Many ex golfers and sports-people go into broadcasting at some point in their career but few have carved out a career in media quite like Ian Baker-Finch.
Known best for winning The Open in 1991, Baker-Finch retired from golf in 1997 before going into the broadcasting booth to chance his arm full-time after already appearing from time to time.
Now, some 30 years down the line, Baker-Finch is once again trending in the world of golf as he steps away from those media duties for the final time.
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Now aged 64, Baker-Finch has decided to move on from Golf on CBS and his final broadcast will be the final round of the Wyndham Championship.
However, while Baker-Finch will be fondly remembered for winning The Open and then carving out his career in golf media, the man himself will want to firmly forget his last ever professional PGA Tour round.
How Ian Baker-Finch suffered disaster on his final round on the PGA Tour
Many golfers who decide to retire from the game of golf will dream of bowing out on their terms and hope for that one final walk up 18 to a rousing crowd reception.
However, for Ian Baker-Finch, things couldn’t have gone much worse on his final hurrah.
Opting to play in the 1997 Open at Royal Troon, Baker-Finch hadn’t made a cut in any major for the last two seasons, with his last actual result in a major being a T10 in 1994.
The writing might have already been on the wall but Baker-Finch suffered the ultimate embarrassment.
The former Open winner posted an opening round score of 92 at Troon, a huge score that put him into double digits over par after day one.
Devastated by his performance, Baker-Finch decided to withdraw from the tournament completely, making the decision after an emotional outpouring he admitted to experiencing in the locker rooms.
As far as final appearances go for a major winning player, this was bad as it could have got.
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The golf world pays tribute to Ian Baker-Finch as he steps away from 30-year broadcast career
Of course, while Baker-Finch’s playing career didn’t finish as he’d planned, he won’t be having the same experience as he steps away from the booth.
The respect for the man is clear and there’s been an outpouring of heartfelt posts and words on social media towards him.
One of those to sing his praises was fellow golf analyst Colt Knost.
Furthermore, the PGA Tour’s official channel even took time out to wish Baker-Finch well, as they posted a nice three minute tribute video to one of the best.
Clearly, this is a man who is well loved across the sport and after nearly 50 years within the game, he’s more than earned a break!
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