In 2025, there has been a lot of retirement talk. Rory McIlroy set himself to retire before fifty. There is a lot of speculation that it is time for Tiger Woods to step aside and give himself some time to rest, after being called the most underachieving golfer. Recently, however, it was announced that another legend in the sport is stepping aside from his role after 19 years. He was a former Open champion, but he is much more known for his role in sports broadcasting. It was announced that Ian Baker-Finch will be leaving CBS at the end of the 2025 season and will continue his life in retirement.
Ian Baker-Finch’s Career
Although today Finch is best known for his broadcasting career, he started out as a pro golfer from Australia back in 1979 when he went pro. He played in 167 PGA Tour events, made 92 cuts, and made the top ten 23 times. He only has two PGA victories under his belt, including the 1989 Southwestern Bell Colonial, but also the 1991 Open Championship. Throughout the nineties, he started falling behind in the sport. Against his wishes, he decided it was time to retire from tournaments in 1997. He wouldn’t compete again until 2013 when he entered the Champions Tour, but would occasionally join a tournament.
His broadcasting career officially began in 1998 when ESPN and ABC brought him on. Starting out as a commentator, Finch would work for the two for the next eight years. He was a hole announcer for ABC, and a lead analyst for ESPN. Although Finch was also an occasional lead analyst for ABC until he left in 2007. That was when he was hired by CBS, where he will stay until he officially retires.
An official announcement was made on the official CBS Sports PR Twitter account. The announcement also mentioned that Finch’s last broadcast will be at the Wyndham Championship in August in just under two weeks. The comments which is filled with fans and colleagues wishing him the best of luck in the years to come.
After Retirement
Ian Baker-Finch has left a massive impact on broadcasting for golf. He became one of the most trusted voices in his field. Finch looks back on his broadcasting career and feels a sense of pride in what he has done.
“As I step away, I carry with me immense gratitude and pride for the moments we’ve shared on and off the course,” Baker-Finch said. “Here’s to new adventures and the enduring love of golf.”
David Berson, the president and CEO of CBS Sports, had this to say about Finch’s departure.
“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 over the past 19 years at CBS.”
With Finch leaving at the end of the season, he has left some big shoes to fill. It will be incredibly difficult to find someone who can fit them the same way that Finch has. For now, though, his friends and colleagues are wishing him the best as he leaves for a much-deserved retirement.
Main Photo Credit: © Michael Madrid-Imagn Images
