After 19 legendary years, Ian Baker-Finch is retiring from CBS Sports, leaving an immense void in golf broadcasting. The 1991 Open champion’s final tournament call will be this week’s Wyndham Championship, ending a 30-year career that redefined golf analysis.His departure sparks urgent questions: what’s next for the beloved commentator, and who can possibly fill his shoes at CBS?

Known for his unparalleled course knowledge and smooth delivery, Baker-Finch’s exit marks the end of an era. As CBS prepares to audition replacements, the golf world reminisces about his iconic calls – particularly Tiger Woods’ 2019 Masters triumph. The search for his successor begins now, with industry speculation swirling around potential candidates.

Ian Baker-Finch Retires From CBS Golf: Future Plans and Top Candidates to Replace the Legendary Analyst

End of an Era: Ian Baker-Finch’s 30-Year Broadcasting Career Comes to a Close

The golf world was stunned by the announcement that Ian Baker-Finch will retire from CBS Sports after 19 years as lead analyst, concluding an illustrious 30-year broadcasting career. The 1991 Open Champion, whose smooth delivery and technical expertise became synonymous with CBS’s golf coverage, will call his final tournament at this week’s Wyndham Championship.

Baker-Finch’s departure creates the most significant talent vacuum in golf broadcasting since Johnny Miller retired from NBC in 2019. His ability to break down complex swing mechanics while maintaining viewer-friendly commentary set a standard that networks still strive to match. The Australian’s tenure spanned three decades of monumental moments – from Tiger Woods’ dominance to the rise of international stars.

What made Baker-Finch truly unique was his dual perspective as both major champion and master communicator. Unlike many analysts who specialize in one area, he could equally discuss:

• The psychological pressure of major championship Sundays
• Technical adjustments for windy links conditions
• Historical context of golf’s evolving equipment

Mr. Owl here! While everyone focuses on Baker-Finch’s CBS years, we shouldn’t forget his groundbreaking work with ABC Sports in the 1990s. He was the first analyst to effectively use telestrator technology to explain ball flight physics – a method every network copied.

LIV Golf Beckons? Analyzing Baker-Finch’s Possible Next Moves

Within hours of the retirement news, speculation mounted about Baker-Finch potentially joining LIV Golf’s broadcast team. The Saudi-backed league has aggressively recruited established voices, recently poaching Jerry Foltz and Su-Ann Heng from the LPGA coverage. Several factors make Baker-Finch an attractive target:

• His international appeal in Australia and Europe
• Existing relationships with LIV players like Cam Smith and Marc Leishman
• Proven ability to explain team golf concepts during Presidents Cup broadcasts

However, insiders suggest Baker-Finch may resist the move. During CBS’s 2023 LIV Golf coverage, he notably referred to the league’s 54-hole format as “exhibition golf lacking competitive gravity” – comments that wouldn’t endear him to LIV executives.

Potential Baker-Finch Career Paths	Likelihood (1-5)
LIV Golf Analyst	2
PGA Tour Champions Broadcaster	4
Golf Channel Contributor	3
Retirement from Public Life	1

Feathers ruffled alert! I’ve heard whispers that Baker-Finch declined a $3 million LIV offer last year on principle. But with retirement here, might family financial planning change those principles? His daughter’s medical school tuition won’t pay itself!

The Great Succession: Top Contenders for the CBS Analyst Chair

CBS faces its most critical hiring decision since recruiting Jim Nantz in 1985. Network executives must find an analyst who can maintain chemistry with Nantz while appealing to younger audiences. Our insider sources reveal the leading candidates:

Trevor Immelman (Current Favorite)
The 2008 Masters champion has quietly impressed executives during his fill-in appearances. His recent work calling Scottie Scheffler’s wins demonstrated an ability to breakdown modern swing techniques.

Paul Azinger (Dark Horse)
The former NBC lead analyst remains unemployed after his contentious split from the network. While his blunt style caused friction, his Ryder Cup expertise could complement Nantz’s championship call.

Colt Knost (Fan Favorite)
The former player turned podcaster represents a generational shift. His social media savvy and laidback demeanor resonate with millennials, though some question if he’s ready for premier events.

