Masters test for Ellis and coach Baker

Surrey-based PGA Professional and coaching guru Kristian Baker is jetting off to The Masters thanks to Harry Ellis, one of his hottest protégés for the past seven years.

Ellis was just 16 when he lifted the English Amateur title in 2012, beating Sir Nick Faldo’s record for being the youngest ever winner.

With the 2017 Amateur Championship under his belt, Ellis became only the third player to win both the UK’s major amateur titles, gaining invites to The Open Championship last year, The Masters this April and the US Open at Shinnecock Hills later in 2018.

Now Baker, 41, who is based at Wentworth Club, home of the BMW PGA Championship, is preparing 22-year-old Ellis for the biggest test of his career.

“When I first met Harry aged 14, he was obviously talented,” said Baker, who launched his very own book, The Winning Golf Swing, in May 2017.

“To imagine we’d be off to The Masters one day is something you might dream about – but now it’s for real.”

Baker will be flying out to coach Ellis, who is currently studying at Florida State University, for ten days prior to The Masters, which takes place at Augusta from April 5-8.

Preparation starts with a stern test at the Golf Club of Georgia, where Ellis will play US Amateur champion Doc Redman for the Georgia Cup. Then it’s off to Augusta’s hallowed turf where Baker’s task is to help Ellis master Augusta’s unique challenge.

He added: “We will treat it like all the other tournaments and we’ll work hard to get his game really sharp.

Much of it will be away from Augusta itself, so the practice rounds will help us learn about the unique qualities of the course and hone Harry’s game.”