Baker relishing role in Walker Cup victory

Eliot Baker says helping Great Britain and Ireland win the Walker Cup still has not sunk in.

The 23-year-old from Devon helped his side produce the biggest comeback in Walker Cup history to defeat the United States 13½-12½.

Baker beat experienced United States player Stewart Hagestad on the final hole of his singles match as GB&I overturned a three-point deficit going into the final individual round.

"I was in a complete state of shock for about 20 minutes until we actually lifted the trophy," he told BBC South West.

"It still kind of felt like the trophy was going to be going to them. I think just deep down it was almost what was expected with the scoreline going into the final session.

"But I'm sure over the next couple of days it will truly sink in."

The victory was Baker's only win of the competition, having halved the opening morning's foursomes and losing in the second morning's foursomes 3&2 with team-mate Stuart Grehan, but it proved to be vital.

"That is the highlight of my career, for sure," he added.

"Winning - that feeling was unbelievable. It'll take a long time to come down from that, but that is the pinnacle of amateur golf so it takes a lot to beat it."

Baker's win came in his second appearance at the Walker Cup, but it is likely to be his last.

He is planning on taking up golf full-time, meaning he will no longer be eligible for the amateur competition.

"I should hopefully be turning pro fairly soon," he said.

"As long as all things go well over the next month or so I should be turning pro and hopefully heading out on to the DP World Tour.

"But it's a little bit of a waiting game to see, but everything's in a good position so far."