Ian Baker-Finch received plenty of praise as he retired from his TV gig, with Tiger Woods joining the chorus, too.
In case you were wondering the sort of impact Ian Baker-Finch had on the golfers he covered for 30 years, his departure prompted Tiger Woods to make a rare statement.
Baker-Finch made the somewhat surprising announcement recently that he was retiring from his on-course broadcasting work. The former Open Championship winner carved out a very successful broadcasting career with the last 19 years coming as a staple of CBS Sports’ coverage of the PGA Tour.
Ultimately, though, he decided to walk away to spend more time with his family. While he noted in an appearance recently on Golf Channel that he and the network couldn’t come to terms on a new contract, he also said he knew it was time to do other things.
Ian Baker-Finch Opens Up About Retirement Decision
“I always knew that I’d know when I felt like it was the right time,” he said on “Golf Central” ahead of the tournament. “I’ve been mulling over the decision for quite a while now this year. My contract was up, I know I’d love to stay in so many ways … this year was my 41st time at those events 9(Masters, RBC Heritage, etc.) as a player and announcer and I said ‘You know, that’s too long.’ There’s other things to be done. I’ve lost a few friends, unfortunately, rest their souls, and I’m 65 at the end of the year and figured it was a good time to step away and go do something else.”
IBF’s final appearance came at the Wyndham Championship where he was showered with the praise and admiration he’s earned after a wonderful run in golf media. He has been synonymous with some of the game’s biggest tournaments and moments, and his passion for the sport mixed with high-level knowledge made him a comforting, entertaining piece of the golf-watching experience for three decades.
Tiger Woods Praises Ian Baker-Finch for 30 Years of Memories
Woods acknowledged as much with a farewell message as Baker-Finch’s career came to a close.
“Congrats Finchy for 30 incredible years behind the microphone,” Woods said in a tweet during the final round. “You brought insight into things that the viewing audience could understand and relate to. From all of us – thanks for the memories.”
While recovering from yet another injury, Woods has largely stayed quiet. The 15-time major champion has tweeted just three times for something other than a partnership or sponsorship since April. The first was to congratulate Rory McIlroy on the career grand slam, the second was to welcome Brian Rolapp as the Tour’s new CEO and the third was to give IBF his flowers.
Woods’ message was just part of the well-deserved sendoff. CBS celebrated Baker-Finch during Cameron Young’s runaway win Sunday, giving his coworkers time to wish him the best. Frank Nobilo, Trevor Immelman and Jim Nantz all spoke emotionally about their respect for their teammate.
“Whatever you think of Ian Baker Finch being in your home the last 30 years,” Nantz said to close the segment, “and I know it’s a great feeling having him as a friend from far away whatever you thought of him from far away, it’s 10 times better.”
Mike Cole Mike Cole covers professional golf for Heavy.com. He previously worked at NESN where he covered Boston sports (and much more) for 15 years. More about Mike Cole
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