Hull’s Richard Finch started playing at his local municipal course, Springhead Park, at the age of ten after an uncle lent him some cut down clubs. Finch was inspired to take up the game seriously by the epic Masters victories of Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and, in particular, Sandy Lyle’s 1988 success at Augusta National.
He represented England at amateur level for five years from 1999, winning the Spanish Amateur Open Championship in 2000 and becoming English Amateur Champion in 2002, before turning professional in 2003. He earned his card through the Qualifying School in 2004.
Finch left it until virtually the last putt of the 2007 season to retain his playing privileges for 2008 with a seventh-place finish at the Mallorca Classic, but drew massive confidence from the experience and went on to claim his first European Tour title in New Zealand in December.
Finch produced his own splash headlines and one of the year’s most memorable golfing moments during the Irish Open’s last round at Adare Manor. He accidentally plunged down a steep bank into the River Maigue after playing his third shot to the par five just minutes before lifting the trophy.
Finch enjoyed his best season to date in 2008 finishing in 20th position in the European Tour Order of Merit guaranteeing him a spot in the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry.
If you wish to ask Richard a question please CLICK HERE to be taken to Contact The Players website.