1. Overview
Ian Michael Baker-Finch, born on 24 October 1960, is an Australian golfer and sports commentator. He is also known by his nicknames Finchy, The Dark Shark, and IBF. He is widely recognized for his victory at The Open Championship in 1991. Throughout his professional career, he achieved a total of 17 wins across various tours, including the PGA Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, and PGA Tour of Australasia. After experiencing a significant decline in his playing performance, Baker-Finch successfully transitioned into a prominent career in golf broadcasting, working with major networks such as ESPN, ABC Sports, and CBS Sports. His career trajectory, marked by a major championship win followed by a challenging period and a successful pivot to commentary, offers a notable study in the professional golf world.
2. Early life and background
Ian Michael Baker-Finch was born in Nambour, Queensland, Australia, on October 24, 1960. He stands at 76 in (193 cm). His formative years were spent in the same Queensland neighborhood as fellow notable Australian golfers Greg Norman and Wayne Grady, suggesting a strong early influence of the sport in his environment.
3. Professional career
Ian Baker-Finch's professional golf career began in 1979 and spanned nearly two decades, marked by significant highs, including a major championship victory, and a dramatic decline, before a successful transition into broadcasting. He often credited legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus as his greatest influence, stating that he based his game on Nicklaus's instructional book, Golf My Way.
3.1. Early career and multi-tour activities
Baker-Finch started his professional journey on the PGA Tour of Australasia. His first professional victory came in 1983 at the New Zealand Open. This win secured him an entry into The Open Championship in 1984. At the 1984 Open, he made headlines by taking the lead after 36 holes and maintaining it after three rounds, only to shoot a disappointing final round of 79, ultimately finishing ninth. This collapse was often compared to that of Bobby Clampett two years prior.
Following his early successes in Australasia, Baker-Finch joined the European Tour. He won the 1985 Scandinavian Enterprise Open and consistently performed well, finishing in the top-20 on the Order of Merit in both 1985 and 1986. During the Northern Hemisphere winter, he continued to play on the PGA Tour of Australasia, securing several more tournament titles. He also occasionally participated in the Japan Golf Tour, where he earned three victories: the 1987 Polaroid Cup Golf Digest Tournament, and both the Pocari Sweat Open and Bridgestone Aso Open in 1988.
Baker-Finch first played on the PGA Tour as an invitee in 1985 and became a regular member in 1989 after qualifying for tour membership by finishing third in the 1988 World Series of Golf. His first PGA Tour title came at the 1989 Southwestern Bell Colonial, which granted him a two-year exemption on the Tour. In 1990, he had a strong season, finishing 16th on the PGA Tour money list with three runner-up finishes and two third-place results.
3.2. The Open Championship victory
Despite his consistent career and wins across four continents, Ian Baker-Finch was not widely considered among the elite group of international golfers prior to 1991. Thus, his victory at The Open Championship in 1991, held at Royal Birkdale, was largely seen as a surprise. He sealed his major triumph by closing with impressive rounds of 64 and 66, ultimately beating fellow Australian Mike Harwood by two strokes. That same year, he recorded three other runner-up finishes and qualified for the Tour Championship by finishing 13th on the money list. This period also saw him briefly enter the top-10 of the Official World Golf Ranking.
3.3. Career decline and retirement
Following his Open Championship win, Baker-Finch received a 10-year exemption from the PGA Tour, which was set to last until 2001. Although he achieved a notable runner-up finish in The Players Championship in 1992, he never again came close to contending for a PGA Tour title. He did manage to secure additional victories in Australia in 1992 and 1993, but after this period, his form began to decline sharply and rapidly.
Baker-Finch started to lose confidence in his game, leading him to constantly tinker with his swing in an attempt to regain his previous form. His last top-10 finish on the PGA Tour was a tie for 10th at the 1994 Masters Tournament. What followed was a widely publicized and complete collapse of his game, often attributed to psychological difficulties. He noted that he could hit shots flawlessly on the practice range, but upon stepping onto the first tee in a tournament, he would often hit a weak drive out of bounds into the wrong fairway.
A notorious incident occurred at the 1995 Open Championship at St Andrews, where, with all eyes on him due to playing partner Arnold Palmer competing in his final Open, Baker-Finch famously hooked his first-round tee-shot at the first hole out-of-bounds to the left side. In both 1995 and 1996, his struggles intensified, as he either missed the cut, withdrew after one round, or was disqualified in all 29 PGA Tour events he entered.
