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/