Jess Baker insists there’s never been a better time for young women and girls to give golf a go.
Newcastle United fan Jess has just wrapped up back-to-back events in Holland, Switzerland and Spain and will be heading to Czechia and Germany next. The 2022 Women’s Amateur champion is using the time between tournaments to spread the word about her native North East and inspire the next generation to pick up a set of clubs.
“I’m very proud to be where I am today,” said Jess, who is the attached ladies tour professional at Close House. “As a young girl growing up in golf, I never really had a role model as such. It’s amazing to be where I am now and know that I’ve inspired other girls to take up the sport or to push them on further. I’ve always enjoyed giving back to the game and I hope that I can continue to do that on a wider scale as my career progresses.”
As a member of the Ladies European Tour (LET), Jess competes against many of the world’s best golfers week in, week out. Away from the course, the 22-year-old takes every opportunity to shout about the region.
“Being born and bred in Newcastle, I’m very proud to represent the North East and I recognise that I’m stepping into that role on the LET now,” she added. “As a big Magpies fan, there’s always football chat with the people I meet on tour and that helps to get the conversation started.
“I love the fact that the job I do allows me to celebrate where I’m from on a global scale. I’ve always benefited from strong regional support and I’m now in a position where I can give something back to the businesses that have backed me. They’re helping me to fulfil my dreams every day and so I’m happy to shout about them and the work they do whenever I’m out on tour.”
The commercial partnerships Jess has been able to secure underscore a longstanding commitment to grassroots golf and community engagement.
She added: “Tour life certainly has its challenges, and I wouldn’t have the opportunities that I do without the financial support I’ve been able to secure. As a youngster I was supported by Sport Newcastle and The Northumberland Ladies Golf Association, and I’ll never forget that. It’s why I’ll always try to give back to golf.
“Encouraging kids from a young age to take up the game is a no-brainer. Golf gives you so many life skills. I’ve learnt the importance of hard work, perseverance and dedication as well as wider skills like communication, dealing with emotions and time management.”
Jess is keen to grow her North East business network and explore new opportunities.
“Working with Jess is an absolute pleasure and she adds real value to our brand,” said Ian McElroy, chief executive at Tier One Capital Wealth Management. “Her enthusiasm for her sport, commitment to working with the next generation and passion for the North East aligns with our core values. It’s fantastic to see Jess making her mark on the global stage and amazing to think that we’re playing a small part in that journey. This is only the beginning as far as Jess is concerned and any business keen to align itself with a genuine local hero should grasp what’s a great opportunity.”
Close House meanwhile has a reputation for nurturing emerging talent and Jess will mentor young players and offer invaluable insights to those starting out in the sport.
“Jess is an excellent role model and the perfect ambassador for Close House and the North East,” said Close House owner Sir Graham Wylie. “It’s wonderful to see her taking the LET in her stride and showcasing our region to the rest of the world. Jess is an inspiration to the young players coming through at Close House and we’re so excited to see where her career goes from here.”
Jess added: “It’s been a big boost to have Close House on board. Close House is so well known across Europe and it’s an honour to be associated with the club. I’m very grateful for the support and welcome that I’ve received so far from the staff and members.
“As my season slows down towards the end of the year, I’m looking forward to getting more involved with junior and ladies’ clinics — the goal is to get more women and girls into golf.”
To explore partnerships with Jess, contact jbgolf2020@gmail.com
