Golf: Baker-Finch planning return

PONTE VEDRA, Florida - Ian Baker-Finch will dip his toes back into competitive waters by playing a tournament on the PGA Tour in the United States this month.

The 1991 British Open champion, who has not played competitively in eight years, will test his game at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28-31.

He won the event in 1989 his lone career victory on American soil.

"I'm playing because, as a former champion, I won't be taking a spot from another player," the 48-year-old Australian said today.

"It's also the 20th anniversary of my victory there, so I thought it would be nice to return."

After enduring a long slump caused primarily by errant driving, Baker-Finch went into semi-retirement after shooting 92 in the opening round at the 1997 British Open.

He returned to compete at the Colonial in 2001, but missed the cut.

However, he still plays several rounds a week socially and is gearing up to join the senior circuit when he turns 50 in October next year.

- AAP