This week’s PGA Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina served as his final event, with Sunday’s final round bringing his tenure with CBS to a close.
Baker-Finch, 64, has been a broadcaster for nearly 30 years, beginning his time talking about golf instead of playing it in 1998.
‘Congrats Finchy for 30 incredible years behind the microphone. You brought insight into things that the viewing audience could understand and relate to. From all of us – thanks for the memories,’ Woods said on social media.
Woods was not the only golf legend to pay tribute to the Australian, with Jack Nicklaus also doing so.
‘Ian has been great for the game of golf,’ Nicklaus said. ‘He was a good player with a wonderful personality, and he has been a great addition to the CBS golf broadcasts. We wish him well and congratulations.’
Living legend Tiger Woods is leading the tributes to retiring broadcaster Ian-Baker Finch
Baker-Finch (right) has been a golf broadcaster for nearly 30 years after his playing career
The climax of Baker-Finch’s playing career was winning the 1991 British Open, when he took home the claret jug at Royal Birkdale.
His other PGA Tour win came in 1989 at the Southwestern Bell Colonial, which is now played under the Charles Schwab Challenge moniker.
The end of Baker-Finch’s career was notoriously bad, missing the cut or withdrawing from 29 PGA events in 1995 and 1996 alone.
Baker-Finch endeared himself to golf fans after the collapse of his on-course form, staying with the game through many iconic moments in the 21st century.
One of golf’s stars from that time period alongside Woods, Jason Day, also paid tribute to Baker-Finch on his way out of the booth.
‘You have always been a bright spot in our game,’ Day said. ‘A champion both on and off the golf course. I always looked up to you and knew what you stood for — excellence and more important decency.’
‘I’ve always considered you my friend and just a great human being. Congrats on a great career. Thanks for your friendship, Finchy.’
