Baron beats drum for London Open

Chris Baron says there's a "real buzz" at West Essex ahead of the London Open - the season's opening Order of Merit event in the East.

Baron, head PGA professional at West Essex since 2011, has been instrumental in developing the tournament over the past three seasons.

More than 70 teams comprising a PGA professional and an amateur partner will pair up on June 13-14 over the challenging James Braid design. As well as the pro's-only tournament, there is also a combined team event.

Baron and club secretary James Levick have worked tirelessly - and successfully - to attract a basket of sponsors.

The third staging of the London Open will be backed by partners such as Mills and Reeve, Beale and Co, Neat health bars, Urban Myth, Golfbreaks and Telford Homes.

And they have been rewarded with a high-class field that includes European Tour and Senior Tour winners.

Baron, who will partner Levick, said: "Simon Khan got in touch about a month ago and wanted to play. It's nice that a BMW PGA Championship like Simon gets in touch and wants to play. I was due to call him anyway but he beat me to the post on that one, which speaks volumes for the event.

"We've also got Raymond Russell and Rob Coles in the field. Mark Davis is playing and Steve Cipa will be back to defend the title.

"It's nice we're attracting these lads. They're going to have a test on their hands because I'm going to be tucking some pins out of the way!

"It will be a really good field and the condition of the course is fantastic. The club is investing a lot of money into the course and we're redesigning all the practice facilities as well, which should be ready for next year.

"We just need to be lucky with the weather for tournament week and I think that will bring everyone out. There's a real buzz here."

West Essex also hosts the London Amateur Open, which was recently staged for the second time. And Baron believes the go-ahead club is building a brand with the 'London Open' name. There are plans to extend it next year to include a women's professional event alongside the main tournament.

Baron, 52, said: "We'll probably have a brainstorming session with the PGA to work out how we'll expand the brand - women first, then hopefully merging the seniors and eventually juniors. That's how we want to grow it.

"With this being the third year of the London Open, I think it's starting to get momentum behind it. We're getting a lot of interest from City companies. We're definitely moving forward in the right direction."