Winds can carry Leishman to title

IAN Baker-Finch has tipped noted wind player Marc Leishman to finish as top Aussie at the British Open, which has stirred rich memories of his own success on the Royal Birkdale fairways 26 years ago.

The special vibe when walking by the replica of the Claret Jug that is proudly displayed at his home in Florida is never greater than this one week of the year for the golfer who was tagged the “Dark Shark” in his prime.

Baker-Finch, now 56, had five birdies yesterday in his two-under-par 68 at the revered Chicago Golf Club with a friend from the made my life because I’m always ‘Ian Baker-Finch — you’re a British Open champion’,” the Queenslander said in humble tones.

“I can say now I definitely stuffed up before [in majors], but that gave me the understanding I could do it and not just be a good Australian player happy to compete in a British Open. I did feel I needed to convert.”

Leishman’s playoff miss at the 2015 Open at St Andrews and the 2013 Masters finale, playing with victor Adam Scott, have added steel to the burly Victorian.

“Scotty will definitely get the benefits coming off links golf at the Scottish Open and Jason [Day] gears up for every major, but of all the Aussies I feel Marc Leishman is the best chance,” Baker-Finch said.

“He handles the wind well as a Warrnambool boy because it showed when St Andrews was blowing in 2015, his shot shape suits Royal Birkdale, he had a strong start to the US Open last month and all is good in his world at the moment.”

Eleven Aussies will tee up tomorrow. Day plays with 2015 winner Zach Johnson (10.04pm), Scott will go off with Rickie Fowler (10.26pm), Leishman will play beside leftie Phil Mickelson (12.10am Friday) and Cam Smith will be among the early starters at 9.20pm.

His shot shape suits Royal Birkdale, he had a strong start to the US Open last month and all is good in his world — IAN BAKER-FINCH ON MARC LEISHMAN