December 23, 2024
GOLF

Mike Baker qualifies for PGA Deutsche Bank Championship

Mike Baker of Stratton has qualified for the second time in a month for an event on the PGA Tour.

Baker, teaching pro at Sugarloaf Golf Club in Carrabassett Valley, survived a four-man playoff to earn one of two spots coming from Monday’s New England PGA member qualifier for the Deutsche Bank Championship.

The Deutsche Bank is scheduled for Sept. 2-5 at Tournament Players Club of Boston in Norton, Mass.

Baker, Jeff Martin of Alpine Country Club in Cranston, R.I., Scott Johnson of Oakley Country Club in Watertown, Mass., and Jim Burke of Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, Mass., all tied at 1-under-par 70 in the 18-hole qualifier, also at TPC of Boston. Forty-four section players were vying for the two berths.

Baker advanced by sinking a 20-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole, and Martin earned the other spot with a birdie on the third hole.

“I putted from the opposite side earlier, so I knew where my target was and where I had to hit it,” said Baker in a statement released by the New England PGA. “My speed control [while putting] was pretty good all day.”

Last month Baker, 42, qualified for his second trip to the PGA Championship by finishing 17th in the PGA Club Pro Championship.

The PGA, the last of golf’s four major tournaments, will be held Aug. 12-15 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis.

Today and Wednesday, Baker will play in the State of Maine Championship at Sugarloaf, then play in the Greater Bangor Open Thursday through Saturday at Bangor Municipal Golf Course.

The round was also used as a qualifier for the New England Open for those players not already qualified.

Martin’s 70 topped that event, which was held in conjunction with qualifying for the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Jeff Seavey of Samoset Golf Resort in Rockport was second with a 72, and Bill May of Riverside Municipal Golf Course in Portland was third at 74.


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