Golf legend confirms retirement from broadcasting after incredible 30-year run

Golf legend Ian Baker-Finch has today confirmed his retirement from broadcasting the sport after an incredible 30-year run in the industry. 

Baker-Finch, 64, has spent the last 19 years working for CBS Sports on their PGA Tour coverage.

But the 1991 Open champion will now be stepping away from his commentary duties after next month's Wyndham Championship, the final tournament of the regular PGA Tour season. 

The Wyndham Championship concludes on Sunday 3 August. 

CBS Sports posted a statement from Baker-Finch to confirm the news ahead of this week's 3M Open. 

Baker-Finch said of his retirement: 

After 19 incredible years as a golf analyst with CBS Sports and a remarkable 30-year journey in the industry, I am announcing my retirement from broadcasting. 

Golf has been an enormous part of my life. I was fortunate to compete against the best players in the game and more recently work with the very best in television. 

To my CBS Sports family—my teammates, producers, directors, and crew—thank you for your extraordinary talent, dedication, and camaraderie. You’ve made every moment in the booth a joy, transforming broadcasts into cherished memories. 

To my colleagues across the industry and golf fans around the world, your support and shared love for this game over these decades have meant everything. 

As I step away, I carry with me immense gratitude and pride for the moments we’ve shared on and off the course. 

Here’s to new adventures and the enduring love of golf.

With heartfelt thanks,

Ian 

Baker-Finch turned pro in 1979 and he played across a number of circuits including the PGA Tour, European Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and Japan Golf Tour.

The Australian went on to win twice on the PGA Tour with victories at the 1989 Southwestern Bell Colonial and his sole major title at the 1991 Open at Royal Birkdale. 

He also won the Scandinavian Enterprise Open on the European Tour in 1985, won 10 times on the PGA Tour of Australasia from 1983 through to 1993, as well as three times on the Japan PGA Tour. 

After his game appeared to leave him in the mid 90s, Baker-Finch turned his attentions to golf commentary, as well as golf course management. 

Baker-Finch first started out with ESPN and ABC Sports in 1998, before then moving over to CBS Sports in 2006. 

In 2007, he was hired as CBS' hole announcer, a position he still holds today. 

Baker-Finch also served as Gary Player's captain assistant at the Presidents Cup three separate times in 2003, 2005 and 2007. 

PGA Tour swing coach and former commenator Peter Kostis tweeted: "I'm not sure IBF got the credit he deserved for either his playing or broadcasting careers. 

"In my opinion, he was fantastic at both. 

"However, as good as he was at both of those, he was a better person and friend. 

"Enjoy what the future holds mate!"

CEO of CBS Sports David Berson commented: "As a major champion and a respected figure throughout his playing days and over three decades in broadcasting, Ian Baker-Finch has truly set himself apart as one of the most trusted voices in golf.

"With the news of his retirement, we’ll deeply miss the insight, warmth, and calm presence he brought to every broadcast. But we know his impact on the game will continue, well beyond the booth.

"Finchy will always remain a cherished part of the CBS Sports family. We’re incredibly grateful for his friendship, professionalism, and the countless contributions he’s made over the past 19 years."