Iain Carter to step down as BBC golf correspondent – but 5 Live commentary will continue

Iain Carter is stepping down as the BBC’s golf correspondent after 23 years in the role, but he will continue to be a prominent voice on the corporation’s golf coverage.

The veteran broadcaster will leave his permanent BBC staff position at the end of September after 38 years with the organisation. However, he will remain with the BBC on a freelance basis as chief golf gommentator, continuing to lead 5 Live’s golf commentary.

That means BBC listeners can still expect to hear Carter at the biggest events in the golfing calendar, including The Masters, The Open, Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.

Carter confirmed the decision on Friday, making clear that he does not view the move as retirement.

His career with the BBC began in 1988 at Radio Leicester, before he went on to become the corporation’s tennis correspondent between 1999 and 2003. He has served as golf correspondent since 2003, becoming one of the most recognisable voices in British golf broadcasting.

The BBC has praised Carter’s contribution, describing him as one of its most respected golf broadcasters and confirming that he will continue to provide commentary for 5 Live and World Service Sport.

Fellow radio presenter and TV host Dan Walker posted on X: "I have loved listening to you for years on so many sports. You have described so many brilliant moments so well." 

Two-time European Tour winner Oliver Wilson, who has recently worked with Carter for 5 Live, commented: "Congrats coach! It’s been an incredible stint you’ve done. Loved working with you on both sides of the ropes." 

The change does, however, leave a question mark over who will take on the BBC’s golf correspondent position.

No replacement has yet been announced, although Carter’s departure comes as BBC Sport continues to place greater emphasis on journalists who can work across radio, television and digital platforms.

There are similarities with the way the corporation handled the departure of Jonathan Agnew as cricket correspondent in 2024. Agnew stepped away from his permanent correspondent role but remained a leading commentator on Test Match Special.

Carter appears set to follow a similar path.

While his 23-year spell as the BBC’s golf correspondent is coming to an end, his voice will remain part of the corporation’s coverage of the sport’s biggest occasions.

For golf fans, that means this is not quite goodbye. Carter is simply changing his BBC role – and his familiar commentary will continue to be heard on 5 Live.