255: Ian Baker-Finch: Reflections on a Remarkable Golf & Broadcasting Career
Update: 2025-08-13
Description
Smylie Kaufman is joined by Ian Baker-Finch - a beloved golf broadcaster who signed off on an emotional CBS broadcast for the final time at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. Ian takes us through his golf journey - from an early TOUR win at Colonial, to his 1991 Open Championship triumph, the struggles that followed, and finding a fulfilling second act in the broadcast booth.
Smylie and Ian also trade thoughts on the modern game, from the progression in golf instruction and the way Ian used to create his own yardage books, to the complexity of the modern game - and whether some of that is unnecessary. Ian also shares his insights on the future of golf in Australia, emphasizing the importance of creating more global opportunities for players.
Check out his book, "Ian Baker-Finch: To Hell and Back," here: https://www.amazon.com/Ian-Baker-Finch-Hell-Geoff-Saunders/dp/1761451642/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
3:00 - Ian's broadcasting career and final sign-off
5:30 - Career Highlights
10:45 - Transition from playing to broadcasting
15:20 - The influence of Jack Nicklaus and early inspirations
20:00 - Evolution of golf instruction
25:40 - Challenges Ian's faced
30:15 - Reflections on the Open Championship win
35:50 - The mental and physical toll of professional golf
40:30 - Transition to broadcasting and finding new purpose
45:00 - The future of golf in Australia and global opportunities
50:20 - Closing thoughts and Ian's book release
#AHEADpartner #golf #pgatour #golfhighlights #justinrose #jjspaun #tommyfleetwood #smylieshow #smylie #fedexcup #rydercup
Big thanks to AHEAD for their support!
Check AHEAD out here: https://www.ahead.com/
Smylie and Ian also trade thoughts on the modern game, from the progression in golf instruction and the way Ian used to create his own yardage books, to the complexity of the modern game - and whether some of that is unnecessary. Ian also shares his insights on the future of golf in Australia, emphasizing the importance of creating more global opportunities for players.
Check out his book, "Ian Baker-Finch: To Hell and Back," here: https://www.amazon.com/Ian-Baker-Finch-Hell-Geoff-Saunders/dp/1761451642/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
3:00 - Ian's broadcasting career and final sign-off
5:30 - Career Highlights
10:45 - Transition from playing to broadcasting
15:20 - The influence of Jack Nicklaus and early inspirations
20:00 - Evolution of golf instruction
25:40 - Challenges Ian's faced
30:15 - Reflections on the Open Championship win
35:50 - The mental and physical toll of professional golf
40:30 - Transition to broadcasting and finding new purpose
45:00 - The future of golf in Australia and global opportunities
50:20 - Closing thoughts and Ian's book release
#AHEADpartner #golf #pgatour #golfhighlights #justinrose #jjspaun #tommyfleetwood #smylieshow #smylie #fedexcup #rydercup
Big thanks to AHEAD for their support!
Check AHEAD out here: https://www.ahead.com/
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