Former Ryder Cup star, Peter Baker believes that Team Europe’s Victory in Rome was hard fought but credits our fans in the deserved 16.5-11.5 victory over the United States, in Rome.
A crowd of over 271,000 people from 100 different countries attended the 44th Ryder Cup in person at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, with millions more following the action from afar on television and digital platforms.
Speaking to Champions (UK) plc, Baker said: ”It’s a massive victory for everyone in Europe. Of course, playing on home soil was an advantage but the fans made the event for our players.”
They were not to be left disappointed as Europe’s most experienced player, Rory McIlroy won four points from five, his only loss coming alongside Matt Fitzpatrick in the Saturday evening four-balls as Patrick Cantlay finished birdie-birdie-birdie to snatch a victory.
Baker added: “We were well beaten two years ago and it just seemed this time we knew we had a job to do and we got it done.
“If you saw the celebrations as at the end, you can see how much it meant to the whole team and I would say that they should really enjoy the moment. You are Ryder Cup Champions.
“In terms of team events, fans make it. The chants. The cheers. The Boos and of course the jubilation of winning.”
Baker did however point out that whilst the achievement was a great one, Team Europe cannot rest on their laurels and must continue to strive for more.
Team Europe will clash against the USA again, in 2025 at the Bethpage Black Course, New York.
“Of course, like I said they must really enjoy the moment but come January 1st, I’d start planning for the next one as we have a wonderful pool of talent in European golf.
“The next one is of course on American soil and it’s a different animal away from home so I would say learn from what works and what didn’t but of course I’m over the moon for Team Europe and the fans also.”
Peter Baker was speaking ahead of the Farmfoods European Senior Masters which he is hosting at the newly refurbished Grand Hyatt La Manga Golf and Spa resort, La Manga, Spain between the 2nd and 5th of November.
For more information or how to play at this years event please contact Sophia Hayes on +447557133880 or email [email protected]