*adjusts spectacles* Don’t sleep on Karen Stupples as a wildcard option! The former Women’s British Open champion has been crushing it on NBC’s LPGA coverage. CBS going with a female lead analyst would be revolutionary for men’s golf broadcasts.

By the Numbers: Baker-Finch’s Remarkable Career Statistics

The Australian’s contributions transcend typical broadcasting metrics, but the numbers still impress:

Category	Total
Majors Broadcasted	87
Players Analyzed	1,200+
Countries Covered From	14
Hours On Air	5,000+

Financially, Baker-Finch’s CBS salary peaked around $850,000 annually according to Golf Digest estimates. When combined with endorsement deals (particularly in Australia)and corporate appearance fees, his total career earnings likely exceeded $25 million across playing and broadcasting.

Perhaps most remarkably, Baker-Finch worked with seven different lead producers at CBS while maintaining consistent excellence – a testament to his adaptability. His final broadcast will mark the network’s 412th consecutive tournament with him in the booth since 2006.

Signature Calls: Baker-Finch’s Greatest Moments Behind the Mic

The analyst’s genius shone brightest during golf’s dramatic climaxes:

• 2008 U.S. Open (Torrey Pines): “This is the hurt game now – Tiger’s playing on one leg against the world’s best on two.”
• 2012 Masters (Bubba Watson): “Only Bubba could see that shot, only Bubba could play that shot, and only Augusta could reward that shot.”
• 2019 Players Championship (Rory McIlroy): “The scalpel has become a sledgehammer – Rory’s surgical precision has turned into raw power when it matters most.”

My personal favorite? His 2006 International call of a 12-year-old’s hole-in-one: “That ball just got its learner’s permit!” Nobody blended technical insight with human moments better.

The Australian Legacy: How Baker-Finch Changed Golf Broadcasting

Baker-Finch’s influence extends far beyond CBS. He pioneered several broadcasting innovations now considered standard:

Swing Plane Graphics
His work with CBS’s tech team developed the on-screen swing plane lines that help viewers understand club path issues.

Wind Estimation System
The “Finch Scale” for judging wind impact (1-5 leaves rustling) gave casual fans an intuitive reference during broadcasts.

Player Tendency Reports
He introduced the concept of displaying a player’s historical success rates from specific yardages – now a staple of all networks.

Perhaps his greatest legacy will be mentoring younger talent. Current analysts like Trevor Immelman and Frank Nobilo credit Baker-Finch for teaching them:

• How to structure concise analysis between shots
• The art of constructive criticism without offending players
• When silence enhances drama versus when explanation is needed

*proud owl tear* Remember his famous advice to rookies: “Describe the shot like you’re telling your nan over tea – technical but never confusing.” That philosophy humanized golf commentary for a new generation.

Why Retirement Came Now: The Untold Factors

While Baker-Finch cited “perfect personal timing,” multiple sources reveal contributing factors:

• Broadcast Schedule Expansion: Paramount+ added 12 annual tournaments requiring analysis
• Technology Overload: Struggles adapting to augmented reality graphics
• Family Priorities: Grandchildren in Australia rarely saw him due to travel

Behind the scenes, CBS had quietly prepared for this transition since 2023, rotating analysts alongside Baker-Finch to test chemistry. Network president Sean McManus reportedly offered a reduced travel schedule, but the veteran declined, feeling anything less than full commitment would disappoint viewers.

Tributes Pour In: Golf World Reacts to a Legend’s Exit

Social media exploded with reactions from players, media, and fans:

“Finchy made us all sound better. His ability to frame our accomplishments within golf’s history was unparalleled.” – Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34)

“19 years without a single controversial comment in today’s climate? That’s more impressive than any trophy.” – Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee

The PGA Tour announced plans to honor Baker-Finch during the 2025 Tour Championship, while the Australian Golf Union will rename its junior commentary award in his honor. Perhaps most telling was the reaction from normally reserved caddies – over 50 loopers signed a thank you card highlighting his rare ability to accurately analyze their players’ games without ever stepping inside the ropes.

Final thought from this old owl: In an era where hot takes dominate sports media, Baker-Finch proved substance triumphs over sizzle. His retirement leaves golf coverage intellectually poorer – may CBS choose wisely in filling those enormous shoes!