The Legends Tour made a remarkable start to the season under the spotlight of Peter Baker at the Barbados Legends hosted by Ian Woosnam. The 56-year-old from Shifnal, England, claimed victory at the Apes Hill Resort, Saint James, with a score of 203 (67, 67, 69, -10), edging out Australian Scott Hend with a birdie on the first playoff hole. Both players had finished the regular 54 holes tied, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Peter Baker, results
Peter Baker, a seasoned golfer who has now secured his sixth title among the “over 50” category, was the dominant force on the 2023 circuit, winning four tournaments and topping the order of merit. His impressive career also includes three victories on the European Tour (now DP World Tour) and three on the Challenge Tour. In the final round at Apes Hill, both Baker and Hend, who were tied for the lead after the second round, posted scores of 69 (-2). Baker managed three birdies against a single bogey, while Hend scored five birdies, but a bogey and a double bogey held him back.
Trailing the leaders by two strokes, Swede Mikael Lundberg and American Shaun Micheel, who won the PGA Championship in 2003, finished tied for third with scores of 205 (-8). Englishman Andrew Marshall was close behind in fifth place with a score of 206 (-7), followed by Frenchman Christian Cevaer in sixth at 207 (-6).
Emanuele Canonica, the only Italian in the field, finished in 17th place with a score of 212 (70, 69, 73, -1), concluding the tournament with a final round of 73 (+2), marked by two birdies and four bogeys. This season opener has set a high bar for the tournaments to follow, showcasing thrilling performances from veteran golfers.
The European Senior Tour, a prestigious professional golf circuit for players aged 50 and above, is managed by the PGA European Tour. In its current incarnation, it is known as the Legends Tour. This transformation followed a significant sponsorship and branding initiative, where the tour was known as the Staysure Tour during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. This change came after the UK-based insurance company Staysure stepped in as the first title sponsor in December 2017.
The tour underwent a major relaunch in 2020 when Ryan Howsam, the founder and owner of Staysure, acquired majority ownership in a joint venture with the European Tour, prompting the rebranding to the Legends Tour. This move marked a new era for the senior golf scene in Europe, emphasizing the tour’s legacy and its role in celebrating the careers of seasoned golfers.
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