ELMSFORD, N.Y.--Two-time Met Amateur champ and former MGA President, John Baldwin, recorded what may have been his biggest win in an already remarkable amateur career, by capturing the 2002 British Senior “Open” Amateur Championship at the historic Woodhall Spa in England on August 7-9 (The term “Open” is used since the event is open to amateur golfers outside of the British Golfing Union).

The 57-year old New York City resident and member of The Meadow Brook Club on Long Island, closed with a final round 70 to go with opening rounds of 76-70 for a 216 total to overcome a four-shot deficit and outlast fellow American Earl Stewart by one shot.  Baldwin, the 1991 MGA Player of the Year and former New York State Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Senior Amateur champion, was able to exceed the efforts of some of the best senior amateurs in the world, including defending British & U.S. Senior Amateur champion Kemp Richardson of Niguel, CA, and Joel Hirsch, the 1996 & 2000 British Senior Open Amateur champ from Chicago, IL. 

“I didn’t expect to win having been four shots behind, but I’m delighted,” Baldwin said after his victory.  Next up for Baldwin, after his return to the states, will be a trip to The Woodmere Club on August 27-28 where he will look to claim his first MGA Senior Open Championship.

For more information contact Richard J. Cerame of the MGA at (914) 438-1895 or visit the Royal & Ancient’s website, www.randa.org.