Longstanding BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter has announced that he is to step down from his staff position after 23 years in the job.
BBC staff were informed on Friday that Carter, who was tennis correspondent for the BBC from 1999 until 2003, had decided to leave his staff job after 38 years at the corporation.
It is understood he will continue to be part of the BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage in the freelance role of ‘chief golf commentator’.
Writing on social media on Friday, 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 5 Live’s golf commentary. I’ve had a BBC career of which I could never have dreamed.
“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!”
Carter has been billed as a ‘special guest’ on The Chipping Forecast, a weekly podcasted co-presented by sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter and two-time DP World Tour winner Eddie Pepperrel which was launched in 2023. In Carter’s new freelance roll he will most likely be able to benefit from any financial benefits that are earned from the podcast and other commercial activities that were not allowed under the terms of his BBC staff contract.
A BBC spokesman said: “Iain has had an outstanding 38 years at the BBC and is one of the most respected voices in golf broadcasting. Having decided to step down from his permanent staff role, we’re delighted that he will continue to contribute to 5 Live and World Service Sport as Chief Golf Commentator on a freelance basis, leading our live radio coverage of the majors, Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and other major events.”