Ian Baker-Finch grew up in a small farming area on the Sunshine Coast, 50 miles north of Brisbane, Australia. The youngest of 6 children, he played all sports, like most young Australians, but fell in love with golf at an early age. By the age of 15, Ian had won many junior titles, including The Gary Player Classic and the Queensland School Boys title twice and decided to pursue a career in professional golf. At 18 years of age, after a 3 year apprenticeship with the Australian PGA program, he joined The Australian Tour.
Ian won his first Australasian Tour event in 1983--The New Zealand Open and the following year lead the field for 3 rounds of the 1984 British Open at St. Andrews. Multiple victories in Australia in 1984 and 1985 and victories on all four major tours followed, including The Colonial Invitational in 1989 and The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in 1991. Ian represented Australia in The World Cup in 1985, The World Tours Championships 1985-1991 and The Dunhill Cup in both 1989 and 1992.
Ian would serve as Peter Thomson's Vice Captain for The International President's CupTeam in 1996. In 2003, Gary Player appointed Ian as assistant captain for his International team played at The Links at Fancourt in South Africa. In September 2005 and 2007, Ian once again had the honor to serve with Gary Player and the Internationals when they took on the US Team at The RTJ Golf Club in Virginia.
Since retiring from full-time PGA Tour competition in 1997, Ian has worked as a golf analyst for ABC and ESPN. In 2006, he was hired by CBS Sports. He also provides commentary for TNT’s golf coverage. After over a decade working in sports television, Ian is highly regarded as a successful announcer with an easy-going manner and a love for golf.
In January 2008, Ian joined The Gary Player Group as an international brand ambassador and golf course designer.
Ian lives with his wife, Jennie and their family in North Palm Beach, Florida. They are involved in many local charities and enjoy the laid back lifestyle that Florida provides.
Ian Baker-Finch, CBS Sports golf analyst, is available through IMG Speakers bureau for speaking engagements. Ian Baker-Finch is also available for corporate hospitality events, meet and greets, golf clinics, golf outings, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Ian Baker-Finch.
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