A staple of PGA Tour golf coverage is calling it a career.
CBS golf analyst Ian Baker-Finch announced his retirement on Tuesday after a 30-year career covering the sport, the past 19 of which have been with CBS. Baker-Finch will call the final two PGA Tour tournaments on CBS Sports’ schedule, with his final call coming at the Wyndham Championship on August 3.
“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 wrote 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. 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.”
CBS Sports president David Berson released an accompanying statement with the announcement.
“As a major champion during his successful playing career and over three decades in broadcasting, Ian Baker-Finch distinguished himself as one of the most respected and trusted voices in golf. 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 incredibly teammate and friend, and for his immeasurable contributions the past 19 years at CBS.”
Baker-Finch’s retirement will leave another major hole for CBS to fill in its coverage of the Masters next season. Earlier this year, CBS replaced Verne Lundquist with Frank Nobilo at the iconic 16th hole at Augusta after Lundquist retired in 2024. Baker-Finch similarly served as a tower analyst for CBS Sports’ Masters telecasts. Mark Immelman and Colt Knost could be the front-runners to replace Baker-Finch in that role, having both served as on-course reporters for CBS for several years running.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.