In July 1997, during The Open Championship at Royal Troon, Darren Clarke and Jim Furyk led the field at 4-under, with Australian Greg Norman close behind. However, fellow Aussie Ian Baker-Finch faced a devastating collapse, recording a staggering 21-over 92, prompting his withdrawal and subsequent departure from competitive play.
Just six years prior, Baker-Finch had been celebrated as the champion of the 1991 Open at Royal Birkdale, having ascended to the top 10 in the world rankings. However, he struggled with a severe case of the yips, leading to frantic changes in his swing and countless hours of practice that took a toll on his body. The unsolicited advice from fans overwhelmed him; one even sent him a rock claiming it would help him reconnect with his spirit.
Baker-Finch began his golfing journey in Nambour, Queensland, alongside future stars like Wayne Grady and Karrie Webb. He turned professional in 1983 after winning the New Zealand Open and garnered early attention at the 1984 Open by leading after two rounds. Despite a promising start, his struggle with pressure began to emerge, marked by performance dips in subsequent tournaments.
His major breakthrough came in 1991, where he navigated challenging course conditions to secure his Open victory with back-to-back 71s and a stunning 64 in the third round. With his family’s support, including a pregnant wife and daughter, he demonstrated remarkable composure throughout the final round, finishing with a two-stroke victory and emotional speeches that highlighted his long-held dreams.
However, Baker-Finch’s career trajectory took a sharp downturn as he grappled with the need for greater distance off the tee, leading to erratic play and mental strain that followed him home. The pressures and expectations built up when he missed numerous cuts and faced harsh scrutiny from fans and media alike.
After years of frustration and failed attempts to regain form, he entered the 1997 Open but ultimately delivered a disheartening performance, effectively concluding his competitive career. Despite the bitter ending, Baker-Finch transitioned to a successful media career, becoming a well-regarded commentator in golf.
His story, rich with ambition, triumph, and eventual decline, is captured in his book, To Hell and Back, published by Hardie Grant Books on June 3, priced at $49.99.