Baker rises to the occasion in Legends Tour finale

12/12/2023

Former Ryder Cup player and current head PGA pro at South Staffs Golf Club Peter Baker ended a year that began with victory in the PGA South West Cornish Festival by winning the Legends Tour’s MCB Road to Mauritius.

The 56-year-old from Wolverhampton went into the final event at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius, leading the chase for the John Jacobs trophy buoyed by wins in the Irish Legends, JCB Championship and Staysure PGA Seniors Championship.

His advantage over Brazil’s Adilson da Silva, his closest pursuer, was a slender one, however. They began the last of the tournament’s three rounds one shot off the lead and victory for either would have seen them top the rankings.

Da Silva signed off with a three-under-par round of 69 to finish on 13-under for the tournament but Baker’s negotiation of the final six holes on the Legends Course proved decisive.

He birdied four of them, including the par-five 18^th which was set up by a five-wood approach that landed six feet from the flag.

“I’ve probably never hit a better five-wood than that, it was all over it,” Baker reflected. “I’m really pleased with that shot.”

In addition, to securing the trophy that has been won by Tommy Horton, Sam Torrance and Colin Montgomerie, Baker’s 15-under-par total ensured he finished a shot clear of Patrik Sjoland and Peter Fowler to win the tournament by a shot.

“I hit a good drive on 18 and I saw Patrik miss a putt on the green that I thought was probably for birdie,” Baker continued. “I knew we were tied so I thought it was birdie to win the tournament.”

The John Jacobs trophy has also been won by 1991 US Masters champion Ian Woosnam, a good friend of Baker’s who has been a source of encouragement throughout the year.

“He’s really supported me, and we talk a lot,” Baker added. “He’s blunt, as you can imagine, which is great, that’s how we are. He’s really encouraged me throughout the year.”

Baker also praised his fellow PGA Professional, Shrewsbury-based Michael Welch for the part he has played in his success.

“I had a lot of help from Michael Welch at home in Shropshire, as well,” he said. “You need that support. It’s a tough game, so I’m very appreciative of all the help I’ve had.”

Meanwhile, two other PGA pros finished in the top 10 in the MCB Road to Mauritius rankings. Phillip Archer was sixth, and Scotland’s Greig Hutcheon just missed out on winning the Barry Lane Rookie of the Year trophy in finishing eighth.