Golfer looks to tee-up business support

A North East golfer is seeking local business support to boost her sporting ambitions.

Jess Baker, a Newcastle-born golfer, has recently turned professional and joined the Ladies European Tour (LET). 

After a stellar amateur career, Jess now competes in elite events worldwide and is looking for sponsors to help her journey and champion the rise of women’s golf across the North East and beyond.

She said: “As a youngster I was supported by Sport Newcastle and The Northumberland Ladies Golf Association and I’ll never forget that. 

“I’ll always try to give back to golf and I'm lucky enough to have had considerable support and backing from my family throughout my journey so far, which I'm eternally grateful.

“I'm delighted to have secured my place on the international golf stage, but the reality is I now need more financial support to cover my growing travel costs and expenses associated with competing on the world golf stage.

“Thankfully I’ve always benefitted from strong regional support and I’m now in a position where I can give something back to the businesses that choose to back me.”

Already backed by Newcastle wealth managers Tier One Capital and charter flight specialist NALJets, Jess offers partners unique marketing opportunities, including branding, social media, golf clinics and personal appearances. 

Ian McElroy, chief executive of Tier One Capital, added: “Working with Jess is an absolute pleasure and as a Newcastle-based business she adds real value to our regional brand values and our company-wide commitment to grassroots sport.

“Her enthusiasm for her sport is infectious and her commitment to working with the next generation and passion for the North East aligns with our own core business values.

“It’s fantastic to see Jess making her mark on the global stage and we are delighted to be playing a small part in that journey.

“This is only the beginning as far as Jess is concerned. 

“It would be fantastic to see other local businesses align themselves with a rising star and get behind female golf and sport in the region.”

Earlier this year, Jess was unveiled as Close House Golf Club’s attached Ladies Tour Professional, with the Northumberland club offering ongoing support on and off the course.

Sir Graham Wylie, owner of Close House, added: “Jess is an excellent role model and the perfect ambassador for Close House and the North East.

“It’s wonderful to see her taking the LET in her stride and showcasing our region to the rest of the world. 

“She 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.”

As she gears up for a demanding season across Europe, 22-year-old Jess, who graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BSc in Psychology, is eager to inspire more women and girls to take up golf and showcase the North East on the world stage.

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 so far.

“I’ve learnt the importance of hard work, perseverance and dedication as well as wider skills like communication, dealing with emotions and time management.

“I’m ready to pass on all of this experience and more – whether that’s to aspiring golfers or members of the business community seeking a different perspective.” 

To explore partnerships with Jess, email jbgolf2020@gmail.com

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