2) Born in Indiana, Chris' favorite sports teams include the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers.
3) Chris turned professional in 2008 and is currently ranked 22 on the money list. The Top 25 players on the money list at the end of the Web.com tour season earn a PGA tour card for the following season.
D: At what age did you start playing golf?
Chris Baker: I started playing when I was 7 years old. My parents moved to a nine hole golf course and I started playing every day.
D's Follow Up: I turn seven in a few days and I want to start playing more golf. I got a chance to hit balls at the driving range with my dad and I liked it.
J: Did you play any other sports growing up?
Chris Baker: I played everything but football throughout high school. Cross country, basketball and I played tennis my freshman year along with golf.
J's Follow Up: I think it's cool that he played more than just one sport. I like that he's so good at golf and played all of those other sports. I play golf, soccer, flag football and basketball but I like to play everything.
Jordan and I were fortunate to win VIP passes through our local radio station, 102.3 XLC, to attend the Rust-Oleum Championship at the Ivanhoe Club in Mundelein on Saturday. We were excited to watch professional golfers and future PGA stars up close. We also hoped there would be an opportunity to meet a golfer or two as the early rounds were coming to a close.
We missed having Danny with us as he played his final soccer game of the season but Jordan was happy to take over for Danny and ask his question should the opportunity arise. Jordan and I began taking notes on drills as golfers took practice strokes on the putting green. The golfers used a variety of objects and unique drills to perfect their alignment and putt the ball straight.
One player we watched closely was Chris Baker, who was tied for sixth place at the time and had a 1:00 pm tee time. Chris hit 20 straight putts from our count that were 6 feet from the cup. Jordan and I were amazed that we never saw a miss but what made it even more impressive was that he was putting the ball off of a metal yard stick. The ball had to stay completely straight for three feet or otherwise it would fall off of the side and miss the hole completely.
Chris spotted us and came over to introduce himself and ask a few questions. We decided to return the favor and Jordan took on Danny's question first. Chris started golfing at age seven which is also the same age Jordan was when he started The First Tee program at our local golf course. When Chris' parents moved next to a golf course it quickly became his passion and he started playing every day. We are hoping Danny will start up soon now that he turns 7 in a few weeks and can follow in Jordan and Chris' footsteps. I think seven is the perfect time to get started but it's also never too late to become a golfer either. Golf is the ultimate lifetime sport and it quickly became my favorite sport to play. I began my golfing career as a freshman in high school when I was inspired by the play of Tiger Woods and I have loved the game ever since.
Next up came Jordan's question about playing other sports while growing up. As we notice in all professional athletes, Chris was a multiple sport athlete. He was into running with the cross country team, basketball, golf and even had a brief tennis career. We have not met an athlete yet that specialized in a sport early on and never played on other sports teams. I believe the skills carry over from sport to sport and so does the fun. Jordan and Danny love to play everything right now and they wouldn't want it any other way.
As we were heading off to watch shots fly into the ninth green, Chris invited Jordan into the putting area to try putting off of the yard stick. He helped align Jordan's feet, checked his grip and made him feel like a pro. It took a couple of putts but Jordan eventually sunk one in the back of the cup! Chris Baker gave Jordan and experience that he and I will never forget. We will be cheering Chris on the rest of the year and we hope he makes the Top 25 to get his coveted PGA tour card.
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