Peter Baker getting back into the swing of things
Former Ryder Cup star Peter Baker is celebrating his 50th birthday in style by returning to competitive golf.
The Wolverhampton golfer, who teaches at South Stafforshire Golf Club, is hosting an inaugural European Senior Tour event at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel and Country Club between October 19 and October 22.
The Farmfoods European Senior Masters will be the three-time European Tour winner’s debut on the senior tour, and carries a £176,750 prize fund, with £44,187 going to the winner.
“I’m 50 on October 7, so that’s the first time I can qualify for a senior tour event,” explained Baker. “It just so happens it’s close to home and managed by my management company.
“It will be nice to see the lads I’ve played with over the last 25 or 30 years.
“Being at the Forest of Arden there will be a few members from South Staffs cheering me on too.”
Baker, who won three points out of four at the 1993 Ryder Cup, has been focused on teaching golf at South Staffs for several years.
But this summer the Codsall-based golfer has started practicing in preparation for a return to competition.
“I don’t really compete now, I do a few Midland Pro-Ams, but there’s been a bit of a void since I stopped playing on the main challenge tours,” he admitted. “It’s just a matter of practising a bit now, to see what’s left in the tank!
“I’m trying to get some competitive golf under my belt to make sure I’ve got some game going on.”
Former Open champion Paul Lawrie, former Masters winner Ian Woosnam and last year’s Senior Open champion Paul Broadhurst will all be competing at the Forest of Arden, in Solihull.
And Walsall-born Broadhurst is acting as Baker’s inspiration this summer.“I knew Paul growing up over the years through junior tours and then on the main ones,” he said. “If I can get anywhere near what he’s done (on the Senior Tour) that’d be brilliant. He’s done wonderfully well, I’ve got to chase him down now!”
The European Senior Masters is the penultimate event on this year’s schedule.
David MacLaren, head of the European Senior Tour, said: “We are delighted to add the European Senior Masters to the schedule. It’s our ambition to continue to add events and this is another step in the right direction.”
However, Baker confirmed he would be ready for competition with his 50th birthday celebrations taking place long beforehand. “My party will be way before that!” he confirmed.
