The Smylie Show
The Smylie Show
The Smylie Show
255: Ian Baker-Finch: Reflections on a Remarkable Golf & Broadcasting Career
56 minutes Posted Aug 13, 2025 at 9:00 am.
Intro
Ian's broadcasting career and final sign-off
Career Highlights
Transition from playing to broadcasting
The influence of Jack Nicklaus and early inspirations
Evolution of golf instruction
Challenges Ian's faced
Reflections on the Open Championship win
The mental and physical toll of professional golf
Transition to broadcasting and finding new purpose
The future of golf in Australia and global opportunities
Closing thoughts and Ian's book release
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Show notes
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
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Big thanks to AHEAD for their support!
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