By MATT NICHOLLS
LILY Baker is a girl on a mission.
At 14, she’s the best teenage golfer in the district and undoubtedly has a future on the fairways.
Last Friday, she blitzed the women’s field to win the Central North Coast district medal by nine shots.
Her 77 off the stick was six shots better than her handicap and she never looked losing against rivals that were two, three and even four times her age.
Baker said she was surprised by the big margin.
“I thought I played well, but I didn’t think I would win by that much,” she said.
While Baker still has plenty to work on before dreams of being a professional become reality, it’s clear the teenager has a burning desire to play on the big stage.
“It’s what I’ve wanted to do for a while now,” she said.
“I’m always on YouTube looking at golf videos and watching (the professionals) play.”
Karrie Webb is an idol, and Baker said she took inspiration from the influx of Asian golfers on the women’s tour.
“They don’t have the size either, but their short game and technique is what gets them through,” said Baker, who is still hoping for another growth spurt.
Despite coming off one of her biggest wins, there’s no rest for the fledgling golf star.
Next week, she tees off in the annual Seaside Classic at Port Macquarie Golf Club.
Baker said a win on her home course would top her latest feat.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.
The ladies championship as a 36-hole event on Tuesday and Wednesday, while the men’s classic starts the following Saturday and Sunday.
There is a mixed four-ball stableford event this Sunday.
