Columnist Peter Benton: Ian-Baker Finch’s play isn’t what it used to be

Peter Benton

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1998 | 11:42 a.m.

PETER BENTONis a local golfer. His column appears Wednesdays.

OVER THE YEARS I have been critical of some PGA Tour players. Although it is decidedly wrong to generalize, I have found that many of them appear to be uppity, rude, spoiled and frequently give the appearance of being better than those (the general public) who have assisted in making them who and what they are.

An exception to this rule was Ian Baker-Finch, the Australian who announced his retirement from competitive golf earlier this year.

It is indeed sad that this gregarious and popular Queenslander has finally and reluctantly called it a day. Not having made a cut since 1994 no doubt made him realize that he has failed to return from golf's abyss.

IBF (his tour nickname) turned professional in 1979 and secured his first pro victory in the 1983 New Zealand Open. He won 15 International events which included the 1988 Australian Masters, the 1991 British Open and here in the States, the 1989 Southwestern Bell Colonial.

His decision to retire may have been manifested during last year's British Open where, after a first round 92, he withdrew from the tournament.

Much has been written as to what exactly happened to Baker-Finch's game. But nothing definitive has been confirmed.

Apparently he still is capable of playing excellent golf with friends and in social events. But the "destruct mode" makes its appearance in tournament competition, so one must assume that his problem could be between the ears.

That's terribly sad, because this genuinely friendly fellow will be missed.

Senior-itis

The Las Vegas Senior Classic is scheduled for the TPC at Summerlin and the TPC at The Canyons April 23-26.

This tournament could be the best ever, thnaks to a veritable who's who from the Senior PGA Tour that will be competing.

Local resident Jim Colbert, the two-time Senior Player of the Year, will be here, along with Australian Graham Marsh, the 1997 U.S. Senior Open Champion. Joining them will be newcomers Johnny Miller and Larry Nelson, both formidable players.

Hale Irwin, who last year set or tied numerous records on his way to garnering Player of the Year honors, will be joined by the likes of Raymond Floyd, Al Geiberger, Lee Trevino and Bruce Crampton in Las Vegas' first professional golf tournament of 1998.

Advance tickets may be obtained by calling 242-3000.