Kebo Valley’s Baker rallies, but falters in sudden death

DEVENS, Mass. – A par on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff gave Peter Maki of Franklin (Mass.) Country Club the win over Mike Baker of Bradley in the New England PGA Assistant Professional Championship Wednesday at Red Tail Golf Club.

Baker, the assistant pro at Kebo Valley Golf Club in Bar Harbor, eagled the par-4 17th hole and birdied the par-5 18th to force the playoff with Maki, who had been the tournament co-leader after Tuesday’s opening round.

Maki finished with an even-par 72 Wednesday for a 140 total, while Baker, co-winner of the 1986 Greater Bangor Open, posted a 71 for his 140.

David Grygiel, the former head pro at Riverside Municipal Golf Course in Portland who is now at Portsmouth (N.H.) Country Club, tied for third at 142 with Jeffrey Martin of Alpine (Mass.) Country Club, the other first-round co-leader. Grygiel shot a 72 Wednesday, Martin a 74.

Maki’s victory earned him a berth in the TaylorMade-adidas PGA Assistant Professional Championship Nov. 6-9 in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

After Baker’s rally over the last two holes, the two went back to the 18th tee for the playoff.

Both made pars and returned to the 18th tee.

This time, Baker’s second shot went into the pond in front of the green.

Maki then hit a 3-wood that rolled off the back of the green. He chipped to 15 feet and two-putted for par.

Baker’s attempt to extend the match ended when his 7-foot putt for par slipped past the right edge of the hole.