Ward Hadaway ‘tee-up’ support for North East professional golfer Jess Baker

The UK Top 100 law firm, which has offices in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Teesside, has become a sponsor of Jess, joining existing supporters including Newcastle-based investment company Develop North PLC, wealth and fund managers Tier One Capital and bespoke charter flight specialist NALJets.

Jess, who won the Women’s Amateur Championship in 2022, has built a growing profile in the sport and continues to represent the North East on the international stage.

The sponsorship will include joint branding, digital and social media activity, personal appearances and golf clinics, supporting both Ward Hadaway’s sport sector work and Jess’s ambition to encourage more young people into golf.

Ward Hadaway has an established sports team advising clients across the sector, alongside a wider programme of support for community and professional sport.

Phil Edmondson, a commercial litigation partner and Head of Sport at Ward Hadaway, said: “Jess is a talented athlete and a strong ambassador for the North East, so we are pleased to support her as she continues to build her professional career.

“Competing at this level takes elite levels of commitment, resilience and professionalism. Jess brings those qualities to her sport and is also clear about the role she wants to play in encouraging the next generation.

“That makes this a natural partnership for Ward Hadaway. We work closely with organisations and individuals across sport, and we recognise the importance of backing talent from the region.”

Born in Newcastle, Jess said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have a company with the magnitude of Ward Hadaway getting behind me, especially with their growing reputation in the sports sector.

“This support really helps me to fulfil my dreams every day, and so I’m happy to shout about them and promote the work they do whenever I’m out on tour and as part of the joint partnership.

“Tour life certainly has its challenges, and I wouldn’t have the opportunities that I do without the financial support I’ve been able to secure.

“As a big football fan, there’s always Newcastle United chat with the people I meet on tour, and that helps to get the conversation started.

“I love the fact that the job I do allows me to celebrate where I’m from on a global scale. I’ve always benefitted from strong regional support, and I’m now in a position where I can give something back to the businesses that have backed me.

“As a youngster I was supported by Sport Newcastle and The Northumberland Ladies Golf Association, and I’ll never forget that. It’s why I’ll always try to give back to golf.

“Encouraging kids from a young age to take up the game is a no-brainer really. Golf gives you so many life skills.

“I’ve learnt the importance of hard work, perseverance and dedication as well as wider skills like communication, dealing with emotions and time management.

“I’m ready to pass on all of this experience and more – whether that’s to aspiring golfers or members of the business community seeking a different perspective.”

Last year, Jess was announced as Close House Golf Club’s attached Ladies Tour Professional, with the Newcastle club providing support on and off the course.

Sir Graham Wylie, owner of Close House, said: “Jess is an excellent role model and the perfect ambassador for Close House and the North East.

“It’s wonderful to see her taking the Ladies European Tour in her stride and showcasing our region to the rest of the world.

“Jess is an inspiration to the young players coming through at Close House and we’re excited to see where her career goes from here.”