Pompey fans with an interest in golf should not be surprised if they see a familiar face at next month’s US Open. There’s no need to adjust your TV sets or visit the optician if you think you recognize someone on the fairways at Pinehurst in North Carolina, the venue for this year’s third Major.

Yes, it will indeed be former Blues League Two title winner Carl Baker. The 41-year-old will be caddying for two-time DP Tour winner Robert Rock, after volunteering to carry his bag for the qualifying event at Walton Heath on Monday.

Rock, 57, who stepped away from professional golf in 2022, surprisingly secured one of the nine qualifying spots for the US Open, which takes place from June 13-16. He achieved a nine-under score over 36 holes in Surrey, finishing joint-fourth and earning a place among the world-class field, including players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, John Rahm, and Brooks Koepka.

Having once reached a career-high 55th in the world rankings in 2012, Rock is accustomed to competing with the best golfers. For Baker, however, it will be a completely new experience, having spent most of his footballing career in the Championship and League One. After leaving Fratton Park in January 2018 with 50 appearances and nine goals for Pompey, the former Coventry player moved to non-league football, playing for Nuneaton, Brackley Town, and AFC Telford before retiring in 2022.

The US Open, watched by millions around the world, is a far cry from non-league football. Yet, Baker seems to be taking it all in stride as he prepares to join Rock for what promises to be a memorable experience.

Speaking to Coventry Live, Baker said: “It’s the most random thing ever. I am mates with Rocky and have played with him most weeks over the last year and coached his son. He played on the European tour for the last 20 years and retired two years ago, but still enters qualifiers for major events.

“He’s played at Walton Heath in Surrey for the last 10-11 years and never qualified. I think 95 percent of the 150-160 in the field are all tour pros, all massive names and millionaires who do it as a full-time job. Obviously, Rocky doesn’t play much anymore, just once a week socially, so he hasn’t got a caddy.”

“So I told him that if he planned to play in the US Open qualifier, I’d be happy to caddy for him. He agreed, so we headed down on Monday and played two 18-hole rounds in one day. We had no expectations—I was just thrilled to be on such a prestigious golf course, surrounded by players I usually watch on TV. It felt surreal being in the clubhouse with all these top golfers.”

Baker, known for his crucial goal against Mansfield that helped Paul Cook’s Blues clinch the League Two title in the 2016-17 season, admitted that both he and Rock were unprepared for Monday’s 36-hole event.

“Rocky showed up without even a practice round. Every player had yardage books, which cost about £70 each, detailing distances and bunker locations. We were just winging it.

“The pro we played with—a full-time European Tour player—was joking about Rocky qualifying. Then Rocky chipped in from a bunker on the 16th hole, bringing his score to nine-under, where he finished.

“As we walked back, Sky Sports cameras and hundreds of people followed us. I was 20 yards behind, carrying his bag, with people congratulating us and telling us to enjoy America. I had no idea what was happening. It was my first time caddying, and I had no clue what I was doing.

“I watch golf regularly, so I tried to mimic what caddies do—how they dress, when they remove the flag, how they rate the bunkers. I was literally copying everyone else. I had zero experience and didn’t even realize he had qualified because it hadn’t been confirmed yet. I tried to stay calm and professional, but I couldn’t help thinking, ‘Oh my god, imagine if he’s actually qualified to play in the US Open at Pinehurst, one of the most famous courses in one of the biggest competitions.'”

GET MORE NEWS HERE