However, just a few years later, his game began to unravel. The decline culminated in a heartbreaking moment at the 1997 Open at Royal Troon, where he shot a 92 in the opening round and withdrew. He later called it a “sliding door moment” that led him to his second act in television.
He began his broadcasting career in his native Australia before joining ESPN and ABC Sports in the U.S. In 2007, he moved to CBS Sports, where his warm demeanor and insightful analysis made him a fan favorite. His colleagues lauded his kindness and professionalism. “Everything Finchy said had meaning and purpose,” said Sellers Shy, CBS executive producer of golf. Longtime broadcast partner Jim Nantz added, “Everyone loves Ian. His genuine kindness always shone through.”
Over the years, Baker-Finch provided the soundtrack to numerous historic victories, including Tiger Woods’ comeback win at the 2019 Masters. Perhaps his most memorable call came during the 2013 Masters when fellow Australian Adam Scott won, prompting Baker-Finch to famously declare, “From Down Under to on top of the world, Jim.”
During an emotional on-air farewell, Baker-Finch reflected on his career with tears in his eyes. “I love it, I love the game,” he said. “It’s not just a team, it’s not just a network, it’s a family here at CBS, and I’ll miss everybody.”
Retirement, however, is not a farewell to golf. Baker-Finch plans to dedicate more time to another lifelong passion: golf course design. This interest traces back to his childhood in Queensland, where he helped his father and other local farmers build their community course. “I’ve always been fascinated by course design,” he said. “It’s something I’d love to do more of.”
Alongside design work and spending more time with his family, he will continue to serve as chairman of the board of the PGA of Australia. While his voice will be missed on the airwaves, Ian Baker-Finch is not leaving the game he loves but simply turning the page to a new, more personal chapter.
