FIFE, SCOTLAND – Jess Baker, an upcoming junior golfer at UCF, thought she had her summer plans mapped out.
The 19-year-old (she turns 20 later this month) expected to play in the British Women's Amateur for the second year in a row (she reached the quarterfinal round in 2021), attempt to qualify for several other major golf events—and otherwise work on her game in and around her native Newcastle in the United Kingdom.
Then, life changed quickly for Baker after her resounding 4-and-3 match-play victory in the championship of the 119th British Women's Amateur at Hunstanton in Norfolk, United Kingdom.
That success landed her at St. Andrews this week when she participated Monday in the R&A's Celebration of Champions as part of the 150th version of The Open. She rubbed elbows with the greatest names in golf, playing the four-hole event in the opening foursome that included defending Open champions Collin Morikawa and Anna Lundqvist. Other participants included Jordan Spieth, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Lee Trevino.
"To play with these incredible golfers on this amazing golf course for the 150th Open—it honestly doesn't get much better," she says.
"I was shocked by the number of people here Monday. I didn't realize it would be such a big deal. When I came on the first tee, it was like, 'Wow, this is a whole new level.'
"They didn't announce the order of play on the tee and I thought I'd be last. Then I ended up going second—and so I didn't really have time to get my head around what was going on, which was probably a good thing. The entire experience was unbeatable."
That included sitting side by side with Spieth in the players' lounge over a cup of tea.
"It was just a bit mind-blowing to see my face next to Tiger Woods' on Instagram. It was something of a full-circle moment. You have to tell yourself this is for real and not a dream.
"Then just to walk up the 18th with Collin Morikawa and have a normal chat was crazy. We talked about college and UCF and what's the plan after. He was absolutely amazing--and such a lovely guy.
In addition, Monday night she attended a special dinner at St. Andrews hosted by the R&A.
Pretty heady stuff for anyone with even the slightest interest in golf.
"It's been a fantastic few weeks, including all the (tournament) exemptions. It's changed my schedule," Baker says. "But it's been an incredible experience. I've tried to take it in stride and enjoy the moment. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity so I try to make the most of it."
Now it's off to the next of the five women's majors and the only one played in Europe—the Amundi Evian Championship July 21-24 at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-Les-Bains, France near the Swiss alps. That event features the 120 best female golfers in the world.
Her triumph in the British Women's Amateur also earned her invitations to the AIG Women's Open (August 4-7 at Muirfield in Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland), the Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship in April 2023 and the United States Women's Open (June 1-4, 2023, at Pebble Beach in Carmel, California).
"I know a lot of people would love to be in my shoes," Baker says. "I make sure I appreciate it all and don't take it for granted."
If she hadn't received the automatic exemption, Baker would have needed to qualify Monday for the Muirfield event.
"That would have been difficult since I was going to be here (at St. Andrews)," she says. "The schedule changes and so you've got to manage your time and be really efficient about it. But a little rescheduling?—all for good reasons."
Baker is coached by Andy Paisley – the brother of Tour player Chris – at Hexham Golf Club and plays out of Gosforth Park near Newcastle.
Her father Steve doubles as a caddie, including Monday at St. Andrews.
"He's been amazing," Baker says. "I couldn't do it without him and all the things he does behind the scenes."
After the Amateur title, Baker took a bit of time off to travel to Spain and then went back to work.
"Just because you win doesn't change anything. I've still got to work hard. You can't take your eyes off the prize. That's all a part of it. Golf is one of those sports where you've got to keep going. It's about getting my business done on the golf side," she says.
Meanwhile, winning the British Amateur and playing at The Open event this week has brought Baker her share of added visibility.
"Social media has been absolutely crazy," she says. "I've heard from people I haven't spoken to in years. I've been doing more media back home and that's an added bonus as well. You try to embrace it and take it all in stride."
It won't be long before Baker is back at UCF for the fall semester.
It's safe to say few other Knights have experienced a summer quite like hers.
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