THE WINNER at a corporate golf day in Warwickshire says he was inspired and humbled by his playing partner, who lost his sight at the age of 12.
Phil Baker clinched this year’s trophy at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Annual Golf Day at the Welcombe Hotel, Spa and Golf Club in Stratford.
Phil, who runs Ronnie’s Bar in Warwick, secured a score of 39 to ensure first place in a field of nearly 40 golfers. Nick Smith, of dbfb Communications, won the award for nearest the pin, while Nick Williams, of Hammons Solicitors, hit the longest drive.
The event raised £245 for England & Wales Blind Golf through mulligans and a raffle, which included prizes from the Telegraph Hotel, Draycote Hotel and Sente.
Steve Cunningham represented the charity on the day and was one of Phil’s playing partners alongside John Kennedy, who supported Steve during the round as his guide and caddy.
Phil said: “I lived in the USA for 20 years and played a lot of golf out there, including at Palm Springs.
“Business commitments got in the way and clubs were put away for about a decade and I’ve just recently got them out again. So, I was just really happy to be out there, playing at a great course with some incredible people.
“None more so than Steve, who was hitting the ball further and more accurately than most of us despite the fact that he is blind.
“It was so humbling to play a round with him. He was an absolute inspiration to me and also made it really good fun with his sense of humour. I will definitely be supporting him and the charity in whatever way I can in the future.”
