Tour card is perfect present

Shropshire golfer Peter Baker enjoyed the perfect 40th birthday present yesterday by regaining his place on the European Tour.

Baker secured his second success on the Challenge Tour this season when he defeated fellow Englishman Ross McGowan at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off to win the Open AGF Allianz Côtes D'Armor Bretagne in France.

The former Lilleshall Hall man, who started the final round with a two stroke lead, shot a 71 - only for his 13 under par target of 267 to be matched by McGowan, who spectacularly birdied the last two holes to force the play-off.

But Baker was not to be denied, making a four at the first play-off hole to McGowan's bogey five to claim the £15,621 first prize.

That took the former Ryder Cup player and three-time European Tour champion to 10th on the Challenge Tour rankings, with the top 20 at the end of the season earning promotion to the European Tour.

It has been five years since Baker has held a full card on The European Tour and, with just three events on the Challenge Tour, his place in the top 20 is now assured.

"It is incredible," said Baker. "This win is huge for me. It was a tough day but I kept going and my experience carried me through. Getting my card back means everything.

"Now I am itching to get out there again. They do say life begins at 40!"

* Shropshire & Herefordshire ended their Midlands League campaign with an 8-7 defeat to champions Staffordshire at Shifnal.

By James Garrison