Legendary Australian commentator calls time after three decades
The 64-year-old has become one of the voices of golf over a career spanning nearly three decades, which followed his highly successful playing days.
It's fitting that his last tournament commentating for CBS would be last week's Open Championship, given he won the event in 1991 — the sole major victory of his career.
'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,' Baker-Finch said in a statement.
'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.'
Baker-Finch has 17 professional tour wins to his name, including two each on the PGA Tour and European Tour.
He began his broadcasting career at ESPN in 1998 before moving to CBS in 2007, where he has been a mainstay alongside legendary names like Jim Nantz, Trevor Immelman and Verne Lundquist. Ian Baker-Finch won The Open in 1991. Credit: Stuart Kerr/R&A / R&A via Getty Images
'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,' Baker-Finch went on.
'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.'
CBS Sports CEO David Berson was the first to pay tribute to Baker-Finch.
'As a major champion during his successful playing career and over three decades in broadcasting, lan Baker-Finch distinguished himself as one of the most respected and trusted voices in golf,' Berson said.
'As he announces his retirement, we'll miss his passion, insight, warmth and steady presence on the air but know he will continue to make his mark across the world of golf.
'Finchy will always be part of the CBS Sports family, and we thank him for being an incredible teammate and friend, and for his immeasurable contributions the past 19 years at CBS.'
Immelman added: 'What a career! A world class golfer, broadcaster, and most importantly human being.
'I have been extremely fortunate to have had Finchy as a mentor and friend through the years.
'Enjoy your retirement and congrats on all your achievements, mate!'
Dottie Pepper, another longtime colleague of Baker-Finch's, said: 'Big brother, friend, mentor and teacher. Nothing but love and admiration for our teammate, Ian Baker-Finch. Congratulations, Finchy!'
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