He later openly discussed his struggles, stating, "I lost my confidence. I got to the point where I didn't even want to be out on the golf course because I was playing so poorly. I would try my hardest but when I came out to play, I managed to find a way to miss the cut time and time again. It became a habit." The culmination of his playing difficulties came at the 1997 Open at Royal Troon, where he shot an extraordinarily high score of 92 in the first round. Baker-Finch admitted to crying in the locker room that afternoon before withdrawing from the championship and subsequently retiring from tournament golf.
Years later, in 2013, Baker-Finch made a brief return to competitive form, partnering with Bart Bryant to win the age 60 to 69 exhibition portion of the Champions Tour Legends of Golf tournament.
3.4. Broadcasting career
After his playing career concluded due to his loss of form, Ian Baker-Finch redirected his professional interests towards broadcasting and golf course design and management. In 1998, he was hired by ESPN and ABC Sports to provide commentary for golf tournaments, a role he continued until 2006. During this period, he served as the lead analyst for ESPN and as a hole announcer for ABC, frequently stepping in as ABC's lead analyst when needed. In 2007, he moved to CBS Sports, where he continues to serve as a hole announcer.
Alongside his broadcasting duties, Baker-Finch also contributed to international golf as Gary Player's captain's assistant for the International team in the Presidents Cup in 2003, 2005, and 2007.
A notable incident in his broadcasting career occurred at the 2007 Barclays tournament. While reporting for CBS from the 18th green, Baker-Finch was struck directly on the cheek by an errant approach shot hit by golfer Rich Beem. The impact knocked him down, causing him to fall onto his back behind the green. Despite the surprise hit, Baker-Finch quickly recovered before Beem reached his ball.
4. Professional wins
Ian Baker-Finch secured 17 professional victories throughout his career, including one major championship.
4.1. PGA Tour wins
Baker-Finch won two tournaments on the PGA Tour, with one being a major championship.
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 May 1989 | Southwestern Bell Colonial | -10 (65-70-65-70=270) | 4 strokes | David Edwards |
| 2 | 21 Jul 1991 | The Open Championship | -8 (71-71-64-66=272) | 2 strokes | Mike Harwood |
Baker-Finch also participated in one PGA Tour playoff, which he lost.
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1991 | New England Classic | Bruce Fleisher | Lost to birdie on seventh extra hole |
4.2. European Tour wins
He won two tournaments on the European Tour, one of which was a major.
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 Aug 1985 | Scandinavian Enterprise Open | -14 (68-72-68-66=274) | 2 strokes | Graham Marsh |
| 2 | 21 Jul 1991 | The Open Championship | -8 (71-71-64-66=272) | 2 strokes | Mike Harwood |
Baker-Finch also played in one European Tour playoff, which he lost.
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1986 | Bell's Scottish Open | David Feherty, Christy O'Connor Jnr | Feherty won with birdie on second extra hole |
4.3. Japan Golf Tour wins
Ian Baker-Finch recorded three victories on the Japan Golf Tour.
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 Oct 1987 | Polaroid Cup Golf Digest Tournament | -9 (74-67-68-66=275) | 4 strokes | 河野和茂Kazushige KonoJapanese |
| 2 | 10 Apr 1988 | Pocari Sweat Open | -7 (73-68-66-70=277) | 2 strokes | Graham Marsh |
| 3 | 17 Apr 1988 | Bridgestone Aso Open | -6 (75-73-68-66=282) | 1 stroke | 上野忠美Tadami UenoJapanese |
4.4. PGA Tour of Australasia wins
He claimed 10 professional victories on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 Nov 1983 | New Zealand Open | E (71-66-72-71=280) | 3 strokes | Stuart Reese |
| 2 | 13 May 1984 | Town and Country WA-RAC Western Australian Open | -16 (70-67-67-68=272) | 4 strokes | Terry Gale |
| 3 | 21 Oct 1984 | National Panasonic New South Wales Open | -15 (69-70-68-70=277) | 13 strokes | Peter Senior |
| 4 | 16 Dec 1984 | Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship | -3 (69-74-70-72=285) | 1 stroke | Ossie Moore |
| 5 | 10 Feb 1985 | Victorian Open | -9 (73-65-72-69=279) | 2 strokes | Rodger Davis |
| 6 | 8 Feb 1987 | Robert Boyd Transport Australian Match Play Championship | 5 and 4 | Ossie Moore | |
| 7 | 21 Feb 1988 | Australian Masters | -9 (69-70-71-73=283) | Playoff | Roger Mackay, Craig Parry |
| 8 | 16 Dec 1990 | Coolum Classic | -17 (66-67-67-71=271) | 5 strokes | Stephen Bennett, Rodger Davis |
| 9 | 26 Jan 1992 | Vines Classic | -12 (71-67-66-72=276) | 1 stroke | Jeff Maggert, Frank Nobilo |
| 10 | 22 Nov 1993 | Ford Australian PGA Championship | -9 (69-69-73-64=275) | Playoff | Peter Fowler, Grant Waite |
Baker-Finch's playoff record on the PGA Tour of Australasia was 2 wins and 1 loss.
