Ian Baker-Finch is a legendary golfer & sports commentator, who was struck down by one of the worst cases of the yips in golf history.
Ian’s fall from the top in the late 90’s became the stuff of golfing legend – But Ian’s story isn’t just about golf; It’s about hitting rock bottom and finding a way back to the top.
In this episode, Ian talks about the extreme highs and lows of his career, the mental game of professional golf and what it takes to bounce back.
You can find out more about Ian’s journey in his authorised biography ‘Ian Baker-Finch: To Hell and Back’.
CHAPTER MARKERS
00:40 – GOLFING WITH PRESIDENTS
3:14 – THE BAD DAYS OF IAN BAKER-FINCH
6:06 – THE HEADY DAYS OF GOLF
9:00 – ‘IT’S ALL IN THE HEAD’
11:46 – IMPOSTER SYNDROME
16:00 – THE LOST YEARS
19:15 – FINDING PERSPECTIVE
22:00 – THE TROPO TOUR
24:41 – THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE
26:32 – QUITTING WHILE YOU’RE AHEAD
32:45 – BEFORE THE GAME ‘THEY CALLED ME FATSO’
35:35 – THE OTHER PLAYERS
38:59 – MODERN GOLF | Subscribe and 🔔: http://9Soci.al/KM6e50GjSK9 | Get more breaking news at 9News.com.au: http://9Soci.al/iyCO50GjSK6
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28 Comments
Ian won The Open, along with 13 other professional tournaments across 3 different continents, and was ranked in the World's Top 10. Since quitting the tour, has had a cushy gig attending the worlds greatest golf events while making a fortune. Massive Failure?
I wish I had been such a failure.
Brilliant interview. IBF is such an honest great guy. What you see is what you get.
As a 13hc 64yo player. It’s the 6 inches between your ears. The ability to forget the last shot is my super power now, so important.
I played a few rounds with Ian’s Father Tony at Bribie island he was a perfect gentlemen with a big smile I was only 17 at the time. I loved IBF his swing was unbelievable his putting stroke pure..watched Ian play at Beerwah golf club in a exhibition match in 1993 great memories watching him strike it so clean memories forever..Ian your calling was commentary the British open win was your reference to do commentary.Legend
Great interview and a true gentleman. All the best going forward. Thanks Neil for getting Ian on the podcast
I was fortunate enough to work with Ian in the early 90's designing some branding for a clothing and hat range he had. One of the best blokes I've ever met, he even let me hold the Claret jug at his home at Sanctuary Cove at the time. I'm looking forward to reading the book. If you read this Finchy I'd love a signed copy mate. Take care.
Looking well Finchy ❤ looking forward to seeing you back on the coast at Gary’s coffee shop 😊
Of course, no one would even know of Finch's failures unless he didn't have massive success at first by winning a major.
90% of golf is half mental.
Well done Neil on a great interview. As i golfer myself and has gone from a 1 handicapper to now a 9, i to have gone through a patch just like Ian who has completely lost it and not knowing where to start on rebuilding! Tough game but as Ian said, its all about being with your mates.
Life is a lot like golf
I.followed him.around Hyatt regency in coolum place
He was playing so badly and I called out something positive and he looked around and smiled and.said.thankuou
Ian Baker-Finch is a QUALITY MAN! FACT!
Golf is 95% mental and 5% in your head
Careful you might just reveal the great life lessons
Eg you don't need 14 clubs
You don't need to walk in the hot sun carrying a bag
Don't play with angry people
Don't take a scorecard
Play alone a lot
Neil’s got the right idea.
“How can the audience be fit for this in their lives?”
You look well Ian fit and healthy for 65
Great interview Neil Mitchell very impressed with way you went about this interview with Ian very well researched great to see smart precise journalists
Wonderful interview gents ! I was lucky enough to caddy in Ian’s era and he was always a pure gentleman ! Ian you were good enough to win arguably the best tournament in the world and your name is quite rightly on the famous Claret Jug forever congratulations
It was just announced today that he will be leaving his post as a CBS golf commentator after their last telecast in a few weeks. He was a great addition to their team and he will be missed and I wish him well..
Jesus 32 minutes in and every question was depressing.. the guy won a major and nothing so far about it
Really keen to deep dive in what actually went wrong more technically that's the most interesting area to understand
Everyone who has ever picked up a club and played the game has been humbled by it. I was at Royal Birkdale when Ian Baker-Finch won the Open and remember it well. He was a great golfer, and I suspect he still is. You don't lose it; you just misplace it.
Baker Finch really was not that good , he was an excellent putter a poor ball striker.
To see Ian get emotional about the loss of Payne Stewart is a glimpse into his kind and soft soul. 😢
What a ripping bloke IBF is and this interview showed me a different Neil Mitchell to what I’ve seen before. I really enjoyed the chat and it’s likely I’ll buy his book.
.. didn’t this happen to Michael Campbell from New Zealand after winning the Masters
Was a great Open Ian. I am 55 now…