Amanda Balionis and Tiger Woods congratulated legendary CBS Golf commentator Ian Baker-Finch after he announced that his broadcasting career would end on Sunday
Tiger Woods sent a farewell message to CBS Sports golf announcer Ian Baker-Finch(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Ian Baker-Finch wrapped up his broadcasting career on Sunday, and both Tiger Woods and Amanda Balionis sent him an emotional message as the Wyndham Championship drew to a close.
Baker-Finch had a successful 18-year professional golf career and transitioned into broadcasting in 1998. After starting at ESPN and ABC Sports, he moved to CBS Sports in 2007 and became one of the most popular announcers in PGA Tour history.
Balionis has also become a fan favorite on CBS, but she is expected to juggle an NFL role next season while continuing her golfing commitments. Balionis will cover select NFL games for CBS, but on Sunday, she issued an emotional farewell to Baker-Finch, with whom she has formed a strong relationship over the years. It comes after we revealed Woods’ brutal 3-word statement to a security guard after he was denied entry to The Open.
“Ian, we are all going to miss you so much,” Balionis said as CBS aired a farewell segment during the final round of the Wyndham Championship. “From the moment I started with this team, you have led with so much kindness and compassion.
“I’m also going to miss the dad jokes. But most of all, I’m going to miss every Saturday and Sunday knowing I can count on seeing you and your smiling face and bringing so much joy to our entire crew.”
Baker-Finch has narrated several iconic wins during his 30-year announcing career, most notably in 2019 when Tiger Woods defied the odds and won another Masters. Baker-Finch was also behind the microphone when fellow Australian Adam Scott won at Augusta National in 2013.
"Most of all, I'm going to miss every Saturday and Sunday knowing I can count on seeing you and your smiling face"
A heartfelt message from Amanda Balionis to Ian Baker-Finch ahead of his retirement 😊 pic.twitter.com/3UcPFDDUnP
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) August 3, 2025
Woods, a golfing icon, also sent a message celebrating Baker-Finch’s career. “Congrats Finchy for 30 incredible years behind the microphone,” Woods wrote on social media.
“You brought insight into things that the viewing audience could understand and relate to. From all of us – thanks for the memories.”
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan also issued a statement, writing: “Ian Baker-Finch has been a cherished voice in golf for nearly three decades, bringing insight, connection, and a deep love for the game to millions of fans.
“From his triumph at The Open Championship to his remarkable work with CBS Sports, Ian’s contributions have helped elevate the sport and enrich its storytelling. On behalf of the PGA TOUR, congratulations, Ian, on your retirement and thank you for your enduring impact on the game. We wish you and your family all the best.”
We hope you've had the time of your life, Finchy. ❤️
Thank you for the last 19 years of brilliance. pic.twitter.com/ox9BZh0f9r
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) August 3, 2025
When asked to reflect on his broadcasting career, Baker-Finch said: “There are so many moments. The time spent with my colleagues, my family at CBS, and even before that with ABC, ESPN, and the networks back home in Australia – that’s what stays with you.
“The friendships. The camaraderie. Of course, the tournaments – Adam’s Masters, Jason’s PGA Championship, Tiger’s comeback, Rory’s win this year—those are unforgettable. But it’s the shared experiences with the people you work with that really linger.”
Baker-Finch may be stepping away from the booth, but he won’t retire completely. The 64-year-old is set to enter the next chapter of his golfing career with plans to design courses.
“I’ll still be involved, just at a different pace,” he confirmed. “I’m excited for more design work. That’s always been in my blood.”
