Greg Baker Passing the Torch with Professionalism
DENVILLE, N.J. - Greg Baker’s illustrious career as a club professional is coming to a close. For nearly three decades at Rockaway River Country Club and more than 40 years as a PGA Professional, Baker built a reputation not only as one of New Jersey's finest golfers and teachers, but as someone who represented the game with professionalism, humility, dignity and class.
As Baker begins his well-earned retirement, he passes the torch to Stephen Crawford, who arrives from Sleepy Hollow Country Club to lead Rockaway River's golf operation. Crawford inherits a position shaped by one of the most respected and accomplished PGA Professional careers in New Jersey.
What began as an easy way to get out of baseball practice, golf quickly transformed into a deep-rooted love and responsibility for Baker.
Baker, the recipient of the 2021 New Jersey Deacon Palmer Award, which recognizes a PGA Professional who exemplifies outstanding integrity, character and leadership, found golf almost by accident. Growing up across the street from a nine-hole course in New England, the game naturally became part of his life.
As a kid, Baker and his father used the fairways of Milton Hossic Club for baseball rather than golf. Baker awaited his father’s arrival from work, and he’d catch fly balls his dad hit him.
Every once in a while, they’d use the course as it was intended to be used, with Baker’s father handing him a few clubs and encouraging him to hit balls.
At that time, no one knew the swing he was learning would eventually catapult him into the 2013 Senior PGA Championship. What was evident in those brief moments, however, was that he quickly became captivated by the game.
While he didn’t play collegiate-level golf, Baker continued pursuing his interest from a distance, playing through the access granted to him by cutting grass on the grounds crew.
“I didn't play much in college, but golf was always in the background. Aside from serving in the United States Marine Corps after college, it's really the only thing I've ever done," said Baker.
What began as a hobby soon became a profession. But like many club professionals, Baker's journey required several stops across the country before he finally found a place to call home.
"I grew up just outside of Boston and got my first assistant job on Cape Cod at the Willowbend Club, working under Ted O’Rourke,” said Baker. “I applied and got a job at The Island Club on Marco Island. Everything took off from there. I told my mom I'd be back in the spring. I never worked in New England again."
Baker's career took him from New England to Florida, Alabama, North Carolina and eventually New Jersey, each stop preparing him for what would become a 30-year tenure at Rockaway River, along with two NJPGA Major Championship wins among many other accomplishments.
His first stop in New Jersey, poetically, was Morris County Golf Club, the host of the 106th Open Championship, which Baker will compete in this year through an exemption for placing in the Top 32 in the NJPGA Player of the Year points list. Being able to play at Morris County again this year will flood back many fond memories for Baker of his working days and the membership.
“I always tried to be consistent because you represent the country club. People look at you as the face of the club,” said Baker.
While Baker had always carried himself with the utmost professionalism, his run of annual playing accomplishments didn't begin until he accepted the head professional position at Elk River Club in Banner Elk, North Carolina. It would also be his final stop before returning home to New Jersey.
Ed Whitman, a 2022 NJ Golf Hall of Fame Inductee and four-time New Jersey Open Championship winner, is someone Baker considers a huge mentor in his life; Whitman is also the person who brought Baker back to New Jersey after recruiting him to Knickerbocker Country Club.
Even after arriving for good in New Jersey, "settling down" hardly described life as a club professional. Early mornings, long days running the golf operation and constant competition became routine.
"You have to stay in shape. I'm 65 now, and I still try to work out three or four days a week for at least an hour. That means getting up around 5:00 or 5:15 every morning,” said Baker.
Despite a fast-paced lifestyle that did not allow for much outside of golf, Baker’s life outside of competition really began taking shape during his few years at Knickerbocker.
While at Knickerbocker, Baker and his wife, Dianne, welcomed their children, Griffin and Jack, into the world. Baker credits Dianne, Griffin and Jack, as well as Whitman and O’Rourke, as some of the most crucial pieces to shaping Baker into who he proudly, but humbly, is today.
“I hope I'm remembered as a true professional who competed with class and dignity and who served the club and profession with honor and distinction,” said Baker. “Whether things were going well or poorly, I tried to keep my composure. I also believe it's important to be compassionate toward your fellow competitors, treat people with empathy and grace, and simply try to be the best person you can be.”
Baker took those values into his daily responsibilities, including lessons and playing. Despite all the incredible experiences he earned through playing, the fondest memories on the course came from people more than the golf. Whether it be watching the juniors he teaches become club champions, a member shooting their best round, all the many Pro Ams he would take members to, or early-season clinics he provided membership on the first tee, that’s what he remembers most vividly more than any round of golf.
In fact, one of his favorite rounds of golf is not even during a competition.
One year, following Rockaway River’s three-day member-guest invitational, Baker planned to play with his sons after getting some work done in the morning. When he met up with Jack and Griffin, his most memorable round ensued.
Baker shot a 61, sinking every putt he took, but more importantly, he felt that round taught his sons the game just like his father once did on those fairways in Massachusetts. Along with that special round, Rockaway River connected Baker with so many special people.
Through all the years of play and teaching at Rockaway River, Baker made sure to do so with the club, the club staff and the club members best interests in mind.
“Carrying the Rockaway River flag, I always felt I had an obligation to compete and represent Rockaway River Country Club at the highest level I could,” Baker added.
“The membership, the Board of Directors, the many presidents I've served under, and especially current president Mike O'Donnell have supported me throughout my career. There are too many people to thank individually, but I've been fortunate to impact hundreds of members at Rockaway River Country Club. My family and I have always appreciated that support."
Baker thanks the assistants, his caddie manager and all the other staff members and co-workers at the Club who worked for and with him over the years.
As for his family, Baker says he could not have done any of this without them.
"I have to thank my wife, Dianne. She has been incredibly supportive throughout my career. Our sons, Griffin and Jack, spent a lot of summers without big family vacations because I was working. Thankfully, family friends often included them on trips. Without Dianne and the support of our boys, this career would have been much more difficult. Being away from them wasn't easy. People say, ‘you have the winters,’ but that's different. They're in school, then they leave for college. The time we did have together was special, and I love Dianne, Griffin and Jack very much. I can't thank them enough."
Baker has no reservations about stepping away. It's time to pass the torch.
NJ Golf Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njgolf.org or follow New Jersey Golf on Facebook, X and Instagram at @njgolf1900.
