Former Major winner, PGA Life Member and Australian Olympic Golf Captain, Ian Baker-Finch, gives us an inside look at Australia’s Professionals competing at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this week.

Inside Rio: Day 3

Day three of practice and only one more sleep for our two Olympians Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser.

Today was cool, wet and breezy on course in Rio; totally different to any day since I’ve been here for the week.

Once again Darryl (Big D our security specialist) Brad (Super Assistant) Marcus and I were up early to workout, stretch and ready for breakfast before heading out for practice with Jason Wallis (super caddy) in the rain and wind.

Scott and caddy Gary Heslop (super caddy #2) slept in for a while and came out a little later, smart move to miss the rain and cool.

Tonight the lads are heading to the basketball, should be a great game and experience for them, Big D and I staying home.

Early start in the morning for us, Marcus’ tee time 8:03am and Scott 10:03am with windy weather forecast for round one. Perfect forecast for the next three rounds.

Great feeling and mood here and excited for tomorrow. Whoever wins, they will be an Olympic gold medal champion and the champion golfer until Tokyo in 2020.  Good luck to all 60 Olympians teeing off in Rio tomorrow!

Inside Rio: Day 2

Second practice round for Scott and Marcus today started early at 6:00am in the gym, bike, stretch, weights etc. We then all sat around the huge wooden ping pong table for breakfast before heading to the course. Only 10 mins door to door…ideal.

Practice and warm up then out on course for 18-holes in perfect weather, 80*/28* light South East breeze. The course is in perfect condition.

We saw the worlds largest rodent on course today, a Capybara just lazing on the lakes edge, a few local alligators and various wildlife including a family of owls on the 9th hole. 

After golf, lunch – stretch – physio then a relaxing afternoon together watching various sports on local TV…8 sports channels all on Olympics!!

Dinner at a nice steak house and more fun and laughter…always an adventure driving around Rio, Brad and I designated drivers…speed bumps are copious and the traffic is insane.

Fun to see all the Olympic bags outside the meal area at the clubhouse

…to be continued.

Inside Rio: Day 1

Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser got acquainted with on the Rio de Janeiro Olympic golf course in their first practice round for the week ahead of Thursday’s tee time. The pair are thrilled to be in Rio and representing Australia and their sport at the Olympics.

Media talked to the group after their round and I attended a leaders meeting with the International Olympic Committee and International Golf Federation executives to discuss the course, the event and rules for the week.

The team visited the Australian Olympic Committee Village last tonight and dined in the food hall with all the athletes – the team spirit and camaraderie is excellent!

The boys headed to an early practice round today to take advantage of the good weather and faster rounds. They were also hoping to watch other sports in the afternoon and support their fellow Australian Olympic members.

Related links

News / Hend, Fraser at home in Rio
News / Golf ready to take centre stage in Rio