North East golfer Jess Baker is looking to grow a team of like-minded regional business partners to support her in her quest to compete on the global stage.
After joining the prestigious Ladies European Tour (LET) earlier this year, the rising star is keen to work alongside businesses determined to champion the rise of women’s golf across the region.
Newcastle based wealth and fund managers, Tier One Capital, are already on board and working with Jess to support her growing commitments on the LET.
And earlier this year she was unveiled as Close House Golf Club’s attached Ladies Tour Professional with the Newcastle club offering ongoing support on and off the course.
In return the 2022 Women’s Amateur Champion is offering businesses a unique package of branding, B2B digital and social marketing, golf clinics, personal appearances and more to companies ready to expand their reach and connect with local communities.
Ian McElroy, Chief Executive, Tier One Capital, said: “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.”
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.
“Jess 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.”
Jess has embraced life on the LET after graduating from the University of Central Florida with a BSc in Psychology and is keen to see more women and girls follow her into the sport.
“Being born and bred in Newcastle, I’m very proud to represent the North East and I recognise that I’m stepping into that role on the LET now,” she added.
“As a big football fan there’s always Newcastle United chat with the people I meet on tour and that helps to get the conversation started.
“I love the fact that the job I do allows me to celebrate where I’m from on a global scale. 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 back me.
“They’re helping me to fulfil my dreams every day and so I’m happy to shout about them and the work they do whenever I’m out on tour. At the same time I’m always looking to build new relationships and grow my support network.”
Jess has just wrapped up back-to-back competitions in Holland, Switzerland and Spain — before heading to Czechia and Germany later this month.
And thanks to those businesses already on board, the 22-year-old is approaching her biggest summer yet with renewed confidence.
“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,” she added.
“As a youngster I was supported by Sport Newcastle and The Northumberland Ladies Golf Association and I’ll never forget that. It’s why I’ll always try to give back to golf.
“Encouraging kids from a young age to take up the game is a no-brainer really. Golf gives you so many life skills.
“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.”
Jess has embraced more of an ambassadorial role on tour after recognising the value she can add to a region that’s always backed her ambition.
And thanks to Close House she’s guaranteed a base close to home that continues to set the standard for golf on Tyneside.
“It’s been a big boost to have Close House on board,” added Jess.
“The facilities are second to none and having access to those facilities is an essential part of my job.
“Close House is so well known across Europe and it’s an honour to be associated with the club.
“I’m very grateful for the support and welcome that I’ve received so far from the staff and members.
“As my season slows down towards the end of the year, I’m looking forward to getting more involved with junior and ladies clinics — the goal is to get more women and girls into golf!”
To explore partnerships with Jess please email [email protected]