Iain Carter, the BBC's golf correspondent, is stepping down from his staff role after 23 years in the position, but will continue to lead the corporation's golf commentary as a freelance chief golf commentator.
Carter announced the news on social media platform X, confirming he is leaving his staff job after 38 years at the BBC. He said he is "delighted" to continue leading 5Live's golf commentary.
Career and Future Plans
In his announcement, Carter said: "Bit of news - after 38 years at the BBC, the last 23 as golf correspondent, I’m stepping down from my staff role at the end of next month. But I’m delighted that I’ll be continuing to lead 5Live’s golf commentary. I’ve had a BBC career of which I could never have dreamed."
He added: "I’m very grateful to have worked for such a valuable organisation, for some great bosses and with so many incredibly talented and dedicated colleagues who have become great friends from my first days at Radio Leicester, onwards. This is not retirement, but a chance to poetically branch out a bit and to be a bit more than just a special guest on the Chipping Forecast!"
The move mirrors that of Jonathan Agnew, who stepped down as the BBC's cricket correspondent in 2024 but stayed on as Test Match Special's lead commentator.
Fan Reactions
Fans expressed sadness at the change but welcomed his continued involvement. One wrote: "Best of luck Iain you are an absolute credit to your profession and you now get access to all the Peter Millar goodies in your TCF role. Best podcast on the planet."
Another added: "So glad to hear you will still be leading the 5Live Sport comms, absolute best by a mile. Happy that The Chipping Forecast is still going strong too, my favourite listen when I'm pottering around at home, good luck with it all."
A third commented: "Thanks for all you’ve done for golf and enjoy this next chapter of your life and career Iain."
Journalist Ewan Murray also tweeted: "Iain is not only a top man but the absolute best at what he does. The way he lights up immediately before broadcasting, his turn of phrase, his ability to pitch things perfectly. Widely and rightly respected. I’ll miss the Leicester City podcasts on the road to Sawgrass…"
