IAN BAKER FINCH: Champion Golfer Australian icon

Jack Martin, a London-based freelance golf writer had the opportunity to chat to Australian golfing legend Ian Baker Finch, the ‘Champion Golfer’ of 1991 as the winner of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. 

The pair retraced that famous victory of more than three decades ago, touched on his struggles which followed, Baker-Finch’s move into the commentary box and the current issues surrounding the game. 

Now Chairman of the Australian PGA, no question Ian Baker-Finch qualifies as an Australian golfing icon.

Ian Baker-Finch, the Open Champion in 1991.

IT’s over three decades since you won the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. What’s your memories of the victory?

There’s so many but the one that sticks out is on the last hole and finishing it off in style and realising a dream come true. The crowd coming up the last hole was unbelievable. I could really enjoy it as I had a three-shot lead. It was memorable. It was to play with Mark O’Meara too. Having my family there too was special.”

You were deemed a bit of a surprise Open winner at the time. Would that be fair?

“I always thought I could play well enough to be an Open champion. I’d played well at St Andrews in 1984. That championship adjusted my thinking and gave me belief I could win it. I worked hard and achieved my dream. I’m very proud to be an Open champion.”

Would you have preferred to win the Masters, rather than the Open?

No way, the Open. People big up the Masters these days and they’re right. It’s an incredible tournament, with an incredible field and course. It has an advantage as it is at the same venue every year and people are familiar with it. But with the history of the Open, going back to 1860, and the heritage of it being a ‘World Open’, gives it that extra credibility.

What was your game like going into the Open in 1991?

I wasn’t expecting to win. I never expected to win. I just knew I had a chance. If I played my best, I could win. I finished second more than 30 times. I was in top 25 players in the world for a long point. The week before the Open I was in a play-off. I’d won a tournament at Oakmont during the summer, so I knew I was in good form.”

What was the key to your Open triumph?

Trying to treat it as a normal tournament. People get so pumped up for the majors because it defines you as a golfer. If you can win one, the pressure is greater. I put it aside that it was the Open. I just felt I was destined to win it. I let it come to me rather than forced the issue. I watched Nick Faldo the year before and saw how he went about his business. He helped me a lot.

Can you remember how you celebrated the victory?

I was staying in a small house by the course. There were a lot of Aussies there for the tournament. Robert Allenby, for instance. John Wade and Paul Maloney. We had a home cooked meal and the boys brought a lot of Aussie beer and wine. We then walked the last hole to the green with the Claret Jug. We had a really nice time.”

Did you lose motivation after winning the Open?

That wouldn’t be true. I set high goals the next year to continue winning majors. I wanted to be a top, top player. I played well for a year and a half. I was trying to improve too much. It damaged my game. I lost my own swing.

How hard was it dealing with your game falling apart?

Very difficult. I didn’t understand what was happening. I put too much pressure on myself. I should have just stuck with what I had. Through the early 90s there was lot of technological changes. I think I was an experiment for the companies. I had new balls and equipment all the time.

How low were you at Royal Troon in 1997 after shooting 92 in the first round?

That was a real low point. A sliding doors moment. I hadn’t played for a year. I was stupid to even play. I was sore and stiff. I was taking medication just to get around. I only played because I was there for ABC television. It was the worst decision of my life. I decided after that I couldn’t play at the top level anymore. I needed to step away.

Have you ever got to tell Jack Nicklaus that he was such a big inspiration to you?

Oh yeah. I’m big friends with Jack. Nick Faldo was inspired by the book too. It’s nice for me and my family to see Jack regularly. I remember 1985, I had a practice round with Jack at the Open in Sandwich. That was a special moment.

What was it like playing with Arnold Palmer at St Andrews in his last Open in 1995?

It was fantastic. I didn’t have a great day and missed the cut. To play with him was unbelievable. He was emotional at the end. I still had the ball he gave to me on the 18th green. I’ve since donated it to his wonderful museum.

How much do you enjoy working in golf broadcasting now?

I love it. I’m coming towards the end though now. I will be 65 soon. I enjoy working with the team. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve been able to stay in touch with the game. Every Monday, I’m heading to the course to try something new that I’ve watched at the weekend. I’m always fiddling around.

Which player do you enjoy watching the most and why?

Rory McIlroy, by far. He’s so deserving of winning the career grand-slam. He is a different level. He handles himself so well. Everyone in the media wants to talk to him. To continue to play at this high level for 15 years is incredible. The world is off his shoulders now. He could win many more majors. I hope he wins in Royal Portrush. I know he desperately wants to win in his home country.

You have seen so many different courses over the world during your playing and broadcasting career? Which is your favourite and why?

I love the Melbourne sandbelt. So, I’d say Kingston Heath and Royal Melbourne are my two favourites. In the UK, Birkdale and Sunningdale. They’d be in my top five.

Looking at the state of the current game, how do you think it will end between the LIV Tour and the PGA Tour?

“I think the LIV Tour will continue. I don’t see a problem with them operating and the PGA Tour carrying on as usual. I think the DP World Tour needs to be even more worldwide now. I don’t think there will be a merger. I can’t see it.

Where do you stand on the distance debate? Would you roll the golf ball back?

It’s too little too late now but I’d look at limiting the driver head size just for the elite golfers. Leave the amateurs alone. We need it easier for people getting into golf. But the ball is going too far in the professional ranks, that’s for sure. Courses are becoming obsolete. I think the R&A and USGA should limit the ball. They should have done it ages ago.