Peter Baker - Ryder Cup Vice Captain 2006 

 

 

 

Peter was 7 years old when he joined Lilleshall Hall Golf Club as a junior in 1974, he followed in his father's footsteps who was a member for 33 years and he in turn was followed by younger brother Kevin who also played off scratch and represented the club many times throughout his 15 year period at Lilleshall. During these early years Peter not surprisingly won many Club Honours including Club Champion in 1981, 82 & 84, he played for England Schoolboys and became County Champion 1983.

He learned the game at his father's nine hole Himley Hall course. Taught by the late Alex Lyle, father of Sandy. Inspired by meeting with Seve Ballesteros on trip to La Manga when aged 14. Outstanding amateur, played in the Walker Cup in 1985 before going on to win Ryder Cup honours as a professional eight years later, beating Corey Pavin in the singles on his way to earning three points out of four at The De Vere Belfry in 1993. Eagled the 18th twice on the last day to beat Nick Faldo in the Benson and Hedges International Open in 1988. A consistent 2001 saw him register his best finish in the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth Club where he tied for eighth thanks largely to an excellent final round 65. Struggled with his form in the latter half of 2002, 13 missed cuts in a row seeing him finish 125th on the Volvo Order of Merit, but he retained his playing privileges for The 2003 European Tour International Schedule through his position on the Career Money List, a situation which again guaranteed his card for 2004, this time taking the 40th and final place. Lifelong supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, was at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in May 2003 when Wolves gained promotion to the English Premiership, beating Sheffield United in the Division One play-off. Also has the Wolves emblem stitched into his golf shoes.

 

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STRAFFAN, Ireland -- Ian Woosnam on Wednesday announced that Des Smyth and Peter Baker, both former Ryder Cup players, will be his Vice Captains for The 36th Ryder Cup at The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare, Ireland, from September 22-24, 2006.

 

"Peter is everybody's friend on the Tour and has been since he first played in 1986. He has a great sense of humour and as we all know each European Team has a togetherness, allied to fun, so important in bonding team spirit."

 

Baker said: "Ian and I have been good friends ever since I joined the Tour - and I've never forgotten that experience with him at the 1993 Ryder Cup. I'm so delighted to be part of his 'team' at The K Club and my wife Helen and I are so looking forward to the next year helping to plan for the match."