Tiger Woods leads tributes to legendary golf commentator: "Thanks for the memories"

Tiger Woods led the tributes to former Open champion Ian Baker-Finch as he signed off from CBS. 

Baker-Finch announced in late July he had taken the decision to retire from broadcasting to pursue 'new adventures'. 

The Australian has spent the last 19 years working for CBS Sports on their PGA Tour coverage. 

He brought his broadcasting career to a close on Sunday at the Wyndham Championship. 

The 1991 Claret Jug winner called Cameron Young's emotional victory at Sedgefield Country Club, choking back tears. 

"It's now been 30 years I've been doing the television," he said. 

"I think Colt says it all the time, no one loves the game more than Finchy, and I do, I really love it.

"And I love the team here, it's not just a team, it’s not just a network, it's a family here at CBS, and I'll miss everybody.

"I really will miss calling those moments to the fans at home because the fans are what we're here for. 

"We're here for you, we're here to entertain you. It's been a great run, though, it's overwhelming."

Hall of famers Woods and Jack Nicklaus were among the notables to pay tribute to Baker-Finch.

"Congrats Finchy for 30 incredible years behind the microphone," Woods wrote on social media. 

"You brought insight into things that the viewing audience could understand and relate to. 

"From all of us - thanks for the memories."

Nicklaus said: "Ian has been great for the game of golf. He was a good player with a wonderful personality, and he has been a great addition to the CBS golf broadcasts. We wish him well and congratulations."

Former World No.1 Jason Day said Baker-Finch was a champion on and off the course.

"I always looked up to you and knew what you stood for -- excellence and more important decency," Day said. 

"I've always considered you my friend and just a great human being. Congrats on a great career. Thanks for your friendship, Finchy."

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Who is Ian Baker-Finch?

Baker-Finch turned professional in 1979 and played across a number of major tours. 

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. 

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 commentator 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."