Golf fans tip caps to Ian Baker-Finch who steps away from 30-year broadcasting career on PGA Tour

PGA Tour fans are paying their respects to Ian Baker-Finch, who is retiring from his 30-year career as a broadcaster at the Wyndham Championship this weekend. 

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

The 1991 Open champion this weekend called the action from the Wyndham Championship for one last time on the PGA Tour. 

The 2025 Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club marks the final tournament of the regular PGA Tour season.

Cameron Young holds a commanding five-shot lead heading into the final round as the big-hitting American looks to finally win his first PGA Tour title having chalked up seven runner-up finishes down the years. 

The PGA Tour posted a message of thanks to Baker-Finch ahead of the final round on social media.

"A farewell to a legend," the PGA Tour social media team wrote with a video, which you can watch below. 

"From the course to the booth, Ian Baker-Finch closes the chapter on an incredible career spanning nearly five decades."

Golf fans have been paying their respects to the work of Baker-Finch as a golfer and broadcaster in the below thread. 

Ahead of this week's Wyndham Championship, Baker-Finch spoke about his final week of calling PGA Tour action. 

Watch his comments here: 

Last month when Baker-Finch confirmed his retirement, he wrote on social media: 

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!"

Frank Nobilo, who worked with Baker-Finch on CBS, wrote: "I first met Ian when we were teenagers. It’s one thing to excel in one career he did it in two."