255: Ian Baker-Finch: Reflections on a Remarkable Golf & Broadcasting Career

255: Ian Baker-Finch: Reflections on a Remarkable Golf & Broadcasting Career

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/

Episoder(274)

Open Championship Round 4 Recap: Brian Harman wins his first major

Open Championship Round 4 Recap: Brian Harman wins his first major

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the final day of play at the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, where Brian Harman put the finishing touches on his first major win. Harman becomes just the sixth American to win the Open by 6+ shots, along with Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, and Tiger Woods. Smylie and Charlie also discuss a Team USA Ryder Cup picture that looks even more crowded with Harman now on the team as an automatic qualifier.

23 Jul 202315min

Open Championship Round 3 Recap: Rahm sets course record, Harman retains lead

Open Championship Round 3 Recap: Rahm sets course record, Harman retains lead

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the third day of play at the year's final major, the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. Jon Rahm shot a course-record 63 to move into third place, but Brian Harman held steady to keep his five-shot lead heading into the final round of the Open. Smylie discusses the weather we're expecting for Sunday, the player in the chasing pack he expects to make a run at Harman, and Min Woo Lee's relationship with the fans.

22 Jul 202314min

Open Championship Round 2 Recap: Harman gets hot

Open Championship Round 2 Recap: Harman gets hot

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the second day of play at the year's final major, the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. Brian Harman laps the field with a bogey-free 65 that gives him a five-shot lead heading into the weekend. Smylie gives insight on the two groups he followed today, Rory McIlroy's group and Jordan Spieth's group, and gives his report on the debacle he witnessed at 17 for Matt Fitzpatrick. Charlie has an unfortunate report about the Thursday Night Men's League result.

21 Jul 202327min

Open Championship Round 1 Recap: Stay out of the bunkers!

Open Championship Round 1 Recap: Stay out of the bunkers!

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the first day of play at the year's final major, the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. The hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood, aka "Tommy lad," is tied for the lead after a first-round 66. Not far behind is Max Homa, a guy Smylie really liked coming into the tournament after tough showings at the first three majors of the year. As we wrap up the show, Charlie heads off to Thursday Night Men's League.

21 Jul 202315min

On the Tee with Victor Cruz

On the Tee with Victor Cruz

Smylie is joined by Super Bowl XLVI champion and 2012 Pro Bowler Victor Cruz, who very recently played Royal Liverpool ahead of the 151st Open Championship. Victor discusses how his daughter got him into the game of golf, his New York Giants career and the chemistry he developed with Eli Manning, and gives some course notes to Smylie ahead of the Open.

19 Jul 202341min

The Scotland Report: Rory wins, and Smylie adventures

The Scotland Report: Rory wins, and Smylie adventures

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap an eventful week in golf that included: Rory McIlroy finishing birdie-birdie to beat the hometown favorite Bobby Mac at the Scottish Open, Scottie Scheffler's insane streak continuing, Smylie playing twilight golf at North Berwick with Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, Smylie trying to figure out how to drive in the UK, and a Senate hearing for PGA Tour leadership.

17 Jul 202358min

On the Tee with Adam Scott

On the Tee with Adam Scott

Smylie is joined by 2013 Masters champion and former world #1 Adam Scott as he prepares to play in the 91st major championship of his career at Royal Liverpool. Adam discusses who he modeled his golf swing after, his opinion on the best - and boldest - dressers in the game, and lists his top five major venues.

13 Jul 202341min

Sepp Straka joins the show after John Deere win + we're Threadin'!

Sepp Straka joins the show after John Deere win + we're Threadin'!

Fresh off his second PGA Tour win at the John Deere Classic, Sepp Straka joins Smylie to break down his electric final round 62, the impact his win has on making the Euro Ryder Cup team, and his phone that can only text message and make calls. Smylie and Charlie discuss the Spring Break Crew at Wimbledon, how they plan to use the newest social media app "Threads," and a string of great golf that has Smylie playing to a +5.2 handicap.

10 Jul 20231h 2min

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