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1984 | Victorian PGA Championship | Wayne Riley | Lost to birdie on second extra hole |
| 2 | 1988 | Australian Masters | Roger Mackay, Craig Parry | Won with birdie on first extra hole |
| 3 | 1993 | Ford Australian PGA Championship | Peter Fowler, Grant Waite | Won with birdie on second extra hole |
4.5. Senior wins
In 2013, Baker-Finch won the Raphael Division of the Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf on the Champions Tour, playing alongside Bart Bryant.
5. Major championships performance
Ian Baker-Finch's performance in major championships is highlighted by his single victory at The Open Championship in 1991.
5.1. Performance summary
His overall record in major championships shows one victory and several top-10 finishes, primarily concentrated around his peak performance years.
| Tournament | Wins | 2nd | 3rd | Top-5 | Top-10 | Top-25 | Events | Cuts made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
| U.S. Open | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 3 |
| The Open Championship | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 7 |
| PGA Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 4 |
| Totals | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 35 | 18 |
- Most consecutive cuts made: 9 (from the 1992 Masters to the 1994 Masters)
- Longest streak of top-10s: 1 (achieved six times)
5.2. Detailed results by year
Below are Baker-Finch's year-by-year results in the four major championships.
| Tournament | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | CUT | CUT | T7 | T6 | T54 | T10 | CUT | CUT | ||||||
| U.S. Open | T44 | T13 | T19 | CUT | CUT | CUT | ||||||||
| The Open Championship | T9 | T20 | CUT | CUT | CUT | T30 | T6 | 1 | T19 | T70 | CUT | CUT | CUT | WD |
| PGA Championship | T34 | T57 | CUT | T69 | 66 | CUT | CUT |
"CUT" indicates the player missed the half-way cut.
"WD" indicates withdrawal from the tournament.
"T" indicates a tie for a position.
6. Other notable tournament results
Beyond major championships, Ian Baker-Finch also participated in other significant tournaments and represented Australia in team competitions.
6.1. The Players Championship results
His performance in The Players Championship, considered by many as the "fifth major," included a strong runner-up finish.
| Tournament | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Players Championship | CUT | T46 | T41 | T2 | T39 | T69 | WD | CUT |
"CUT" indicates the player missed the halfway cut.
"WD" indicates withdrawal from the tournament.
"T" indicates a tie for a position.
6.2. Team appearances
Baker-Finch represented Australia and Australasia in several team golf competitions:
- World Cup (representing Australia): 1985
- Four Tours World Championship (representing Australasia): 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 (winners), 1991
- Dunhill Cup (representing Australia): 1989, 1992
7. Personal life
Ian Baker-Finch is married to Jennie. Together, they have two daughters, Hayley and Laura. The family resides in North Palm Beach, Florida, in the United States.
8. Awards and honors
For his contributions and achievements in the sport of golf, Ian Baker-Finch has received several notable awards and honors.
- On June 22, 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his golfing accomplishments.
- In 2009, Baker-Finch was inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame, celebrating his sporting legacy in his home state.
9. Legacy and evaluation
Ian Baker-Finch's career is often viewed through the lens of its dramatic arc: from a promising young talent and major champion to a player who publicly struggled with the psychological pressures of the game, ultimately leading to an early retirement from competitive golf. His victory at The Open Championship in 1991 remains a significant highlight, cementing his place in golf history as a major winner. However, the subsequent, well-documented collapse of his game, despite holding a long-term exemption, made him a poignant figure in the sport, often cited as an example of how mental fortitude can impact performance. His candidness about losing confidence has resonated with many in and outside of golf.
Despite the challenges faced during the latter part of his playing career, Baker-Finch successfully reinvented himself as a highly respected and popular golf commentator. His transition into broadcasting, where he has maintained a long and stable career with major networks, demonstrates a remarkable resilience and adaptability. His continued presence in the sport through media allows him to share his deep knowledge and passion for golf, influencing new generations of fans. This second act as a commentator has largely shaped the public perception of his career, showcasing his enduring connection to the game beyond his playing days.
10. External links
- [https://www.pgatour.com/player/01049/ian-baker-finch/ PGA Tour profile]
- [https://www.europeantour.com/players/ian-baker-finch-5/ European Tour profile]
- [https://www.jgto.org/en/players/10038 Japan Golf Tour profile]
- [https://www.owgr.com/playerprofile/ian-baker-finch-482 Official World Golf Ranking profile]
- [http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/122343 Ian Baker-Finch interview from Sports Business Daily]