Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ian Baker-Finch

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

How Ian Baker-Finch built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ian Baker-Finch is a distinguished Australian professional golfer who achieved international fame by winning the 1991 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Throughout his career, he secured multiple victories on both the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the sport during the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond his playing days, Baker-Finch transitioned into a successful career as a respected golf commentator and analyst for CBS Sports, where he has become a familiar voice in televised professional golf. Despite facing well-documented challenges with his game during the mid-1990s, his resilience and enduring passion for the sport have solidified his legacy as a vital contributor to the game of golf, both on the course and in the broadcasting booth.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1979: Turned professional

In 1979, Ian Baker-Finch officially turned professional, marking the start of his career in professional golf. During this period, he drew significant inspiration from Jack Nicklaus, specifically utilizing the strategies presented in Nicklaus's book to develop his own playing style.

1983: First Professional Tournament Win at the New Zealand Open

In 1983, Ian Baker-Finch launched his professional golf career on the PGA Tour of Australasia by securing his maiden tournament victory at the New Zealand Open.

1984: Performance at The Open Championship

During the 1984 Open Championship, Baker-Finch gained significant media attention by leading for the first 36 and 54 holes; however, he faltered in the final round with a score of 79, ultimately finishing in ninth place.

1985: 1985 Scandinavian Enterprise Open Victory

In 1985, Ian Baker-Finch achieved a significant career milestone by winning the Scandinavian Enterprise Open and securing a top-20 finish on the European Tour's order of merit, while also competing in Australasia.

1985: PGA Tour Debut as Invitee

In 1985, Ian Baker-Finch made his first appearance on the PGA Tour, participating as an invitee.

1986: 1986 European Tour Success

Throughout 1986, Baker-Finch maintained his professional momentum by finishing in the top-20 of the European Tour's order of merit, complemented by ongoing competitive play in Australasia and the Japan Golf Tour.

1988: Qualification via World Series of Golf

In 1988, Baker-Finch finished third at the World Series of Golf, a performance that allowed him to qualify for full membership on the PGA Tour starting the following year.

1989: Full PGA Tour Membership and Colonial Victory

During 1989, Baker-Finch began competing regularly on the PGA Tour and secured his first tour victory at the Southwestern Bell Colonial, which earned him a two-year tour exemption.

1990: Successful PGA Tour Campaign

In 1990, Baker-Finch reached 16th place on the PGA Tour money list, bolstered by a strong season consisting of three runner-up finishes and two third-place finishes.

1991: Victory at The Open Championship

In 1991, Ian Baker-Finch achieved his most significant career milestone by winning The Open Championship, one of the most prestigious major titles in professional golf.

1992: Runner-up at The Players Championship and Australian victories

In 1992, Ian Baker-Finch secured a notable runner-up finish at The Players Championship while also achieving tournament victories in Australia, marking a period of success before his subsequent decline.

1993: Continued Australian Tour success

During 1993, Baker-Finch recorded additional tournament wins in Australia, which proved to be among the final highlights of his professional career before his form began to suffer.

1994: Final PGA Tour Top-10 Finish

In 1994, Ian Baker-Finch achieved his last top-10 result on the PGA Tour by finishing tied for 10th place at the Masters Tournament.

1995: The 1995 Open Championship Collapse

During the 1995 Open Championship held at St Andrews, Ian Baker-Finch experienced a significant psychological breakdown in his golf game. While playing alongside Arnold Palmer, he famously hooked his opening tee shot out-of-bounds. Throughout the remainder of 1995, he struggled immensely, failing to complete or qualify in every PGA Tour event he entered.

1996: Continued PGA Tour Struggles

In 1996, Ian Baker-Finch's professional performance remained in a state of collapse. As part of a streak spanning 1995 and 1996, he was unable to successfully complete any of the 29 PGA Tour events he participated in, either through missed cuts, withdrawals, or disqualifications.

1997: Withdrawal and Retirement from Tournament Golf

During the 1997 Open at Royal Troon, Ian Baker-Finch recorded an uncharacteristically poor score of 92 in the first round. Distraught by the performance, he withdrew from the championship and officially retired from professional tournament golf in 1997.

1998: Commencement of Broadcasting Career

In 1998, Ian Baker-Finch transitioned into a broadcasting role after his professional golf game declined, being hired by ESPN and ABC Sports to provide commentary for golf tournaments.

2001: Expiration of PGA Tour Exemption

The year 2001 marked the conclusion of Ian Baker-Finch's 10-year PGA Tour exemption, which had been granted to him following his previous victory at The Open Championship.

2003: Presidents Cup Captain's Assistant

Ian Baker-Finch served as Gary Player's captain's assistant for the International team during the 2003 Presidents Cup.

2005: Presidents Cup Captain's Assistant

In 2005, Ian Baker-Finch continued his involvement with the International team as Gary Player's captain's assistant for the Presidents Cup.

2006: End of ESPN and ABC Sports Tenure

The year 2006 marked the conclusion of Ian Baker-Finch's tenure providing commentary for ESPN and ABC Sports, where he had served as a lead analyst and hole announcer.

2007: Joining CBS Sports and Presidents Cup Role

In 2007, Baker-Finch was hired by CBS Sports as a hole announcer, and he also fulfilled duties as Gary Player's captain's assistant for the International team at the Presidents Cup.

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2013: Champions Tour Legends of Golf Victory

In 2013, Ian Baker-Finch made a notable return to competitive form by partnering with Bart Bryant to win the age 60 to 69 exhibition division at the Champions Tour Legends of Golf tournament.

August 3, 2025: Retirement from CBS Sports

On August 3, 2025, Ian Baker-Finch officially retired from his position as a hole announcer for CBS Sports, marking the end of a long career in broadcasting.