Baker hot putts it to Glazerite triumph
07/07/2014
Peter Baker credited his putter for making the difference following his one shot triumph in the second PGA in England (Midlands) 'major' of the season.
A closely fought 36-hole Glazerite Trophy at Wellingborough looked like it was heading for a play-off between the ex-Ryder Cup star and Daniel Greenwood (Forest Pines) until Baker produced one final special moment, holing an uphill 20 footer for a birdie at the 18th to clinch victory on seven-under-par.
Baker's day had got off to a spectacular start with four birdies in his first eight holes of round one, he would eventually sign for a morning 67, just a shot behind first round leader Christopher Evans (Wishaw), with Greenwood two further back.
Evans had got off to the best possible start, holing his second for an eagle two at the opening hole of his first round, his subsequent 66 containing just one dropped shot.
He stayed in front for much of the afternoon until two successive bogies at 12 and 13 saw him slip back to four-under and third place.
Meanwhile, Greenwood was on a charge during his second round, reaching the front on six-under after his fifth birdie at the 12th. He was unable to improve on that though as Baker found a finish to match his start, with three birdies in the last four holes, including the decisive one at the 18th.
Of the other players, pre-tournament favourite Paul Streeter (Lincoln Golf Centre) shot a 69 in his second round to finish tied fourth with both Andrew Willey (Bulwell Forest) and Matthew Cort (Rothley Park).
“It sounds funny but I only played okay this morning (67), I just managed to hole an awful lot of putts.” explained Baker at the close.
“It felt like I played better this afternoon without sinking too many, until that vital one at the end.
“It’s really pleasing to win a Glazerite at last, I've played in the last four or five and really struggled. This came as a nice surprise because I haven't played well at all this season until this week.”
Baker's win sees him tied at the top of the 2014 Order of Merit table alongside the consistent Evans with four events to play, the next of which is the PGA Midland Masters at Kedleston Park on July 25th.
